Overhead Charging System for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrastructure for charging electric vehicles is costly, unsafe, and not adaptable to different vehicles, often requiring significant downtime for maintenance and not enabling independent operation from power sources like railings or overhead lines, with charging times being inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A charging station system with collector braces and contact plates on vehicles, allowing for electrical connection via guiding strips and flexible connections to accommodate various vehicle dimensions, enabling fast charging and independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent overhead lines or railings are used to power electric vehicles, then continuous power supply is achieved, but installation cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transfer function from permanent overhead infrastructure and relocates it to portable charging stations that can be positioned temporarily along the vehicle route. This eliminates the need for costly permanent installations while maintaining continuous power supply capability through sequential charging stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging stations are pre-positioned along the intended vehicle route before operation begins. This preliminary placement allows vehicles to charge at multiple predetermined locations, achieving continuous power supply without requiring permanent overhead infrastructure installation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If overhead charging systems are installed along entire routes, then power can be transferred continuously, but the system becomes an eyesore and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous power supply function is segmented into discrete charging stations positioned at specific locations along the route rather than requiring continuous overhead infrastructure. This segmentation eliminates aesthetic concerns and safety hazards associated with permanent overhead lines while maintaining the ability to provide continuous power through sequential charging.
Solution Approach 2:
Portable charging stations serve as intermediary devices that temporarily establish power transfer connections between the power source and vehicles. These intermediaries eliminate the need for permanent overhead infrastructure, removing associated aesthetic and safety problems while achieving the same functional goal.
3Productivity
If traditional charging stations are used, then vehicles can be charged, but charging time is significant and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous charging operations by positioning multiple charging stations along the vehicle route, allowing vehicles to charge sequentially at different locations during operation rather than requiring long downtime at a single stationary charging point. This maintains productive use of the vehicle while continuously replenishing power.
Solution Approach 2:
Charging stations are pre-positioned at multiple locations along the intended vehicle route, enabling vehicles to perform quick top-up charges during normal operation pauses rather than requiring extended charging sessions. This preliminary placement strategy minimizes charging time impact on vehicle productivity.
4Reliability
If fixed overhead lines are used, then power transfer is reliable, but the system is not adaptable to different vehicles with different characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static overhead infrastructure to dynamic portable charging stations that can be repositioned and adjusted to accommodate different vehicle types, sizes, and power requirements. This dynamic approach maintains reliable power transfer while adapting to various vehicle characteristics through flexible positioning and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable charging stations are designed with universal applicability, capable of serving multiple vehicle types through adjustable positioning and standardized power transfer interfaces. This multi-functionality enables the same charging infrastructure to reliably power different vehicles with varying characteristics without requiring vehicle-specific infrastructure.
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 system facilitates efficient, adaptable, and safe charging of electric vehicles, reducing maintenance downtime and allowing vehicles to operate independently of permanent power sources, with the potential for rapid charging.
Implementation Method 1
each collector brace includes at least one electrically conductive surface area, such as a conductive pad... At least one collector brace may be for contacting a positive electrode and at least one collector brace may be for contacting a negative electrode
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.