Vehicle Charging Interface With Shielded RF Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric vehicle charging connectors require significant user intervention, are prone to wear and tear, and do not facilitate data communication between the vehicle and charging station, with operability affected by environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a charging interface and data interface, enabling simultaneous power transfer and communication through inductive coupling and wireless data transmission, using a shielded radio frequency waveguide or NFC, with automatic alignment and secure data encryption, reducing the need for manual connection and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional charging connectors are used, then power transfer is achieved, but user intervention is required and wear and tear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical plug-and-socket connectors with inductive coupling for power transfer and wireless communication for data exchange. This eliminates physical contact and mechanical wear while maintaining reliable power and data transmission between the charging station and vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic alignment and connection between the charging station and vehicle through sensors and actuators that detect and adjust positions without user intervention. The charging process initiates and terminates automatically based on detected vehicle presence and charging status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional charging connectors are used, then power transfer is achieved, but data communication is not facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transfer and data communication functions into a single integrated charging interface. The charging station simultaneously provides electrical power through inductive coupling and data transmission through wireless communication, eliminating the need for separate connectors and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging interface is designed to perform multiple functions: power transfer via inductive coupling, data communication via wireless signals, and vehicle detection via sensors. This multi-functional design replaces traditional single-purpose connectors and enhances system versatility.
3Reliability
If traditional charging connectors are used, then charging is achieved, but operability is affected by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical connectors with inductive coupling and wireless communication, the system eliminates components that are susceptible to environmental degradation such as corrosion, ice accumulation, and physical damage from weather exposure.
4Ease of operation
If inductive coupling and wireless transmission are used, then user intervention is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic vehicle detection, alignment, and connection establishment through sensors and actuators. The charging process begins automatically when a vehicle is detected and positioned correctly, eliminating the need for manual plug insertion while the system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple functions.
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
Facilitates convenient, efficient, and secure charging and data communication between electric vehicles and charging stations, minimizing user intervention and environmental impact, while ensuring reliable data transfer and secure communication.
Implementation Method 1
A charging station and corresponding on-vehicle charging and communication system allow a parked vehicle to inductively receive power from a charging interface
Implementation Method 2
data communication between the on-vehicle computing system of the vehicle and the charging station are enabled by transferring data through wireless transmissions via a shielded radio frequency connection such as an electromagnetically sealed radio frequency waveguide connection
Implementation Method 3
Alternatively, data may be transferred through an Enhanced Near Field Communication (ENFC) or Near Field Communication (NFC) interface
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to facilitate communication between a charging station and a vehicle are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first charging interface to communicatively couple with a second charging interface of a charging station. The example apparatus also includes a communication interface actuatable between a stored position and a deployed position, the communication interface comprising a first radio frequency waveguide, the first radio frequency waveguide to physically engage a second radio frequency waveguide of the charging station to form a electromagnetically sealed waveguide, the electromagnetically sealed waveguide to guide radio frequency communication signals between the communication interface and the charging station.