Overhead Charging Contact Positioning Without Spring Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning units for electric vehicles are structurally complex, leading to high manufacturing and operating costs, and require complex spring elements to maintain a secure electrical connection, which is challenging when vehicles change height during stops.
Innovation Solution
A positioning unit with a displacement drive and a deformable support means, such as a belt or chain, that transmits traction force to move the charging contact between contact and retracted positions, eliminating the need for spring elements and allowing for adjustable movement to accommodate vehicles of varying heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elements are used to generate contact force and compensate for vehicle height changes, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex spring element system from the positioning unit. Instead of using spring elements to generate contact force, the invention uses a simplified displacement drive with support means that directly positions the charging contact. This removal of unnecessary components reduces device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through precise positional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring element system with a displacement drive mechanism. The displacement drive, controlled by a control unit, substitutes the passive mechanical spring force generation with an active, controllable positioning system that uses support means (such as a cable or rod) to achieve the same functional outcome with simpler components.
2Force
If complex spring elements and sensors are used to adjust positioning during vehicle lowering, then contact force is maintained, but acquisition and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning unit incorporates a self-service mechanism where the displacement drive automatically adjusts the charging contact position based on control unit signals. The system monitors its own state and makes necessary adjustments without requiring external sensors or complex feedback mechanisms, thereby maintaining contact force consistency while reducing manufacturing and operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from passive spring force to active displacement control. By using the displacement drive to directly position the charging contact, the system maintains consistent contact force through controlled displacement rather than relying on spring element properties, simplifying the overall system and reducing costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the manufacturing and operation of the positioning unit, reduces costs, and ensures a consistent contact force regardless of vehicle height changes, preventing damage and maintaining a secure electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
a traction force being able to be transmitted in such a manner to the positioning device using the support means that the positioning device is moveable between the contact position and the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning unit (10) and a method for establishing an electrically conductive connection between a stationary charging station and a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, the positioning unit being designed so as to be disposable above a vehicle, an electric charging contact (11) of the positioning unit being movable in relation to a charging contact surface (13) of the vehicle and being contactable therewith by means of the positioning unit, the positioning unit having a positioning device (14) and a drive device (15) for driving the positioning unit, the charging contact being able to be positioned between a contact position for power transmission and a retracted position for power interruption by means of the positioning device. The drive device has a displacement drive (16) having a support means (17) coupled with the positioning unit, a traction force being able to be transmitted in such a manner to the positioning device using the support means (17) that the positioning device is moveable between the contact position and the retracted position by means of the displacement drive.