Retractable Inductive Charging Terminal for Electric Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric vehicle induction charging systems face challenges due to significant distance requirements between transmitter and receiver, varying ground clearances across models, and high costs, making them expensive and difficult to use universally.

Innovation Solution

A retractable terminal with integrated coils and control electronics in the roadway, managed by a mobile application, allows for automatic and universal induction charging of electric vehicle batteries, ensuring efficient alignment and secure energy transfer without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed induction charging system is used with significant distance between transmitter and receiver, then universal compatibility with different vehicle models is achieved, but charging efficiency decreases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal compatibilityVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the charging terminal retractable rather than fixed. The terminal can extend towards the vehicle to minimize the distance between transmitter and receiver coils, thereby maximizing electromagnetic coupling efficiency. The retraction mechanism allows the system to adapt its position dynamically based on the specific vehicle model and ground clearance, resolving the contradiction between universal compatibility and charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If a retractable terminal is introduced to improve charging efficiency, then energy transfer efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidterminal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simpler retraction mechanism guided by electronic control. Instead of requiring precise manual or mechanical positioning of the terminal relative to the vehicle, the system uses electronic control to automate the retraction and alignment process, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high energy transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual alignment procedures are required for charging, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcharging process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the charging terminal to automatically detect the vehicle's position, retract to the optimal distance, and initiate charging without manual intervention. The system uses sensors and control algorithms to perform alignment and positioning autonomously, eliminating the need for drivers to manually adjust or align the vehicle with the charging station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the relative position between the terminal and vehicle, providing real-time information to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the terminal's retraction distance and alignment, ensuring optimal charging conditions are achieved without manual intervention while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enables efficient, automated, and secure battery charging across all vehicle models and brands, maximizing efficiency to over 95% and allowing easy installation in various locations, including public spaces, with invisible charging stations that prevent vandalism.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention consists of using a retractable terminal comprising the transmitter, located in the roadway, unfolding towards the floor of the electric vehicle (comprising the receiver) to be recharged, until it makes contact. This retractable terminal and the vehicle floor will be equipped with coils allowing the batteries to be recharged by induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4028280B1Inductive charging device for electric vehicle charging
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 UPANDCHARGE
  • EP4028280B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4028280B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device allowing the charging, without manual intervention, of any type of vehicle by induction with optimum efficiency and allowing invisible integration in any location, even classified sites, since there are no visible points. It consists, for the portion supplying the power, of a power supply cable to the electrical grid (9), of a retractable point (8) including a mechanism for raising and lowering and the primary windings (6), of an electronic box (7), of a receiver (2), of an electronic box (5) integrated beneath the floor pan of the vehicle and either retrofitted or already integrated by the manufacturers, and of a power supply cable (4) connected to the batteries (3). This retractable point (8) will be managed by a mobile application, which is mandatory in or integrated into the vehicle. The device according to the invention is intended in particular to facilitate the charging of electric vehicles by increasing the number of induction charging points, by equipping parking places in rest areas on roads and highways, public or private parking lots, and in parking places in public or private locations. The device according to the invention is compatible with DC or AC charging. The device according to the invention is also intended to automatically charge, without human intervention, any electric vehicle, any self-driving vehicle including two-wheeled vehicles and robot automatic delivery systems.