Parking Stop EV Charger With Retractable Protected Charging Block
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for convenient and practical EV charging solutions in residential settings like condominiums and townhomes, where traditional chargers are difficult to install due to limited space and strict building regulations, and existing parking lots lack sufficient electrical infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
An EV charging station integrated within a conventional parking stop, featuring a housing secured to the ground with a door and a movable charging block accessible via a cable, allowing easy deployment and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional EV chargers are installed in condominiums and townhomes, then charging convenience is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to limited space and strict building regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EV charging station with a parking stop barrier into a single integrated unit. The housing is shaped like a conventional parking stop and secured to the parking surface, merging two objects (charging station and parking stop) into one unified structure that solves both charging access and parking space definition needs
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a parking stop barrier to define parking spaces, provides EV charging functionality, and serves as a physical barrier to prevent vehicles from rolling beyond designated spaces. This multi-functionality addresses the space constraints and regulatory requirements of condominiums and townhomes
2Ease of operation
If EV charging stations are installed in parking lots with limited space, then charging accessibility is improved, but available parking space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is merged with the parking stop barrier, utilizing the vertical space above the parking stop rather than occupying additional ground area. This allows the charging functionality to be added without reducing the number of available parking spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a ground-level charging station occupying horizontal space to a vertical integration where the charging components are housed within the upright parking stop structure, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to preserve parking space
3Ease of operation
If charging components are exposed in the parking lot, then accessibility is improved, but vulnerability to damage from vehicles and weather increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging components (charging block, cable, plug) are nested within the protected interior of the parking stop housing. The housing acts as a protective enclosure that shields these components from vehicle damage and harsh weather conditions while allowing access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for component protection and the need for accessibility. It provides a locked enclosure for protection while allowing authorized users to open the door and deploy the charging block when required
4Reliability
If a locked housing is used to protect charging components, then security is improved, but ease of access decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging block is designed to be movable within the housing, transitioning between a stored position (retracted inside) and a deployed position (extended outward). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to maintain security when not in use while providing easy access to the charging plug when needed
Data Source
AI summary
An EV charging station that is incorporated within a parking stop for charging an electric vehicle. The assembly comprises a housing and a hinged door that house a movable charging block and EV plug that are connected via a cable to charge an EV.