Vehicle Charging Alignment Using Reflective Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle charging systems are costly due to the use of expensive image capturing devices and processing units for precise alignment and fitting of power supply and reception components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging system that employs a position detection device with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, integrated with a moving unit, to accurately position and align power supply and reception fitting bodies without the need for expensive imaging devices, using pre-defined structures on the ceiling surface to guide the fitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image capturing devices and image processing devices are used for precise alignment and fitting of power supply and reception components, then positioning accuracy and fitting precision are improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical imaging systems with a mechanical positioning system using protrusions and recesses on the power supply fitting body that mechanically engage with corresponding features on the power reception fitting body. This mechanical substitution achieves precise alignment and fitting without requiring image capturing devices or complex image processing, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining fitting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply fitting body and power reception fitting body are designed with self-aligning features where protrusions on one component automatically guide into recesses on the other component during the fitting process. This self-service mechanism enables precise positioning through the inherent geometric constraints of the components themselves, eliminating the need for external imaging devices and complex control systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image capturing devices are installed in the power supply device for detecting position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems with a mechanical measurement approach where the position of the power supply fitting body is determined by the physical engagement of protrusions and recesses. The positioning accuracy is achieved through the precise mechanical geometry of these features rather than through image capture and processing, thereby eliminating the need for multiple cameras and complex image analysis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions and recesses act as intermediary elements that mediate the positioning between the power supply fitting body and power reception fitting body. These mechanical intermediaries translate positional information into physical engagement, providing accurate positioning without requiring direct optical measurement systems.
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
This solution reduces costs by eliminating the need for expensive imaging devices and ensures accurate and secure fitting of power supply and reception components, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting element that emits detection light to an upward direction along the up-down direction and a light-receiving element that receives the detection light reflected on the power reception fitting body
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device includes a moving unit that moves a power supply fitting body in an insertion-extraction direction, an up-down direction, and a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the insertion-extraction direction and the up-down direction, and a controller that controls the movement of the power supply fitting body by the moving unit. A position detection device moves in linkage with the movement of the power supply fitting body by the moving unit. A power reception fitting body includes first structures extending along the lateral direction and second structures related to a central position of the power reception fitting body in the lateral direction. The first structure and the second structure are formed protruding to one side of the up-down direction with respect to a ceiling surface. The distances between the second structures and the first structures in the insertion-extraction direction are set in advance.