Pivoting Charging Boom Layout for Flexible EV Cable Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging devices for electric vehicles face challenges with bulky mechanical structures, complex installations, and cable handling issues, particularly when the charging port is not centrally located, leading to difficulties in positioning and potential damage to cables.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a polygonal housing featuring a recess and a pivotable boom, allowing for a compact, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly design that includes automatic retraction and integrated lighting for improved safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If long charging cables are used to reach vehicles with non-standard charging port locations, then the charging device can serve more vehicle configurations, but the cable becomes heavy and cumbersome to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a swiveling arm mechanism that can dynamically adjust its position and angle, allowing the charging cable to reach various vehicle locations without requiring an excessively long cable. The arm's rotational capability provides adaptability while keeping the cable length manageable and weight reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending cable length in one dimension to reach distant charging ports, the invention uses a swiveling arm that operates in multiple dimensions (rotation and articulation). This dimensional approach allows the charging point to reach various positions spatially without increasing cable length or weight.
2Ease of operation
If swiveling or adjustable elements are added to the charging station to facilitate cable handling, then cable management is improved, but the mechanical structures become substantial and require significant installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is segmented into modular components: a compact housing, a swiveling arm with multiple degrees of freedom, and a cable management system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The swiveling arm incorporates dynamic movement capabilities with multiple rotation points, allowing the cable to be guided to various positions without requiring a large static mechanical structure. The dynamic adjustment reduces the need for substantial fixed support structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If precise alignment is required during installation of the charging device, then the mechanical structures can be stable, but the installation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The swiveling arm mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides cable guidance, accommodates various vehicle positions, and self-aligns during operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for precise pre-alignment during installation, as the mechanism can adjust to different configurations after installation.
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
Ensures safe, efficient, and space-saving installation and operation of charging devices, reducing cable stress and enhancing user safety, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing (3) arranged in or on the recess (7) in the region of a corner
Implementation Method 2
a boom (4) having a first end (4a) and a second end (4b), wherein the first end (4a) is pivotably mounted in the edge region by means of the bearing (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a charging device (1) for electric road vehicles comprising a housing (2) with a recess (7) extending in an upper edge region (RB), a bearing (3) arranged in or on the recess (7) in the region of a corner, and a boom (4) pivotably mounted at its first end (4a) in the edge region (RB) by means of a bearing (3) and connectable at its second end (4b) to a cable suspension (5), wherein the boom (4) is pivotable beyond the housing (2) from its first end (4a) to its second end (4b) in an extended state and is received in the recess (7) substantially flush with the housing (2) in a retracted state. The present invention further relates to a method for installing such a charging device (1).