Robotic Charging Plug Centering for Reliable Vehicle Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automatically connecting charging plugs to vehicle charging interfaces are complex and costly due to the need for multiple axes of motion and complex sensors, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system that centers the charging plug within a tool guided by an industrial robot, allowing for precise alignment and positioning using simple sensors, and then uses a single controllable movement axis to connect the plug to the interface, reducing the need for force controls and complex movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex sensors and multiple motion axes are used to ensure correct insertion of charging plug, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug itself serves as the measuring device by providing electrical signals that indicate its position and connection status. The control unit uses these signals to determine when the plug is correctly inserted, eliminating the need for separate complex sensors and measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging plug performs multiple functions: it provides electrical power and simultaneously serves as a position sensor through its electrical contacts. The control unit monitors the electrical state to determine insertion status, combining power delivery and measurement functions into a single component.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple motion axes are provided in addition to robot axes for automatic adjustment, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug's electrical contacts automatically provide position information through their electrical state. The control unit determines correct positioning by monitoring when the electrical circuit is completed, eliminating the need for additional motion axes and complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with an electrical field-based detection system. The control unit uses electrical signals from the charging plug contacts to determine position, substituting mechanical sensors and additional motion axes with a simpler electrical detection approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for connecting a charging plug (20) to a charging interface (28) of a vehicle (26), comprising: - a movement apparatus (12) with several controllable axes of movement (14); - a tool (18) which can be positioned by the movement apparatus (12) relative to the vehicle (26) and is configured to hold the charging plug (20), wherein the tool (18) comprises a centering device (50) for centering the charging plug (20) within the tool (18) and a controllable tool axis of movement (36) for moving the charging plug (20) independently of the axes of movement (14) of the movement apparatus (12); wherein the tool (18) with the charging plug (20) centered therein can be positioned in a predetermined relative position relative to the charging interface (28) by means of the movement apparatus (12) and the charging plug (20) can then be connected to the charging interface (28) by means of the tool movement axis (36).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for connecting a charging plug (20) to a charging interface (28) of a vehicle (26).