Rotating Vehicle Charging Contact Unit for Automatic Electrode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle battery charging systems require manual intervention for precise positioning of vehicle contact units over ground contact units, which can lead to incorrect connections and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle connection device with a rotatable base and alignment actuator that automatically adjusts the contact electrodes to ensure correct physical contact with the ground contact unit, utilizing a grid pattern and high-frequency signal checking for precise alignment and contact verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of vehicle contact unit over ground contact unit is required, then connection precision can be achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic alignment and connection verification without manual intervention. The control unit automatically controls the alignment actuator to rotate the base, and automatically checks contact correctness using high-frequency signals, making the system self-aligning and self-verifying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automatic alignment actuator that rotates the base mechanically. Additionally, it substitutes physical inspection with electromagnetic high-frequency signal detection for contact verification.
2Productivity
If manual positioning is used, then connection can be established, but risk of incorrect connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit sends high-frequency signals through the contact electrodes and measures the responses to automatically verify correct contact. This feedback mechanism confirms proper alignment before charging begins, ensuring reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs alignment adjustment and contact verification before the actual charging process starts. The alignment actuator pre-adjusts the base rotation, and high-frequency signals pre-verify contact correctness, preventing faulty connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise manual positioning is required, then correct electrode contact can be ensured, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual positioning with an automatic alignment actuator that rapidly rotates the base to correct angles. The mechanical rotation is controlled by a motor, enabling fast and precise alignment without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
High-frequency signal measurement provides immediate feedback on contact correctness, allowing the control unit to verify alignment instantly and proceed with charging without time-consuming manual inspection.
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
Enables automatic, precise, and reliable conductive connection between vehicle and ground contact units, reducing manual intervention and preventing faulty contacts, thus simplifying the charging process while ensuring safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle contact unit has an alignment actuator that is connected to the base in such a way that it can rotate the base about an axis of rotation that runs essentially in the contacting direction
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle contact unit is movable in a contacting direction towards the ground contact unit, around the at least a first Contact electrode, the at least one second contact electrode and the at least one third contact electrode to come into contact with the ground contact unit
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a grid pattern and high-frequency signal checking for precise alignment and contact verification
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle connection device (14) of a vehicle battery charging system comprising a vehicle contact unit (64) having a base (78) with a contacting region (80), in which a first contact electrode (84), a second contact electrode (88) and a third contact electrode (92) are provided. The vehicle contact unit (64) can be moved in a contacting direction (RK) towards a ground contact unit (12), and an aligning actuator (60) of the vehicle connection device (14) is connected to the base (78) in such a way that it can rotate the base (78) about an axis of rotation (D) running substantially in the contacting direction (RK). The invention also relates to a ground contact unit (12), an automatic vehicle coupling system (15), and a method for automatically conductively connecting a vehicle contact unit (64) to a ground contact unit (12).