Overhead EV Charging Rail for Flexible Parking Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) requires significant space to accommodate varying lengths of electric cables, which is inefficient when electric vehicles are parked at different locations and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus comprising a support structure, a cable holder with an electric cable, an actuation mechanism to control the cable's movement, and a power supply equipment, forming a unitary structure that can move on the support structure to reach electric vehicles parked at different locations and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the EVSE uses a fixed mounting location with a long electric cable to accommodate vehicles parked at different locations, then the charging coverage is improved, but the space occupied by the EVSE and cable management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the EVSE movable instead of fixed. The charging apparatus can move along a support structure (such as a ceiling-mounted rail) to dynamically position itself near the parked vehicle. This eliminates the need for a fixed mounting location and reduces the space required for cable management, as the cable length only needs to accommodate the distance from the moving EVSE to the vehicle, not the entire parking lot span.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting the support structure on the ceiling rather than the ground. This allows the EVSE to move overhead along the ceiling-mounted rail, charging vehicles from above. This dimensional change optimizes ground space for parking while providing charging coverage across the parking area.
2Ease of operation
If the EVSE is mounted on the floor to charge vehicles, then the charging functionality is achieved, but significant floor space is consumed reducing parking capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the EVSE from the ground level to the ceiling level by mounting the support structure on the ceiling. This vertical relocation allows the charging apparatus to operate from above, freeing up floor space for vehicle parking while maintaining full charging functionality. The EVSE can still connect to vehicles through cables that extend downward from the ceiling-mounted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an overhead copy of the traditional ground-mounted EVSE system. Instead of placing the charging equipment on the floor, a functional equivalent is installed on the ceiling, achieving the same charging purpose while optimizing the use of floor space for parking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the EVSE uses a very long electric cable to reach vehicles at varying distances, then the charging accessibility is improved, but the cable management space and potential tripping hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the EVSE to actively move toward the vehicle rather than relying on a static, overly long cable. The motorized movement allows the system to position itself optimally near the vehicle, minimizing the required cable length and reducing cable management issues and tripping hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mobility function from the cable management system and integrates it into the EVSE chassis. By giving the EVSE its own propulsion system, the need for excessively long cables is eliminated, as the EVSE can physically close the distance to the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging apparatus for charging of electric vehicles is provided. The charging apparatus includes a support structure disposed at a height above a floor surface. The charging apparatus further includes a cable holder disposed on the support structure. The cable holder includes an electric cable. The charging apparatus further includes an actuation mechanism coupled to the cable holder. The actuation mechanism controls a movement of the electric cable from the cable holder. The charging apparatus further include a power supply equipment coupled to the actuation mechanism. The power supply equipment, the actuation mechanism and the cable holder are coupled to each other, to form a unitary structure that is configured to move on the support structure.