Automated EV Charging Frame With Plug Alignment Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations require drivers to exit their vehicles to plug in, which is inconvenient and may be avoided in inclement weather or at night, and there is a risk of misalignment during the charging process.
Innovation Solution
An automated EV charging station with a frame and electronic charging unit that includes an actuator, alignment sensor, charging sensor, and controller to automatically align and connect the charging plug to the vehicle, allowing for charging without the driver needing to exit the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual charging is used, then the charging process can be completed, but the driver must exit the vehicle which is inconvenient and unsafe in inclement weather or at night
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs alignment and connection operations automatically without requiring driver intervention. The actuator moves the charging plug autonomously, and the system self-regulates the charging process based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for the driver to exit the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment operations using the actuator to position the charging plug near the vehicle's charging port before actual connection occurs. This preliminary positioning is done automatically based on vehicle detection, preparing the system for seamless connection without driver action.
2Extent of automation
If wireless power transfer is used, then the charging process can be automated, but misalignment between transmitter and receiver occurs due to driver positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses alignment sensors to continuously monitor the position and alignment status of the charging plug relative to the vehicle's charging port. This feedback information is used by the controller to make real-time adjustments via the actuator, ensuring precise alignment is maintained throughout the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging plug is mounted on an actuator that provides dynamic adjustment capability. The system transitions from a static charging port configuration to a dynamic one where the plug can move and reposition itself automatically to maintain optimal alignment with the vehicle's charging receptacle.
3Reliability
If the driver manually plugs in the charging cord, then the connection can be established, but high-touch surfaces increase sanitation concerns and the process requires driver attention
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator performs the connection operation autonomously, moving the charging plug into the vehicle's charging port without human contact. The system self-regulates the connection process based on alignment sensor feedback, eliminating the need for the driver to physically handle the charging plug and thereby removing the sanitation risk associated with high-touch surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated electric vehicle charging station. The charging station can include a frame to which a vehicle can park in proximity to receive an electric charge. The frame is at least partially underneath the vehicle. The charging station can include an alignment indicator and a charging indicator to alert an occupant of the vehicle to a vehicle alignment status and a vehicle charging status. When the vehicle is parked in a charging position, an electronic charging unit automatically determines a receiving location on the vehicle where the vehicle can receive an electric charge. A charging plug can be stored in the frame and can be actuated out of the frame and travel in multiple directions to the receiving location. Electric charge can then be transferred from the charging plug to the vehicle. When the vehicle is finished charging, the charging plug can be actuated to return to the frame.