Abstract: A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a bundle for a heat exchange between at least one first fluid and one second fluid, including first and second channels for the flow of the first fluid and of the second fluid, a housing for receiving the bundle, and a collector for the second fluid, including a collecting plate having openings into which the second channels lead, and at least one cover for closing the collector. The closing cover has a raised edge, and the collecting plate has a corresponding planar connecting portion adjacent to at least one peripheral edge of the collecting plate. The collecting plate has first openings having a first height and at least one second opening having a second height that is different from the first height.

Abstract: A transportation refrigeration system is provided including a tractor cabin having an engine and an engine cooling system. A trailer is operably coupled to the tractor cabin. A transport refrigeration unit is configured to maintain a controller temperature environment of a portion of the trailer. The transport refrigeration unit is mounted to a front surface of the trailer adjacent the truck. A shield (50) is mounted to at least one of the tractor cabin, trailer, and transport refrigeration unit. The shield is configured to block an air flow path between an area (42) of discharge air from the engine cooling system and a condenser air inlet (32) of the transport refrigeration unit.

Abstract: Vehicle climate control systems include heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for adjusting the vehicle cabin temperature. The HVAC system can deliver heated or cooled air to the vehicle interior to achieve a desired temperature inside the vehicle cabin. Some vehicles are equipped with secondary comfort features, such as heated or cooled seats, for additionally addressing occupant comfort. These features are typically stand-alone devices that function separately from the HVAC system.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit includes a case, a door, an actuator, and a holding member. The case has a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall and the second wall are connected by the third wall to face each other. The door is rotatably disposed inside the case through a rotational axis. The door rotates about the rotational axis to selectively open and close an air outlet. The actuator rotates the door between a closed position where the door closes the air outlet and an open position where the door opens the air outlet. The holding member is disposed in the second wall and holds the door when the door rotates to the open position by engaging the door.

Abstract: A door for an air conditioning unit includes a door body, a shaft, and a locking portion. The door body includes a sleeve. The shaft is inserted into the sleeve. The locking portion is disposed in the sleeve and the shaft. The shaft is detachably engaged to the sleeve through the locking portion.

Abstract: The present invention aims to suppress a coolant from bypassing a non-cooling unit without lowering the productivity. The power converter according to the present invention includes: a power semiconductor module; and a flow path forming body having a flow path in which the power semiconductor module is disposed and an opening which is connected with the flow path, wherein the power semiconductor module includes a first fin formed on one surface and a second fin formed on another surface which faces the one surface so as to sandwich the semiconductor element, the flow path forming body has a first coolant control unit and a second coolant control unit which are arranged so as to sandwich the first fin, the first coolant control unit and the second coolant control unit are formed to be overlapped with a region of the power semiconductor module where the first fin is not formed, and a first flow path is formed along the first coolant control unit and the second coolant control unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an air conditioning device for vehicle in which in a defrosting mode to defrost an outdoor heat exchanger, the defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger can be achieved without hindrance while maintaining heating of a vehicle interior. A refrigerant discharged from a compressor 2 radiates heat in a radiator 4 and the refrigerant by which heat has been radiated is decompressed and then absorbs heat in an outdoor heat exchanger 7 to heat the vehicle interior. The air conditioning device for vehicle includes an injection circuit 40 which distributes a part of the refrigerant flowing out from the radiator 4 to return the part to the compressor 2. When a controller 32 passes the high-temperature refrigerant through the outdoor heat exchanger 7 to perform defrosting, the controller operates the injection circuit 40 to return the refrigerant to the compressor 2.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a motor vehicle operable in refrigeration mode and in heat pump mode, as well as in reheating mode. The operating mode adjusted by controlling air dampers and air directing elements. The air conditioning system has a housing having a cold air flow path a warm air flow path, and an air outlet. The air outlet formed in the region of the cold air flow path and discharging air into the environment. The warm air flow path branches off from the cold air flow path. The cold air flow path and the warm air flow path lead into a first mixing chamber. The air conditioning system further includes a refrigerant circuit having a heat exchanger operable as an evaporator, a compressor, a heat exchanger operable as a first condenser/gas cooler, a heat exchanger operable as a second condenser/gas cooler, and an expansion element.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a vehicle heating system for a vehicle with an engine and a charge air cooler, the vehicle heating system including a high-temperature cooling circuit coupled to the engine, a low-temperature cooling circuit coupled to the charge air cooler and including a low temperature cooler, and a heating heat exchanger coupled to the low-temperature cooling circuit.

