Overhead Charging Cable Suspension for Truck Maneuvering Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in electrifying utility vehicles like trucks is to minimize downtime due to charging breaks, while ensuring charging infrastructure does not impede operations and is protected from damage, particularly in confined spaces where there is limited maneuvering room.
Innovation Solution
A cable management device with multiple cable pull devices that allow for adjustable suspension points above the ground, enabling flexible positioning of the charging cable and plug without requiring significant user effort or precise vehicle alignment, using a carrier structure that can be fastened to the ground or ceiling, with cable winches for controlled length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dispenser is fitted at a sufficient distance above the roadway to reduce damage risk, then the reliability of charging infrastructure is improved, but the cable management becomes more complex and the charging cable may still be damaged by maneuvering trucks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic cable management through winch mechanisms that can actively adjust cable length and tension. The cable pull devices with winches allow the system to adapt to moving vehicles, maintaining proper cable routing and preventing damage while keeping the dispenser at a safe height for reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cable pull devices with winches as intermediary components between the dispenser and the vehicle charging port. These intermediaries manage the cable tension and routing, preventing direct contact between the cable and maneuvering vehicles while maintaining charging functionality
2Device complexity
If the charging cable is suspended at a fixed position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different vehicle lengths and types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable cable suspension with winch mechanisms that can dynamically change cable length and suspension point positions. This allows the same device to accommodate different vehicle lengths and types by adjusting the cable configuration rather than requiring fixed rigid positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pull devices with adjustable winches serve multiple functions: they can adjust cable length, change suspension point positions, and adapt to different vehicle configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to serve various vehicle types without requiring complex specialized configurations
3Ease of operation
If the charging cable is managed with simple fixed suspension, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of charging alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The winch mechanisms can automatically adjust cable tension and length based on vehicle position, reducing the need for manual cable management while maintaining precise alignment. The system self-adjusts to keep the charging plug properly positioned as the vehicle moves into place
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pull devices with adjustable winches provide feedback-based adjustment of cable tension and position. As the vehicle moves into the charging position, the system can detect and respond to position changes, maintaining optimal cable routing and plug alignment throughout the maneuver
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing a vehicle charging cable includes a carrier structure to be fastened at a distance from the ground, and a charging cable be connected to an electricity source and having a charging plug for plugging into a vehicle to be charged. A first cable pull device fastened to the carrier structure has a first carrier cable fastened between a first suspension point of the charging cable and the carrier structure. A second cable pull device fastened to the carrier structure at a distance from the first cable pull device has a second carrier cable fastened between the carrier structure and a second suspension point of the charging cable remote from the first suspension point. The first and second cable pull devices independently set lengths of the first and second carrier cables, permitting distances of the first and second suspension points from the ground to be set.