Ultrasonic Sensor Vehicle Alignment at Charging Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging electric vehicles in adverse weather conditions, such as dust, snow, and ice, can hinder visual alignment with charging stations, leading to charging inefficiencies and potential damage from misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultrasonic sensors on electric vehicles to determine distances to a target surface at a charging station, allowing for precise alignment and positioning for charging, either manually by the driver or autonomously, using a control system that provides real-time feedback and navigational instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual alignment methods are used for vehicle positioning at charging stations, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but alignment precision deteriorates in adverse weather conditions (dust, snow, ice)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual alignment methods with ultrasonic sensing technology. Multiple ultrasonic sensors mounted on the vehicle measure distances to the charging station target surface, providing precise positioning data independent of visual conditions. This substitution of mechanical/visual methods with acoustic sensing resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while eliminating sensitivity to adverse weather factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium for measurement. Instead of relying on direct visual contact between the driver and alignment markers, ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves that bounce off the target surface and return to sensors, providing indirect but precise distance measurements. This intermediary approach allows accurate positioning even when visual pathways are blocked by dust, snow, or ice.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are used for precise alignment, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete ultrasonic sensors positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each sensor independently measures distance to the target surface, and the control system processes these segmented measurements to calculate precise alignment data. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple data points while keeping each individual sensor component simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensor system serves multiple functions: it measures distance to the target surface, determines vehicle alignment status, and provides data for both manual and autonomous positioning modes. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of multiple sensors by demonstrating that they provide versatile capabilities beyond simple distance measurement, thereby offsetting the increased device complexity with enhanced system utility.
3Productivity
If manual alignment by driver is required, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to charging inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous positioning capability where the control system automatically processes ultrasonic sensor data and steers the vehicle into proper alignment with the charging station without driver intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensor data to perform the alignment function, eliminating the need for manual driver operation. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by maximizing charging efficiency through automated positioning while reducing the operational burden on the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where ultrasonic sensors continuously measure distance to the target surface, the control system processes this feedback data to determine alignment status, and steering commands are adjusted accordingly to achieve proper positioning. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables autonomous alignment that improves charging efficiency by eliminating manual intervention delays while maintaining ease of operation through automated control that requires minimal driver input.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient charging by reducing misalignment issues, improving safety by preventing collisions, and enabling charging in challenging weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
determining, using a plurality of sensors on electric vehicle, a distance between each sensor of the plurality of sensors and a target surface of the charging station
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aligning a vehicle at a charging station may include determining the distance between each sensor of the plurality of sensors and a target surface of the charging station. The method may further include aligning the vehicle at the charging station using the determined distance data, and charging the electric vehicle at the charging station. The method may further include using the determined distances to align the side of the vehicle substantially parallel to the target surface.