Abstract: An energy management system is applied to a vehicle having a first power source, a first converter, an electricity storage part, and a second power source. The energy management system has a second converter, a heat storage part, a mode switching part, and a controller. The mode switching part switches between a heat storage mode and a heat radiation mode. The heat storage part changes to a first phase in a solid state when a temperature of the heat storage part is lower than or equal to a phase transition temperature, and changes to a second phase in a solid state when a temperature of the heat storage part exceeds the phase transition temperature. The controller controls the operations of the second converter and the mode switching part based on at least one of an electricity storage condition of the electricity storage part and a conversion condition of the first converter.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a vehicle VOC reduction system includes a VOC reducer to be in fluid communication with cabin air, a rechargeable battery unit at least partially powering the VOC reducer, and a transmitter to transmit commands to operate the VOC reducer.

Abstract: A vehicle capacitive key input pad assembly includes a pad comprising a region defining an illuminated character. The assembly also includes a first electrode having electrode fingers and extending at least partially around the illuminated character region, and a second electrode having electrode fingers and at least partially extending into the character region. One or more electrode fingers trace a portion of the illuminated character.

Abstract: A window cover for an automobile integrally includes: a front sheet to cover an outer surface of an automobile windshield; and a pair of side sheets to cover outer surfaces of left and right front door glasses, respectively. The side sheets are fixed to a vehicle body by a fixing device. The device includes a plate-shaped tab fixed to a rear edge of each side sheet. The tab is fixed by being inserted into a clearance between a rear edge of each of the front door glasses and a front edge of a rear door glass of a rear door placed rearward of the rear edge. Accordingly, convenience is improved because the cover can be easily attached to the vehicle body with the front and rear doors remaining closed, and workability is not deteriorated because the cover is not twisted or entwined when the front doors are opened or closed.

Abstract: A sun visor clip assembly for use with a vehicle includes a visor pivotably mounted to the interior roof of the vehicle and a flexible bar member disposed around the visor. The flexible bar member includes a first elongated member, a bend portion directly attached to the first elongated member, a second elongated member directly attached to the bend portion and extending towards the first elongated member. The visor is compressed by the first and second elongated members, thereby securing the flexible bar member to the visor. The first elongated member extends beyond the visor in the downward position adjacent to the windshield of the vehicle or upward position against the interior roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a door to a motor vehicle is disclosed including a bracket assembly that includes a bracket having a first pair of holes and a second pair of holes, and weld nuts welded to the bracket, the weld nuts being aligned with the first pair of holes. The system further includes an alignment piece having first and second alignment holes, the first alignment hole corresponding to a first of the second pair of holes of the bracket, the second alignment hole corresponding to a second of the second pair of holes of the bracket, datum pins inserted through the first and second alignment holes and the second pair of holes in the bracket, and a roller assembly fixedly attached to the bracket.

Abstract: A door protection device has a number of stay tabs attached along an edge of a protective layer or pad. Each of the stay tabs has a sharped end or wedge shaped end that is inserted between the window and the weather stripping. Each of the stay tabs also has one or more ribs that face away from the window when inserted. At one end of the protective pad a suction cup is attached. The protective layer may be a heavy fabric or a pad that may include a silicone rubber layer or an ethylene-vinyl acetate layer or a foamed plastic layer.

Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle is provided herein. The sunshade includes a base member having independently movable first and second portions. A first handle is disposed on the first portion and a second handle is disposed on the second portion. A lamp assembly is operably coupled to the base member.

Abstract: A locking device for a covering member to provide sealing in storage, cargo, and other personal applications is disclosed. The locking device comprises a pipe member having predetermined length is configured to have a transverse opening. The covering member is slidably attached to a bead insert positioned inside the pipe member via the transverse opening, wherein the covering member is configured to securely wrap the contents of a storage space. The locking device is configured to enable a climate controlled environment for the wrapped contents of the storage space. A locking assembly and method of using the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile beltline portion sound insulating structure formed along a beltline of an automobile, a door panel having two panel boards facing each other, a door glass being freely openable and closable by being provided between the two panel boards in a liftable manner and a first viscoelastic member mounted on a lower portion of at least one main surface of the door glass, the first viscoelastic member constrained by a mounting region of the first viscoelastic member in the door glass and a part of a surface of the panel board facing to the one main surface, at a door glass closed time, to insulate sound between the door panel and the door glass.

