Rail-Grid Vehicle Charging Interface With Vertical Contact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges with charging systems, particularly due to the need for high precision in plug/pin connections, vulnerability to wear, and limitations in practical charging current caused by friction issues with larger plug/socket sizes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a charging system with charge-receiving elements on the vehicle and charge-providing elements at the charging station, where an actuator moves the charge-providing elements vertically to connect with the charge-receiving elements when the vehicle is positioned above the charging station, allowing for flexible use of the rail grid and unhindered vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plug/pin connection system is used for charging, then the charging system can be integrated with the rail grid, but the connection requires high precision and is vulnerable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical plug/pin connection system with a contactless charging system using electromagnetic fields. The charging station includes a transmitter that generates an electromagnetic field, and the vehicle includes a receiver that converts the electromagnetic energy to electrical energy for charging the battery, eliminating mechanical contact and associated wear and precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes electromagnetic field energy transmission similar to how pneumatic and hydraulic systems use fluid energy transmission. The charging system transmits electrical energy wirelessly through electromagnetic fields between the charging station transmitter and vehicle receiver, replacing direct mechanical electrical contact
2Power
If larger plug/socket sizes are used to increase charging current, then charging capacity increases, but friction and connection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical plug/socket connection system entirely and replaces it with contactless electromagnetic energy transmission. This allows for high charging current without the friction and connection difficulties associated with larger mechanical connectors, as the energy transfer occurs through electromagnetic fields rather than physical contact
3Adaptability or versatility
If the charging station is positioned within the rail grid, then vehicle access is flexible, but vehicle movement may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless charging system allows the charging station to be positioned within the rail grid without requiring physical connection mechanisms that would obstruct vehicle movement. The electromagnetic field can penetrate through the rail grid structure, enabling charging without mechanical interference with vehicle motion
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes at least one vehicle, a horizontal rail grid, and a charging system. The vehicle includes a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels for moving the vehicle upon the rail grid. The first set of wheels may move the vehicle in a first direction. The second set of wheels may move the vehicle in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The charging system includes at least two charge-receiving elements arranged on the vehicle, and a charging station including two charge-providing elements connected to a charging power source. The charging station includes an actuator connected to the charge-providing elements and arranged to move the charge-providing elements in a vertical direction, such that the charge-receiving elements may connect with the charge-providing elements when the vehicle is positioned above the charging station.