Pivoting EV Charging Post for Sloped Ground Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable electric vehicle charging points face difficulties in installation on sloping surfaces due to vertical deployment issues and require deep excavations, which can be hindered by existing groundworks, and cables face stress from rigid angles, especially with higher capacity charging.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally deployable electric vehicle charging point with a post mounted about a pivotal axis, allowing vertical deployment irrespective of ground incline, using a worm drive for controlled deployment and an angled power distribution connector to reduce cable stress, along with a cover plate for security and safety, and integrated monitoring and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging point deploys vertically from the base unit, then the charging connection is provided on a post driven upwardly out of the ground, but if the charging point is situated on a sloping surface, the charging point will not deploy vertically, creating installation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the housing movable relative to the base unit. The housing is configured to move from an initial position where it is substantially horizontal to a final position where it is substantially vertical. This movement capability allows the charging point to adapt to sloping surfaces while ensuring vertical deployment of the charging connection post, resolving the contradiction between deployment verticality and adaptability to different ground conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If deep excavations are made to accommodate the base unit, then the charging point can be installed, but existing groundworks such as utility conduits, cables or sewers may have to be disturbed or prevent installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charging point into two main components: a base unit that remains in the ground and a housing that is movable and can be positioned above ground. This segmentation allows the base unit to be installed without deep excavations, reducing disturbance to existing groundworks, while the housing provides the necessary functional components above ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the housing on top of the base unit, where the base unit serves as the inner component and the housing as the outer component. The housing can move between horizontal and vertical positions relative to the base unit. This nesting arrangement allows the system to function with minimal excavation, as the base unit can be installed in a shallow foundation without disturbing deep existing groundworks.
3Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed around the base unit, then the charging components can be connected, but the cables are forced to move or bend through tight angles which is particularly problematic for higher capacity charging as the cables are much larger in diameter and more rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the housing movable rather than fixed. As the housing moves from horizontal to vertical position, the cable routing path changes dynamically, allowing the cable to follow a more gradual curve rather than being forced through tight fixed angles. This dynamic adjustment reduces stress on the cable, particularly benefiting higher capacity charging cables that are larger in diameter and more rigid.
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
Enables installation on uneven surfaces with reduced visual clutter, minimizes excavation depth, reduces cable stress, and provides secure and safe operation with remote monitoring and impact detection.
Implementation Method 1
a worm drive for controlled deployment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A deployable electric vehicle charging point comprising a housing for burying substantially below ground level, a post and a power distribution connector mounted to the post; the post being mounted in the casing about a pivotal axis and movable about the pivotal axis between an in-operative position within the housing and operative position.