Abstract: A seal for an automobile door includes a glass run and a belt line inner seal. The glass run has a vertical portion which includes a vertical seal lip, and the belt line inner seal includes an upper belt line seal lip and a lower belt line seal lip. The vertical seal lip is integral and unitary with ends of the upper and lower belt line seal lips, and the vertical portion includes a A-divider wall portion extending vertically and protruding toward the outside of a cabin of the automobile between the upper and lower belt line seal lips. A predetermined gap is formed between the lower belt line seal lip and the divider wall portion when the window glass is in an open state, and the lower belt line seal lip contacts the divider wall portion when the window glass is in a closed state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel rooftop shading system for recreational vehicles (RVs) and a method of installing the same. The shading system comprises a sheet of material generally sized to cover the roof of an RV. The sheet is supported over the roof with support rods which extend across the width of the roof and maintain a curved shape of the sheet. The sheet is secured to the RV by two strap systems which extend from the front end and rear end of the sheet. This system allows the sheet to be secured to and elevated from the roof of the RV providing space and producing shade to the rooftop of the trailer body or RV.

Abstract: A pair of bracket fastening parts (7, 12, 91, 92, 121, 122, 161, 162) are provided on a side of the main body in an adjoining relationship, each bracket fastening part including a plurality of bosses (32 to 35, 72 to 75, 102 to 106, 132 to 137) arranged in a convex polygonal pattern and a plurality of ribs (37 to 42, 60, 80 to 84, 110 to 115, 140 to 146) connecting the bosses in a prescribed pattern. At least two of the bosses of one of the bracket fastening parts are shared by an adjoining one of the bracket fastening parts. Thereby, the engine can be adapted for multiple applications while minimizing an increase in the weight of the engine.

Abstract: Provided is an anti-vibration device which is provided between a vibration-side bracket attached to a vibration member and a non-vibration-side bracket attached to a non-vibration member, the anti-vibration device including: a first attachment member attached to the vibration-side bracket; a second attachment member attached to the non-vibration-side bracket; and an insulator provided between the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the first attachment member includes a stopper portion which faces an engagement portion formed on the non-vibration-side bracket, and the insulator includes a cover portion which covers at least a surface of the stopper portion facing the engagement portion.

Abstract: A protrusion (54) acting as an engagement portion is provided to a root (52) of a spindle (5) to an engine. An extending portion (45) extending above the root (52) of the spindle (5) is provided to a stopper (4). An opening (46) acting as a coupler is provided to the extending portion (45). The protrusion (54) and the opening (46) engage with each other, thereby reducing the risk of the spindle (5) coming off and regulating relative displacement of an upper rigid member (2) supporting the spindle (5) inserted into the upper rigid member (2).

Abstract: A transmission includes an electric motor arranged between a drive shaft connection area and an output shaft connection area. The electric motor encloses a cylindrical volume. A first group of shifting elements is arranged adjacent to and axially along a drive shaft in the direction of the drive shaft connection area offset to the electric motor or is at least partially arranged within the cylindrical volume of the electric motor. Shift forks of the first group of shifting element actuators are arranged adjacent to and axially along the drive shaft in the direction of the drive shaft connection area offset to the first group of shifting elements. A main gear set is arranged at least partially within the cylindrical volume of the electric motor or adjacent to axially along the drive shaft in the direction of the output shaft connection area offset to the electric motor.

Abstract: A mode transition control device is provided for a hybrid vehicle. The mode transition control device reduces a sensation of discomfort that may be imparted to a driver at a time of a mode transition from a series traveling mode to a parallel traveling mode during traveling. During mode transition from the series traveling mode to the parallel traveling mode in a hybrid vehicle, a gear shift stage is selected such that a rotational speed change amount of an internal combustion engine accompanying mode transition is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A wheel driving system includes a generator connected to an engine and configured to generate electrical energy, a front axle configured to drive a front wheel and including a front electric motor configured to produce a driving torque and a front transmission configured to convert the driving torque into a conversion torque and transmit the conversion torque to the front wheel via a front drive shaft, a rear axle configured to drive a rear wheel and including a rear electric motor configured to produce a driving torque and a rear transmission configured to convert the driving torque into a conversion torque and transmit the conversion torque to the rear wheel via a rear drive shaft, and a central connection unit operatively connected to the front drive shaft and the rear drive shaft and configured to transmit the conversion torque between the front axle and the rear axle.

