Vehicle Contact Network Coupling for Range-Extended Electric Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intelligent connected vehicles face challenges in product design and development methodologies, difficulty in demonstrating ICVs, and issues with charging and range limitations of electric vehicles, hindering their widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

A contact network device installed on smart cars, comprising a telescopic rod and rotating mechanism, connects to an external contact network for power and information exchange, utilizing ultrasonic radar and cameras for navigation, and an intelligent network system on roads for power supply and information transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If electric vehicles use battery power alone, then they achieve emission-free driving, but they suffer from charging inconvenience and limited driving range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission-free drivingVSAvoiddriving range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a contact network device as an intermediary between the vehicle and the power source. This device includes a telescopic rod with contact shoes that physically connect to overhead contact lines, serving as a mediator to transfer electrical energy from the infrastructure to the vehicle, thereby extending driving range without compromising emission-free operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact network device employs a telescopic rod that can dynamically extend and retract based on driving conditions. During high-power consumption scenarios or when contact network infrastructure is available, the rod extends to draw power from overhead lines. During low-power scenarios or when infrastructure is absent, it retracts and relies on battery power, creating a dynamic hybrid power system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If electric vehicles are equipped with larger batteries to extend range, then driving range increases, but vehicle weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving rangeVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The contact network device serves as an external power intermediary, allowing the vehicle to draw power from infrastructure rather than carrying all necessary energy onboard. This eliminates the need for oversized batteries, maintaining lighter vehicle weight while achieving extended operational range through the external power connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact network device provides multiple functions: it serves as both a power source during high-demand periods and as a tracking/navigation reference for the vehicle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heavy battery systems, as the same infrastructure connection provides both energy and guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If contact network device extends telescopic rod to connect with contact network, then power supply capability improves, but device complexity and potential safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic rod is designed with dynamic extension and retraction capabilities controlled by an extension control unit. The rod only extends when power is needed and when the vehicle is in proximity to contact network infrastructure, reducing the time the complex mechanism is exposed and minimizing potential safety risks while maintaining power supply capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If intelligent network system is built along roads for power supply and information transmission, then vehicle operation efficiency improves, but infrastructure construction cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle operation efficiencyVSAvoidinfrastructure construction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contact network infrastructure serves dual purposes: it provides electrical power to vehicles through the contact lines while simultaneously serving as a physical reference framework for vehicle tracking and navigation. This multi-functionality allows a single infrastructure system to replace what would otherwise require separate power supply and navigation systems, reducing overall construction costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power transmission function and the navigation/reference function into a single integrated contact network system. The same overhead lines that deliver electricity also serve as spatial references for vehicle positioning and route following, combining multiple infrastructure functions into one system to reduce construction complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Solves charging and endurance problems of electric vehicles, enabling automatic driving and reducing energy loss, with a low-cost, efficient, and safe transportation system that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, promoting the development of smart cities and reducing dependence on lithium resources.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic inclined tongue lock is provided on the bayonet; the electric push rod is driven to extend or retract from the end of the outer cover tube where the bayonet is provided; the bayonet is used to connect the neutral wire of the external contact network, and the electromagnetic inclined tongue lock is used to clamp the neutral wire of the external contact network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4711189A1Touch network apparatus, intelligent vehicle, intelligent connected system, and traffic transportation system
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 WEN YI
  • EP4711189A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711189A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711189A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed in the present application are a touch network apparatus, an intelligent vehicle, an intelligent connected system, and a traffic transportation system. The touch network apparatus is installed on a vehicle. The intelligent connected system comprises a connected information system and a connected power supply system, wherein the connected power supply system comprises a contact network connected to the touch network apparatus, the contact network provides electric energy and basic sensing information for the vehicle, and the connected information system performs information interconnection on the contact network apparatus, the intelligent vehicle and the contact network to form the Internet of Vehicles; the intelligent vehicle installed with a touch network apparatus, and the intelligent connected system form a brand-new traffic transportation system, such that when the vehicle travels on a road with intelligent connected system facilities, electric energy and sensing information are provided by the intelligent connected system, and the vehicle is driven by a person or autonomously driven to travel forwards; and when the vehicle travels on a road without intelligent connected system facilities, power is provided by a battery, an internal combustion engine, etc., and the vehicle can be driven by a person or information is provided by a simple and convenient remote-control driving system, such that the vehicle can travel forward. Thus, the problems of charging, endurance and autonomous driving applications of electric vehicles are solved.