Optical Vehicle Charging Alignment for Overhead Pantographs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems using pantographs face challenges such as difficulty in aligning the vehicle contact interface with the pantograph due to obstructed views, and inefficiencies in assigning vehicles to available charging spots, leading to reduced throughput and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising one or more processors connected to an optical sensor that analyzes image data to detect vehicles and generate guidance instructions to assist in aligning the vehicle contact interface with the charging device, as well as to assign vehicles to available charging spots based on the status of adjacent stalls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pantograph is positioned overhead at a charging station, then the vehicle can be charged without a plug connection, but the operator cannot see the pantograph or the contact interface alignment due to obstructed view from the cab
Solution Approach 1:
A camera system is introduced as an intermediary device to capture images of the pantograph and contact interface. The camera is positioned to provide a view that is not obstructed from the operator's cab, and transmits this visual information to a display device inside the cab, enabling the operator to see and align the contact interface with the pantograph without direct line of sight.
2Productivity
If multiple pantographs are arranged in a row at a charging station, then more vehicles can be charged simultaneously, but operators cannot determine which pantograph is available or compatible with their vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the status of each pantograph (available, occupied, out of service, incompatible) and provides real-time feedback to approaching vehicles through display devices in the cab. The camera system captures images of each charging spot, and the processing system analyzes these images along with status data to determine availability and compatibility, then communicates this information to the operator to guide them to the appropriate pantograph.
3Manufacturing precision
If the vehicle operator manually steers the vehicle to align with the pantograph, then the alignment can be achieved, but it requires operator skill and time, and may result in misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The manual steering and visual alignment process is replaced with an automated optical system. A camera captures the relative positions of the contact interface and pantograph, image processing algorithms automatically calculate the alignment status and required adjustments, and the system provides guided feedback to the operator or can automatically control the vehicle's positioning, eliminating the need for skilled manual alignment while reducing the time required.
Data Source
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AI summary
Vehicle charge assist system and method include receiving image data generated by an optical sensor. The image data depicts at least a portion of a charging device and at least a portion of a vehicle approaching the charging device. The system and method analyze the image data that is received to detect the vehicle, and based on the image data that is analyzed, generate guidance instructions for communication to the vehicle. The guidance instructions are configured to at least one of assist with or control movement of the vehicle such that a vehicle contact interface mounted on the vehicle aligns with the charging device.