Underground EV Charging Connector Alignment for Tight Kerbside Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The availability of charging points for electric vehicles is limited in urban areas due to space constraints, deterring homeowners and local authorities from installing new charging points, which delays the adoption of electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a first connector disposed beneath a parking space, sensors to detect the position of a second connector on the electric vehicle, an adjustment mechanism to align the connectors, and a controller to manage the alignment and electrical connection, allowing for efficient and space-saving charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If charging points are installed in urban areas with limited kerbside space, then the availability of charging points increases, but the space required for installation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus transitions from a horizontal ground-level installation to a vertical underground installation. The first connector is disposed beneath a parking space, utilizing the vertical dimension below ground level to provide charging functionality without occupying kerbside space. This dimensional change allows charging points to be installed in urban areas with limited surface area while maintaining accessibility to electric vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging apparatus components (controller, power circuit, adjustment mechanism, and first connector) are nested within an underground housing structure. The housing contains all necessary charging components in a compact configuration beneath the parking space, allowing the charging function to be embedded in the ground without requiring additional surface area or kerbside space.
2Area of stationary object
If the first connector is disposed beneath the parking space to save surface area, then kerbside space utilization improves, but alignment precision between connectors becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism dynamically repositions the first connector based on the detected position of the second connector on the electric vehicle. Rather than requiring fixed precise alignment, the system actively adjusts the connector position in real-time, compensating for variations in vehicle positioning and achieving accurate connection despite the underground installation constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback information about the position of the second connector to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine the required adjustment and controls the adjustment mechanism accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically achieves precise alignment between connectors without requiring manual intervention or pre-calibrated positioning.
3Ease of operation
If automatic alignment and engagement systems are implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus performs self-alignment and self-engagement operations automatically. The sensor detects the vehicle's position, the controller calculates the required adjustment, and the adjustment mechanism executes the alignment without human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the alignment and engagement process, eliminating the need for operators to manually position or connect the connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller integrates multiple functions: receiving sensor information, determining required adjustments, controlling the adjustment mechanism, and managing the engagement process. This multi-functional controller consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated unit, achieving ease of operation while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for transferring electrical power to or from an electric vehicle, comprises a first connector engageable with a second connector on an electric vehicle, a power circuit configured to transfer electrical power to or from the electric vehicle, one or more sensors configured to detect a current position of the second connector relative to the first connector, an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the first connector, a controller configured to determine an adjustment required to align the first connector with the second connector in dependence on information received from the one or more sensors, control the adjustment mechanism to align the first and second connectors, and engage the first connector with the second connector once aligned. The first connector is disposed beneath a space in which the electric vehicle may be parked, thereby providing a compact and unobtrusive vehicle charging apparatus.