Tetrahedral Charging Probe for Electric Vehicle Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems face inefficiencies due to direct contact, weight, size, and interference from strong magnetic fields, lack bi-directional support, and provide a cumbersome and unsafe connection process.

Innovation Solution

A power docking port system featuring a tetrahedral-shaped charging probe with radially extending contacts and a locking ring mechanism that allows for easy alignment and secure connection, enabling efficient power transfer up to 1000 amps at 1000 volts, with bi-directional capabilities and grid sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If inductive charging devices and rotating magnetic pairs are used, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but inefficiencies occur due to direct contact requirements, weight, and size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharger weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical direct-contact charging systems with a magnetic field-based inductive charging system. The charging port uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power wirelessly through a docking surface, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical connectors and direct physical contact, thereby reducing weight while maintaining charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If strong magnetic fields are produced by chargers, then wireless power transfer capability is enhanced, but interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field interference

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent confines the magnetic field to a localized docking area between the charging port and vehicle interface. By concentrating the magnetic field lines within a specific geometric configuration (docking surface with specific shape and orientation), the system achieves high power transfer capability at the interface while minimizing magnetic field interference in surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic shielding layer or optimized geometric configuration as an intermediary between the magnetic field source and surrounding environment. This intermediary structure guides and contains the magnetic field lines, allowing strong local fields for efficient charging while reducing external interference and harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If traditional charging connectors are used, then power transfer is achieved, but the connection process is cumbersome and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transferVSAvoidconnection process

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-aligning docking system where the vehicle interface and charging port automatically orient and connect through magnetic attraction and geometric guidance. The specific shape and orientation of the docking surface cause the components to self-align and secure without manual intervention, making the connection process simple and safe while maintaining high power transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If bi-directional support is not provided, then system complexity is reduced, but grid sharing and power backup functions are eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid sharing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the charging port system with bi-directional power transfer capability, allowing the same docking interface to both charge the vehicle from the grid and discharge power back to the grid or other devices. This universal interface handles both charging and discharging functions through the same magnetic field coupling mechanism, enabling grid sharing and power backup without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10179518B2Power docking port system with tetrahedral charging probe

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 HENDERSON RICKY JAY

AI summary

A power docking port system includes a charging probe having a substantially tetrahedral shape with multiple sides and a base portion, each of the multiple sides having a surface. A first set of contacts is embedded into the charging probe and each of the contacts extends radially outwardly from the base portion disposed at a predetermined angle from the others. A second set of contacts are individually mounted onto a different one of the multiple sides so as to conform with its surface. A port is adapted for use in current charging of electronic vehicles wherein the port is constructed to mate with the charging probe and the port includes a mating contact for each of the contacts on the charging probe. The port further includes an interface connector located at an output end of the port for electrically coupling with external power lines and other circuits.