Dual-Purpose Power Pedestal With Integrated EV Charging

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power pedestals lack the capability to charge electric vehicles (EVs) and require separate installations, increasing costs and labor due to the larger dimensions of typical EV chargers, which are not compatible with existing power pedestals designed for recreational vehicles (RVs).

Innovation Solution

A dual purpose power pedestal with integrated RV and EV connection mechanisms, featuring an RV connection mechanism on one side and an EV connection mechanism on the other, including a frame, EV connector, EV cable, and EV charger with a controller, allowing simultaneous or separate power delivery to RVs and EVs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate EV charging station is installed, then EV charging capability is provided, but installation cost and labor cost significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEV charging capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines EV charging functionality with the existing power pedestal structure by integrating an EV charger, EV connector, and EV cable into the pedestal housing. This merging of functions allows a single structure to serve both RV power delivery and EV charging purposes, eliminating the need for separate EV charging station installations and reducing overall installation costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power pedestal is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both RV power receptacles and EV charging components. The pedestal housing includes both an RV connection mechanism and an EV connection mechanism, allowing it to universally serve different vehicle types without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate EV charging station is installed, then EV charging capability is provided, but labor cost significantly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEV charging capabilityVSAvoidlabor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines EV charging functionality with the existing power pedestal structure by integrating an EV charger, EV connector, and EV cable into the pedestal housing. This merging of functions allows a single structure to serve both RV power delivery and EV charging purposes, eliminating the need for separate EV charging station installations and reducing overall installation costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power pedestal is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both RV power receptacles and EV charging components. The pedestal housing includes both an RV connection mechanism and an EV connection mechanism, allowing it to universally serve different vehicle types without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional power pedestal design is used, then structure is simple, but EV connection capability is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidEV connection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power pedestal is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both RV power receptacles and EV charging components. The pedestal housing includes both an RV connection mechanism and an EV connection mechanism, allowing it to universally serve different vehicle types without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The EV connection mechanism is designed as a modular assembly including the EV charger, EV connector, and EV cable that can be integrated into the power pedestal. This segmentation allows the EV charging components to be added as a distinct module while maintaining the existing power pedestal structure, thus preserving simplicity while adding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12459386B2Dual purpose power pedestal

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A dual purpose power pedestal includes a housing having a base, a body extending upwardly from the base, and a top disposed opposite the base, the body including a first side and a second side; a recreational vehicle (RV) connection mechanism disposed on the first side of the body and comprising a power receptacle and a first circuit interrupter, the RV connection mechanism being structured to be coupled to a power source and provide power to at least an RV; and an electric vehicle (EV) connection mechanism disposed on the second side of the body and comprising at least a frame, an EV connector, an EV cable, and an EV charger that is disposed within the frame and includes at least a controller and a second circuit interrupter, the EV charger being structured to charge an EV based on a signal from the controller.