Abstract: An in-wheel motor drive device includes: a motor part; a speed reduction part; a wheel bearing part; and a casing, the motor part including: a stator, which is fixed to the casing; a rotation shaft of a motor, which is rotatably supported on the casing through intermediation of a plurality of rolling bearings; and a rotor, which is mounted to the rotation shaft of the motor, the rotation shaft of the motor being configured to rotationally drive an input shaft of a speed reducer, the speed reduction part being configured to reduce a speed of rotation of the input shaft of the speed reducer to transmit the rotation to an output shaft of the speed reducer, the wheel bearing part being connected to the output shaft of the speed reducer, the rotation shaft of the motor being made of case hardening steel and subjected to carburizing, quenching, and tempering.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle including one or more in-wheel motors, a power electronics supplying power to the one or more in-wheel motors, and a Rankine cycle system is described. The Rankine cycle system includes a pump driving a working fluid through the Rankine cycle system, a heat exchanger receiving the working fluid from to the pump and connected to the power electronics to cool the power electronics, an evaporator heating the working fluid received from the heat exchanger utilizing heat from an exhaust gas from an engine, an expander receiving the working fluid from the evaporator, and a radiator cooling the working fluid received from the expander.

Abstract: A motor vehicle undertray trim panel having an air inlet delimited toward the vehicle and toward the roadway by upper and lower flat elements, respectively, which extend arcuately rearward and upward in the direction of a vehicle engine compartment for air flow cooling. The rear end of the upper flat element is adjoined by a planar air ram plate which runs by a small amount substantially vertically upward, and ends substantially freely in the engine compartment. The air inlet contains eddy producing structures. The structures may be a plurality of air guiding plates which extend along the vehicle vertical axis and the vehicle longitudinal direction in the air inlet and which are curved transversely such that the overall flow cross section in the vehicle longitudinal direction is substantially constant, or a plurality of small air inlets which are integrated into the air inlet.

Abstract: A protective structure for a fuel pump includes a protector including a connecting wall, a first protective wall, and a second protective wall. The first protective wall and the second protective wall are disposed outside the fuel pump assembled to an internal combustion engine. A standing surface of the second protective wall on a side opposite to a second base end surface in a standing direction of the second protective wall includes a curved surface that is concave on the second base end surface side and that becomes closer to the second base end surface side as the curved surface becomes farther from the first protective wall.

Abstract: A valve device forming a ventilation flow channel of a fuel tank includes a float valve; an inside case including a valve opening relative to the float valve at an upper portion, and housing the float valve; an outside case receiving the inside case from an upper open end, and provided with a bottom portion; and an attachment portion relative to a tank side. A flow channel which becomes one portion of the ventilation flow channel is formed between a side portion of the inside case and a side portion of the outside case, and a through hole is provided in the side portion of the inside case. Furthermore, an engagement claw relative to the outside case is provided directly above the through hole.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a control system configured to control a driveline of a motor vehicle to operate in a selected one of a plurality of configurations, the system being configured to cause the driveline to operate in a first configuration and not a second configuration in dependence on a first set of one or more conditions, the system being further configured to override operation in the first configuration and cause the driveline to operate in the second configuration and not the first configuration in dependence on the first set of one or more conditions and in addition a second set of one or more conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a system for aiding driver control of the vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water, the system comprising a measurement apparatus for determining a measured depth of water in which the vehicle is wading. The measurement apparatus is positioned and arranged relative to the vehicle such that the measured depth is indicative of the depth of water in a first measurement region relative to the actual vehicle. The processor is coupled to the measurement apparatus and is configured to calculate an estimated water depth in dependence upon the measured depth and in dependence upon the vehicle speed.

