Pole-Mounted Rapid EV Charging for Space-Limited Urban Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging is costly and inefficient, requiring dedicated spaces and infrastructure, limiting access to charging for users without private parking and leading to high demand issues at public stations.
Innovation Solution
A portable rapid charging system that can be retrofitted onto existing utility poles, utilizing transformers to receive input voltage and include processors for automated cord management, payment processing, and user interface, allowing for efficient and accessible charging at multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional public charging stations are constructed at prominent locations, then charging accessibility is improved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into modular components (charging unit, enclosure, pole mounting structure) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular approach reduces construction complexity and cost while maintaining accessibility at multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces utility poles as intermediary structures to support charging units. Instead of building ground-level charging stations requiring parking spaces, the system uses existing pole infrastructure as mediators to deliver charging capability to high-traffic areas without significant construction.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated parking spots are allocated for public charging stations, then charging availability is improved, but land utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from ground-level parking spot installations to vertical pole-mounted units. This dimensional change allows charging infrastructure to be placed in the vertical space above walkable areas, eliminating the need for dedicated parking spots while maintaining charging availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole-mounted charging units can be installed in various locations (street corners, transit hubs, commercial areas) without requiring specialized parking infrastructure. This universal mounting approach maintains charging availability while preserving parking lot space for its primary vehicle parking function.
3Productivity
If multiple charging units are deployed at high-demand locations, then user satisfaction is improved, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides charging infrastructure into multiple independent pole-mounted units rather than one complex ground-level station. Each unit operates independently with its own charging outlet and control system, simplifying individual unit design while achieving high aggregate throughput through distributed deployment.
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
The system reduces installation costs by up to 70%, provides accessible charging to users without private parking, and addresses high demand by enabling rapid and convenient charging at multiple locations, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing greenhouse emissions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transformers that may be coupled with one or more power lines supported by the pole to receive an input voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system may be provided for a portable rapid vehicle charger. The charging system, for example, includes a charging unit. The charging unit may include an enclosure for the charging unit mounted on a utility pole or a streetlight pole. The charging unit may further include one or more transformers coupled with one or more power lines supported by the pole to receive an input voltage. The charging unit may further include at least one charging outlet coupled with the one or more transformers. The charging outlet may be connectable to a charging port of a vehicle to provide charge to the vehicle for a first time-period.