Utility Pole EV Charging Assembly with Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The charging of electric vehicles is a time-consuming process, and frequent recharging is necessary due to limited battery range, necessitating the development of economical and user-friendly charging solutions to accommodate the increasing demand.
Innovation Solution
A modular, network-controlled charging assembly mounted on utility poles with a universal electric vehicle charger, a visible light beacon, and application software for user interaction, navigation, and payment processing, connected through a WAN or local network to manage charging and prevent grid overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If electric vehicles use larger capacity batteries to extend range, then the driving range is improved, but the charging time increases and grid overload risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging infrastructure into multiple distributed charging stations located at different geographic positions (residential areas, commercial zones, highways) rather than relying on a single centralized charging facility. This segmentation allows vehicles to access charging points closer to their destinations, reducing overall charging time and distributing grid load across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network control system as an intermediary between the electric vehicles and the power grid. This intermediary manages charging schedules, monitors grid capacity, and coordinates multiple charging stations to prevent simultaneous high-demand charging that would cause grid overload, thereby enabling faster charging without compromising grid stability.
2Ease of operation
If more charging stations are deployed to reduce charging time, then the accessibility is improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging stations are designed with universal compatibility to serve multiple functions: they can charge various EV models simultaneously, provide navigation services, offer payment processing, and integrate with existing power infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows a single charging station to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing the total number of installations needed and lowering overall deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a standardized modular design for charging stations that can be replicated across different locations. The network control system uses template-based deployment configurations, allowing rapid copying of proven charging station designs to new sites without requiring custom engineering for each location, significantly reducing installation costs while maintaining consistent accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If a wide network of charging stations is established to improve accessibility, then the user convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network control system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor charging station status, vehicle location, grid capacity, and user preferences in real-time. This feedback enables automated decision-making for charge routing, load balancing, and dynamic pricing, allowing the system to manage increasing numbers of stations without proportionally increasing operational complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual coordination mechanisms with automated electronic control and communication systems. The network control software handles scheduling, navigation, payment, and grid coordination through digital algorithms rather than human intervention, enabling the system to scale to wide networks while keeping user interaction simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging assembly for an electric vehicle that can be mounted on a public utility pole, such as an electricity pole. The charging assembly includes a housing enclosing a charging circuitry and a control unit. The charging circuitry is electrically connected to a power supply and an electric cord for charging the electric vehicle. The control unit includes a network circuitry for creating a network over which a user device can connect to interact with the charging assembly through an interface provided on the user device. The charging assembly further includes a beacon, a dome camera, a display panel, and a series of indicators for showing the progress of the charging.