Wallbox System With Distributed Charging Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wallbox systems for electric vehicle charging are limited in flexibility, requiring installation near the vehicle and necessitating long supply cables, making it difficult to serve multiple parking spaces or vehicles with different charging socket positions.

Innovation Solution

A wallbox system with a sub-distribution unit that allows for flexible placement, featuring multiple charging interfaces connected via signal and power cables, enabling parallel or sequential charging of multiple vehicles without the need for long cables, and incorporating a switching unit for controlled charging sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wallbox is mounted near the electric vehicle, then the charging connection is reliable, but the flexibility of wallbox placement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging connection reliabilityVSAvoidwallbox placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the charging function into two independent parts: the wallbox (power supply unit) and the charging interface (connection point). The wallbox remains fixed in one location while multiple charging interfaces are distributed at different positions, allowing reliable power delivery without compromising placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Signal and power cables act as intermediaries connecting the fixed wallbox to multiple mobile charging interfaces. This mediator enables the wallbox to serve multiple locations without being physically present at each charging point, resolving the contradiction between fixed positioning and flexible access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging interfaces are provided for multiple parking spaces, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-parking space service capabilityVSAvoidnumber of wallbox units required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single wallbox is designed to perform multiple functions by serving several charging interfaces simultaneously. The wallbox can charge multiple vehicles at different locations through its multiple interfaces, eliminating the need for separate wallbox units for each parking space and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple charging interfaces are merged into a single wallbox system rather than distributing them across separate wallbox units. The interfaces share common power supply and control resources within one wallbox, achieving multi-parking space service while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If long supply cables are used to reach distant vehicles, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reach distanceVSAvoidsupply cable energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Charging interfaces are positioned locally at optimal points near parking spaces rather than using long cables from a distant wallbox. This local placement minimizes cable length and associated energy losses while maintaining the ability to serve multiple locations through strategically positioned interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11458850B2Wallbox system with charging interface

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 AUDI AG

AI summary

A wallbox system for charging an electric vehicle comprises a wallbox, wherein the wallbox comprises at least one charging interface, wherein the charging interface is a socket, for example a Type 2 socket, or a cable outlet with a cable and a plug.