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Auto-seek electrical connection for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

  • US 8,033,349 B2
  • Filed: 03/12/2009
  • Issued: 10/11/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling a battery-powered vehicle having steerable wheels and a power steering system, a motor electrically coupled to the battery for powering vehicle traction wheels and a controllable vehicle suspension system for vertically adjusting the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

  • determining vehicle position relative to a stationary element of an electrical connector for a utility power grid;

    determining a position of a second element of the electrical connector supported on the vehicle;

    determining relative positions of the stationary element and the second connector element using x-axis, y-axis and z-axis coordinates;

    using the motor to incrementally advance the position of the vehicle in an x-axis direction on a heading toward the stationary connector element;

    using the power steering system to guide the vehicle toward the stationary connector element as vehicle y-axis position adjustments are made to align the connector elements; and

    using the vehicle controllable suspension system to adjust the vehicle incrementally in a z-axis direction as vehicle position adjustments are made to align the connector elements;

    the vehicle thereby being maneuvered with a heading in an auto-seek mode to mechanically connect the connector elements.

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