Work Vehicle Coupler Charging Interface for Automatic Power Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual connection of charging cables for electrically powered work vehicles is inconvenient and causes wear and tear on connectors and cables.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a work tool coupler with a vehicle side electrical connector that automatically connects with an external charging station's electrical power source, eliminating the need for manual plugging through wireless or galvanic power transfer connectors, and optionally using hydraulic cooling for the charging station's power electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of power cable is used for charging, then charging function is achieved, but operator convenience deteriorates and connector wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the work tool coupler and electrical connector into a single integrated assembly. When a work tool is coupled to the work vehicle, the electrical connector automatically engages with the charging station, eliminating separate manual connection steps and reducing wear on dedicated charging connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic charging connection through the work tool coupling mechanism. The electrical connector self-engages with the charging station when the work tool is attached, and self-disengages when removed, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the charging connection process.
2Device complexity
If separate charging connector is used, then charging function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work tool coupler serves multiple functions: mechanical coupling of work tools, structural support for the electrical connector, and automatic engagement mechanism for charging connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated charging connectors, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If work tool coupler is used for charging connection, then operator convenience improves, but mechanical structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is integrated into the work tool coupler assembly, sharing common structural elements, mounting mechanisms, and engagement features. This merging approach allows the charging function to be added without requiring a completely separate connector system, minimizing the increase in mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically powered work vehicle includes a work vehicle frame and a plurality of ground engaging units for supporting the work vehicle frame from a ground surface, at least one of the ground engaging units being powered by an electric drive motor to drive the vehicle. An electrical power storage system is carried by the work vehicle frame and connected to the electric drive motor to provide electrical power to the electric drive motor. A work tool coupler is carried by the work vehicle and configured to selectively interconnect the work vehicle with a coupler receiver of a selected one of a plurality of different work tools. A vehicle side electrical connector is carried by the work tool coupler and configured to transfer electrical power to the electrical power storage system to charge the electrical power storage system. Such a work vehicle may be used in combination with an external charging station. The external charging station may include an electrical power source, a coupler receiver configured to mechanically interconnect with the work tool coupler, and a charging station side electrical connector configured to electrically interconnect with the vehicle side electrical connector when the work tool coupler is mechanically interconnected with the coupler receiver. The charging side electrical connector is configured to connect the electrical power source to the vehicle side electrical connector.