Abstract: An autonomous driving display system includes: an autonomous driving control device to carry out autonomous driving; an autonomous driving display device display state of which is recognizable from outside a vehicle; and an in-vehicle device to make the autonomous driving control device carry out autonomous driving of the vehicle upon receiving an autonomous driving instruction signal instructing autonomous driving, monitor start of the autonomous driving of the vehicle by the autonomous driving control device, and control a display state of the autonomous driving display device to be in a display state different from a display state before the autonomous driving is started when the autonomous driving of the vehicle is started by the autonomous driving control device.

Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a display device, a determiner, and a display controller. The display device provides a display on a window of a vehicle. The determiner determines whether a driver of the vehicle comes close to the vehicle. The display controller controls the display device to provide the display for an outside of the vehicle, when the determiner determines that the driver of the vehicle comes close to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling heating of at least one of an engine and a battery in a hybrid vehicle includes at least one heater and at least one system controller. The system controller receives a command signal and generates a heater control signal based on the command signal. The heater is in the hybrid vehicle and is electrically coupled to an electrical port integrated in the hybrid vehicle. The electrical port receives electric power from a power source external to the hybrid vehicle. In addition, the system includes a heater switch. The heater switch receives the heater control signal to control an amount of energy transferred from the electrical port to the heater and the heater selectively heats at least one of the engine and the battery in the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A battery control system includes a main battery and an auxiliary battery, a direct current DC-DC converter for converting a high voltage output from the main battery into a low voltage between the main battery and the auxiliary battery and supplying the converted low voltage to the auxiliary battery or an electronic load, a relay for intermitting a voltage of the auxiliary battery, and a battery management system for controlling the relay to be turned off in a state in which the DC-DC converter is operated in a constantly ON state, comparing an output voltage of the DC-DC converter and a summation of cell voltages of the auxiliary battery, and detecting a fusion state of the relay according to a comparison result.

Abstract: A locomotive regenerative electric energy feedback system with an ice melting function, comprising two regenerative electric energy feedback devices (1). A direct-current side positive electrode of the regenerative electric energy feedback device (1) is connected to a positive electrode bus of a subway traction network, wherein the positive electrode bus is connected to an uplink contact network and a downlink contact network respectively via a first switching switch (4) and a second switching switch (5). A direct-current side negative electrode of the regenerative electric energy feedback device (1) is connected to the downlink contact network or the uplink contact network via a third switching switch (2), and the direct-current side negative electrode is connected to a negative electrode bus of the subway traction network via a fourth switching switch (3). Further disclosed is a control method corresponding to the system.

Abstract: A control device that includes an electronic control unit that is programmed such that, when the internal combustion engine is started by the rotary electric machine while output torque from the rotary electric machine is transferred to the wheels in a state in which rotation of the internal combustion engine has been stopped, the electronic control unit: executes second slipping control in which the second engagement device is controlled into a slipping engagement state, executes first slipping control in which the first engagement device which has been in a disengaged state is controlled into a slipping engagement state during execution of the second slipping control, and controls an engagement pressure of the first engagement device so as to lower a rotational speed of the rotary electric machine in the first slipping control.

Abstract: A charge-discharge control device charges a power storage device when the charge-discharge control device acquires no warming-up operation command. The charge-discharge control device, when the charge-discharge control device acquires the warming-up operation command, performs warming-up operation by repeated alternatingly charging the power storage device and discharging the power storage device via a first discharger. When a determiner determines during the warming-up operation that an amount of power discharged via the first discharger does not satisfy a criterion, the charge-discharge control device performs the warming-up operation by repeated alternatingly charging the power storage device and discharging the power storage device via a second discharger.

Abstract: The present invention is a battery rescue activating reset device, used for powering a preset battery, the reset device including: a power supplier, a control circuit, an anode connection line, a cathode connection line and a connection line used for resetting. The control circuit includes an electric switch used for switch the power supplier to power the battery, when the anode connection line is connected to the anode end of the battery, or the cathode connection line is connected to the cathode end of the battery, then the connection line used for resetting is connected to both the anode end or the cathode end of the battery, and when the anode connection line is not connected to the anode end of the battery, or the cathode connection line is not connected to the cathode end of the battery, then meanwhile the connection line used for resetting is not connected to the anode end or the cathode end of the battery, making the electric switch closed.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to a compact electric substation for use with charging stations for electric vehicles. A compact substation is equipped with a suitable transformer that steps down the voltage from a mains line from a power utility company to a voltage usable for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The substation is equipped with a distribution component that distributes the lower voltage power to a number of charging stations by way of contactors controlled by a controller. The controller activates/deactivates the relevant contactor to feed power to the relevant charging station based on a user's input at a user terminal. Suitable software in the user terminal ensures that suitable signals are sent to the controller only after the user has set a time frame for how long to charge an EV. The user terminal may be a point of sale terminal that also accepts user payment for the EV recharge.

