Spring-Loaded Contact Charging System for Vehicle Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for vehicle-mounted batteries are inefficient, require human intervention, and pose safety risks due to the need for bulky and heavy metal contacts, which are often undesirable in grocery environments and can be dangerous to users and the public.
Innovation Solution
A contact charging system with rotating and tensioned electric power transfer components mounted to mechanical constraints, preventing undesired connections and allowing for automatic, safe, and efficient charging without the need for guide mechanisms or overhead contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual connection using cables is used for charging, then charging can be performed, but it requires time-consuming ongoing human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system enables self-service operation where the vehicle automatically engages with the charging contact when passing through the charging zone. The spring-loaded contact arms automatically make electrical connection with the vehicle's charging terminal without requiring human intervention to connect or disconnect cables.
2Reliability
If heavy metallic contacts are used for electrical power transfer, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and heavy requiring floor-mounted or overhead mounting infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses spring-loaded contact arms that are dynamically adjustable and self-regulating. The springs provide automatic pressure maintenance and accommodation for positioning variations, eliminating the need for heavy rigid mounting structures while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is mounted at ground level alongside the vehicle's path rather than overhead or requiring extensive floor infrastructure. The contact arms extend horizontally to meet the vehicle's charging terminal as it passes by, creating a compact side-mounted charging station.
3Ease of operation
If floor-mounted or overhead-mounted contacts are used, then electrical charging is enabled, but dangerous amounts of electrical charge are readily accessible by unknowing or unaware interlopers
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded contact arms act as intermediaries that only make electrical connection when the vehicle is properly positioned and the charging terminal is engaged. The contacts remain retracted or inactive when no vehicle is present, preventing unauthorized or accidental contact with electrical components.
4Reliability
If precise alignment is required for electrical contacts, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded contact arms can accommodate variations in positioning parameters within a tolerance range. The spring pressure maintains reliable electrical contact even when the vehicle's charging terminal is not perfectly aligned, eliminating the need for complex precision alignment mechanisms.
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 efficient, automatic, and safe charging of vehicle-mounted batteries, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and optimizing space usage in grocery environments by eliminating the need for bulky infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the plurality of electric power transfer components is tensioned so that at least one of the plurality of electric power transfer components maintains contact with at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of electric power transfer components is configured to prevent undesired connections between the plurality of electric power transfer components and the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for charging a vehicle-mounted battery comprising a vehicle, a battery, a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to the battery, a plurality of electric power transfer components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric power transfer components rotates about an axis, and wherein each of the plurality of electric power transfer components is configured to prevent undesired connections between the plurality of electric power transfer components and the vehicle, and a power source.