Retractable EV Charging Device Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations are vulnerable to vandalism, theft, and damage due to their exposed nature when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a controller and actuator that moves from a protected position to an accessible position only when a predetermined condition is met, enabling current delivery to the electric vehicle, thus protecting the device from damage when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging device is positioned in a publicly accessible location to provide charging services, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to vandalism, theft, and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device transitions between two dynamic states: a retracted protected position within an enclosure when not in use, and an extended accessible position when charging is required. This dynamic positioning allows the device to be both protected from harm and easily accessible when needed, resolving the contradiction between safety and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device is divided into separable components that can move independently. The charging portion can be extended from the enclosure while the main body remains protected within the enclosure. This segmentation allows the accessible parts to be exposed while keeping the vulnerable parts protected, simultaneously achieving ease of operation and damage prevention.
2Reliability
If the charging device is retracted into a protected position when not in use, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is automatically extended from the enclosure in advance when a vehicle approaches or a charging request is detected, and retracted in advance when charging completes. This preliminary action ensures the device is always in the optimal position (protected or accessible) before needed, maintaining both reliability through protection and ease of operation through automatic availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device autonomously determines when to extend and retract based on detected conditions such as vehicle presence, charging requests, or system status. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operation, resolving the contradiction by making the device both protected (through automatic retraction) and easily accessible (through automatic extension) without requiring user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device for a power storage device includes a current control device configured to selectively enable and disable current from being delivered to the power storage device. The charging device also includes an actuator that moves at least a first portion of the charging device from a first position to a second position, and a controller coupled to the actuator and the current control device. The controller determines whether a predetermined actuation condition is met, activates the actuator to move the at least a first portion of the charging device to the second position upon the determination that the predetermined actuation condition is met, and controls the current control device to enable current to be delivered when the at least a first portion of the charging device is in the second position.