Segmented Scissor Arm for Autonomous EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile robots and robotic arms for electric vehicle charging require significant space, are costly, and pose safety risks, especially in environments with untrained users, limiting their practicality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective robotic charging device with a controllable, extendable arm and charging plug system, utilizing a rigid chain mechanism and computer-controlled sensors for autonomous operation, including a convolutional neural network for precise positioning and orientation of the charging plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional mobile robots or robotic arms are used for EV charging, then automated charging capability is achieved, but space requirements and system cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is divided into multiple scissor-like segments that can fold and extend. Each segment contains a scissor mechanism with pivoting links, allowing the arm to be compact when retracted and extended when needed for charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor arm segments are designed to nest within each other when retracted, similar to a nested doll structure. The segments fold concentrically around the central axis, minimizing the installation space required while maintaining full extension capability for charging.
2Extent of automation
If conventional mobile robots or robotic arms are used for EV charging, then automated charging capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and total system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is segmented into multiple identical or similar scissor mechanism units. These modular segments can be manufactured using the same processes and components, reducing tooling costs and enabling economies of scale in production.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor mechanism uses simple geometric parameters (link lengths, pivot angles) that can be easily adjusted during manufacturing without requiring complex machining or specialized processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Extent of automation
If conventional mobile robots or robotic arms are used for EV charging, then automated charging capability is achieved, but safety risks increase due to high forces exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor mechanism incorporates springs or dampers in the pivot joints that provide cushioning during extension and retraction. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden movements and reduces the risk of injury to users who may be nearby during charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism includes position sensors or mechanical stops that provide feedback on the arm's extension state. This feedback system prevents over-extension and ensures the arm operates within safe force limits, reducing safety risks in environments with untrained users.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device autonomously charges an electric vehicle. The charging device includes: a main body and an arm coupled to the main body. The main body is controllably moveable, and the arm is controllably extendable and retractable in a longitudinal direction. A charging plug is included at a distal end of the arm. The charging plug is controllably moveable and insertable into a charging portal of the electric vehicle. The arm comprises: a rigid chain, the rigid chain being compliant in a first direction from a neutral axis and resistant in an opposite second direction past the neutral axis, or at least one scissor arm.