Vehicle-Side Refueling Coupling Arm for Precise Coil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refueling devices for electric drive batteries and fluid tanks in movable vehicles require complex and fault-prone positioning mechanisms, leading to increased costs and energy losses, as they need manual adjustments and sophisticated electronics for optimal alignment during charging or refueling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part refueling device with a vehicle-side coupling device and a stationary ground coupling device, featuring a manipulator arm controlled by a computer and control unit, which automatically positions a contact plate with sensors to align with the charging coil or tank nozzle for efficient and fully automatic refueling, eliminating the need for complex electronics and manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If complex positioning mechanisms with sensors and actuating means are used to optimize coil alignment, then electromagnetic coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the primary coil on the ground side to achieve alignment, the invention inverts the approach by moving the secondary coil on the vehicle side. This is accomplished through a manipulator arm with computer control that positions the secondary coil relative to the stationary primary coil, thereby reducing ground-side complexity while achieving optimal electromagnetic coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex ground-side mechanical positioning systems with sensors and actuating means by using a vehicle-side manipulator arm controlled by computer algorithms. The positioning is achieved through automated image processing and coordinate calculation rather than complex ground-based mechanical adjustment mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If automated positioning with control electronics and software is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and fault susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses image capture and processing to create a digital representation of the primary coil's position and characteristics. By analyzing images of positioning marks and calculating coordinates through software algorithms, the system achieves precise alignment without requiring complex physical sensors and control electronics on the ground side
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary approach by using visual markers and image processing as a mediator between the vehicle and ground coupling devices. The positioning marks serve as intermediaries that can be detected and processed through software, enabling precise alignment without direct complex electronic communication or control systems
3Device complexity
If manual adjustments are required for coil alignment, then device simplicity is maintained, but refueling time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning through automated image capture, processing, and manipulator control. The computer control unit automatically calculates the optimal position coordinates and controls the manipulator arm to align the secondary coil with the primary coil without requiring manual user intervention, thereby reducing both time and user effort while maintaining system simplicity
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
Enables simplified, reproducible, and secure fully automatic refueling with reduced energy losses and environmental emissions, making the process more reliable and cost-effective while maintaining optimal energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The charging coil or primary coil is usually mounted on the ground of a garage and connected to charging electronics so that an electromagnetic charging field can be generated
Implementation Method 2
Both coils act as electromagnets, which attract and urge towards each other, depending on the induced current or magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-part refueling device for refueling an electric drive battery or a fluid tank of a movable vehicle, simplified, reproducible refueling is to be achieved. The object is achieved in that the vehicle-side coupling device carried on the vehicle has connecting means designed as at least one charging coil, charging contacts or as a loading nozzle and also has a manipulator arm for descending, displacing and lowering the contact plate in a center of the stationary ground coupling device, wherein the manipulator arm comprises an upper arm segment pivotally and rotatably mounted on the vehicle side, a joint, a lower arm segment and a further joint for mounting the contact plate and is automatically controlled by the computer and control unit.