Subterranean Charging Pole Foundation with Detachable Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current infrastructure for electric vehicle charging lacks a cost-effective and flexible solution, as it requires extensive groundwork and is prone to obsolescence due to varying technologies and uncertain demand, with existing systems obstructing pedestrian and traffic pathways and being costly to install.
Innovation Solution
A subterranean mounting device with a detachable adapter element and anchoring means allows for the easy installation and future-proofing of charging poles from any supplier, featuring a protection unit to minimize damage and maintenance, enabling post-installation expansion without disrupting the surface or aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional foundation system is used for mounting charging poles, then the charging pole can be securely anchored to ground, but the installation requires extensive groundwork and becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system is divided into separate modular components: a pre-installed foundation element with anchoring means, and a separate charging pole assembly. This segmentation allows the foundation to be installed once without obstruction, while the charging pole can be easily attached or replaced later without requiring repeated excavation or groundwork.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation element with integrated anchoring means is installed in advance at the desired location without obstructing pedestrian or vehicle pathways. This preliminary action prepares the site for future charging pole installation, eliminating the need for extensive groundwork at the time of pole installation and enabling rapid deployment.
2Reliability
If charging infrastructure is deployed early to support electric vehicle adoption, then infrastructure availability improves, but the risk of investing in technology that may become obsolete increases due to limited current demand and uncertain future standards
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation element is designed as a universal, technology-neutral platform that can support various types of charging poles with different technologies and standards. The detachable adapter element allows the same foundation to accommodate multiple charging pole designs, ensuring long-term adaptability as charging standards evolve while maintaining infrastructure availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adaptation to changing charging technologies through the detachable adapter element. As charging standards and technologies evolve, the adapter can be replaced or modified without replacing the entire foundation, allowing the infrastructure to remain relevant and compatible with future charging requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the foundation element is installed at ground level to allow future pole installation, then accessibility for pole mounting is improved, but it obstructs pedestrian and vehicle pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring means and adapter element are nested within or below the foundation element, which is positioned at or below ground level. This nesting arrangement allows the critical mounting components to be accessible for pole installation while keeping the surface clear for pedestrian and vehicle passage, eliminating pathway obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the obstruction from the horizontal surface plane to the vertical subsurface dimension. The foundation element with anchoring means is installed below ground level or flush with the surface, maintaining surface usability while providing accessible mounting points through the adapter element that can be operated from above ground.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed foundation system is used, then installation is straightforward, but future expansion or modification requires costly excavation and groundwork
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the permanent foundation component from the replaceable charging pole and adapter components. This segmentation allows the foundation to remain fixed and simple to install, while enabling easy expansion, modification, or replacement of charging poles and adapters without requiring costly excavation or disturbance of the established foundation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mounting of a charging pole (1) has a foundation member (9) configured to be installed below ground level (6), and anchoring means (10) by which the charging pole (1) is mountable to the foundation member (9). The anchoring means (10) has a detachable adapter element (11) configured to fit a charging pole (1) to the foundation member (9). Such a mounting device (7) promotes deployment of infrastructure for charging of electric vehicles by providing a low-cost, future-proof platform for fitting charging poles (1) from any supplier using virtually any charging technology.