Abstract: A contactless feeding pad includes a power-receiving side pad, a power-transmitting side pad, and an auxiliary pad. The power-transmitting side pad is different from the power-receiving side pad in size or shape and transmits electric power contactlessly to the power-receiving side pad while being situated oppositely to the power-receiving side pad. The auxiliary pad is installed between the power-transmitting side pad and the power-receiving side pad in close proximity to the power-transmitting side pad or the power-receiving side pad and forms a resonance circuit.

Abstract: The electricity supply device (100) supplies electricity using electromagnetic force and opposes an external electricity reception coil (153a). An electricity supply coil (102a) has a hollow section (102b), and has a spiral shape. A reader (103) has an antenna disposed in the projected space resulting from projecting the hollow section (102b) in the central axial direction of the electricity supply coil (102a) and at a position more separated from the electricity reception coil (153a) than the opposing surface that opposes the electricity reception coil (153a) and is of the electricity supply coil (102a), and ID data transmitted by an RF tag (154) installed proximally to the electricity reception coil (153a) is received and detected by the antenna. An electricity-supply-side control unit (104) determines the presence/absence of an electricity reception coil (153a) on the basis of the ID data detected by the reader (103).

Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes: a non-contact charger disposed at a lower side of a vehicle front portion, configured to receive electric power transmitted from a non-contact power transmitting system, and carrying out charging of a battery that is installed in a vehicle; and a cross member disposed at the vehicle front portion further toward a vehicle front side than the non-contact charger, and extending in a vehicle transverse direction, a bottom surface of the cross member being disposed further toward a vehicle lower side than a bottom surface of the non-contact charger.

Abstract: A ride-on vehicle is provided that has a speed controlled switching system. The ride-on vehicle has a vehicle body having a driver's seat, a plurality of wheels, a motor, a battery electrically connected to the motor, a direction switch assembly electrically connected between the battery and the motor, and a speed switch electrically connected between the direction switch assembly and the motor. The direction switch assembly has a forward button and a reverse button, and is proximal the driver's seat in the vehicle body. The speed switch has a high speed setting and a low speed setting and is distal the driver's seat and generally not accessible by a rider seated in the driver's seat. When the reverse button is actuated the direction switch assembly causes the voltage observed by the motor to be at the low speed setting regardless of the setting of the speed switch.

Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) parallel charging method may comprise determining whether a parallel charging input is detected or not, the parallel charging input being an input that both a conductive charging input and an inductive charging input are sensed; in response to determining that the parallel charging input is detected, comparing a power of the conductive charging input with a power of the inductive charging input; selecting an input applied to a high-voltage battery and an input applied to at least one of an auxiliary battery and a load based on a result of the comparison; and performing a parallel charging operation for the high-voltage battery and at least one of the auxiliary battery and the load by using powers supplied from the selected inputs.

Abstract: A structure is provided. The structure may include an alignment mechanism used to align an electric vehicle in a parking lane of an electric vehicle charging station, and a coupler assembly including an arm and a charging coupler located in the parking lane and positioned beneath the electric vehicle, the charging coupler is positioned at one end of the arm, and is moveable in a vertical direction relative to the parking lane, and another end of the arm is pivotally mounted in the parking lane, where the charging coupler includes one or more electrical contacts in a shape of a right conical frustum extending from the charging coupler in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A computing device for estimating a charge load and a charge time for at least one electric vehicle is described. The computing device is configured to store, in a database coupled to the computing device, charging characteristics associated with a first vehicle of the at least one electric vehicle. The computing device is also configured to receive, from the first electric vehicle, a state of charge of the first electric vehicle, determine an estimated peak charge time and an estimated peak charge load based on the charging characteristics associated with the first electric vehicle and the state of charge of the first electric vehicle, and facilitate determining whether the first electric vehicle is authorized to charge based at least on the estimated peak charge time and the estimated peak charge load.