Vehicle Charging Device With Segmented Positioning Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging technologies, such as wired and inductive charging, face challenges including inconvenient positioning requirements, high costs, low efficiency, and electromagnetic compatibility issues, leading to inefficient and costly charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a contacting plate featuring multiple positioning elements and a connecting element that snaps into these elements in a position-independent and flexible manner, allowing for automatic and convenient charging without the need for precise vehicle positioning, using a multilayer structure with insulating and conductive layers for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If inductive charging is used to eliminate manual plugging and unplugging, then charging automation is improved, but charging power is limited to 3-4 kW and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The contact plate is divided into multiple independent positioning elements (e.g., six positioning elements arranged in a circular pattern), each capable of independently engaging with a connecting element. This segmentation allows the system to provide automated charging while supporting higher power levels by distributing the electrical connection across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a physical contact-based intermediate structure (contact plate with positioning elements) that bridges the vehicle and power supply. This intermediary mechanism enables automated engagement while maintaining the high power transmission capabilities of conductive charging, overcoming the power limitations of direct inductive charging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wired charging with a long cable is used to allow flexible vehicle positioning, then positioning flexibility is improved, but cable cost increases and the cable causes safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the cable and relocates it to the contact plate with integrated positioning elements. By removing the cable from the positioning task and keeping it strictly for power transmission, the system achieves positioning flexibility without requiring a long, loose cable, thereby eliminating associated safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact plate serves as an intermediary structure that provides positioning elements for guiding the connecting element into proper alignment. This intermediary mechanism enables flexible vehicle positioning while keeping the cable short and secure, as the positioning function is handled by the contact plate's structured elements rather than cable length.
3Reliability
If inductive charging with shielding and filtering is implemented to ensure electromagnetic compatibility, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based inductive charging system with a mechanical contact-based system. By substituting the electromagnetic coupling mechanism with direct physical contacts, the system inherently achieves electromagnetic compatibility without requiring additional shielding and filtering components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact plate with positioning elements provides a simple, cost-effective solution that achieves electromagnetic compatibility through its mechanical design rather than expensive electromagnetic shielding. The straightforward contact-based approach eliminates the need for costly shielding materials and complex filtering electronics.
4Loss of energy
If precise positioning of the vehicle is required for inductive charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact plate is segmented into multiple positioning elements distributed across its surface. This segmentation allows the connecting element to engage with any one of several positioning elements, providing a tolerance range for vehicle positioning. The segmented design maintains charging efficiency by ensuring proper contact while reducing positioning complexity through multiple acceptable engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning elements serve multiple functions: they guide the connecting element into proper alignment, provide mechanical engagement points, and establish electrical contacts. This multi-functionality reduces positioning complexity by combining alignment and connection functions into unified elements, while maintaining charging efficiency through proper contact establishment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging device (1), in particular for a vehicle, wherein a contact plate (2) attachable to a vehicle is designed with a plurality of positioning elements (3) and at least one connecting element (4) is provided for current transmission, wherein the connecting element (4) snaps into one of the positioning elements (3) in a position-independent and compliant manner when brought together with the contact plate (2). The invention further relates to a use of such a charging device (1).Furthermore, the invention relates to an electric vehicle with such a charging device (1), wherein a contact plate (2) with a plurality of positioning elements (3) is arranged, in particular on the underside of the electric vehicle, and at least one connecting element (4) for current transmission is provided, which, when brought together with the contact plate (2), snaps into one of the positioning elements (3) in a position-independent and compliant manner. The invention further relates to a method for charging, in particular a vehicle, particularly using such a charging device (1).