CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application titled "Automatic Connection Device" application number 62/571,242, filed in the United States Patent Office on October 11, 2017, provisional patent application titled "Quick Electric Connect/Disconnect Device" application number 62/578,662, filed in the United States Patent Office on October 30, 2017, and provisional patent application titled "Automatic EV Charging Connection III" application number 62/626,203 filed in the United States Patent Office on February 05, 2018. This application also claims priority to and the benefit of non-provisional patent application titled "Magnetically Secured Charging Devices" application number 16/157,087, filed in the United States Patent Office on October 10, 2018. The specifications of the above referenced patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] For thousands of years, people have relied on traditional fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and other mineral resources as a source of power. The utilization of fossil fuels has enabled large-scale industrial development. However, increased consumption of fossil fuels in recent years has rapidly depleted fossil fuels. In 2017, the United States imported about 19% of the petroleum it consumed; transportation accounts for nearly three-fourth of the total United States petroleum consumption. Usage of more energy efficient vehicles such as hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles reduces the usage of traditional fossil fuels for transportation since hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles typically use less petroleum fuel compared to vehicles that are powered by conventional internal combustion engines. Plug-in electric vehicles and all electric vehicles are capable of being powered solely by electricity which is produced in the United States from natural gas, domestic coal, nuclear energy, solar energy, and other renewable resources. [0003] A plug-in electric vehicle requires a supply point with a cable and an electrical supply connector at an end of the cable that interfaces with a receiving connector on the plug-in electric vehicle to charge the plug-in electric vehicle. The current state of art involves a plug and plug receptor that requires a human being to first precisely align the plug with a plug receptor, and then apply a force to mate the plug with the plug receptor. For example, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J 1772 plug, a five pin plug requires precise manual alignment of the plug and plug receptor, and a substantial force to insert the plug into the plug receptor. The SAE J 1772 uses a charging standard conforming to the SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler standard, document number J1772, published January 2010 ("SAE J1772 standard". Further human intervention is necessary for activating a switch that enables transfer of electrical power from the electrical supply point to one or more batteries in the plug-in electric vehicle. Alternatively, the current state of the art provides advanced mechanical and/or electrical devices that automatically align and mate the plug and the plug receptor. However, such automatic alignment systems are expensive, fragile, and complicated. An additional critical component of the standard and state of the art is safety involving handling of high voltage as the cable from the electrical supply point usually lies on a pavement and is exposed to dust, heat and moisture, resulting in wear and tear of the cable. Further, the wear and tear of cable may result in electrical shocks to a user when the user is exposed to a bare cable. Though wireless charging devices are available in the market for charging electronic devices, wireless charging device for large vehicles such as electric cars are rarely reported.

[0004] Hence, there is a long felt need for a charging device that does not require substantial human effort or intervention to precisely align and mate an electrical supply connector connected to the electrical supply point with an electrical receiving connector connected to the plug-in electric vehicle. Also, there is a need for a charging device that automatically initiates charging of the plug-in electric vehicle after a successful connection is established between the electrical supply connector and the electrical receiving connector. Furthermore, there is a need for a charging device that is inexpensive, simple, safe, and robust. Moreover, there is a need for a charging device that is less susceptible to heat, dust, moisture, and wear and tear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] The method and charging devices disclosed herein address the above recited needs for a charging device that does requires minimal human effort and intervention to precisely align and mate an electrical supply connector connected to the electrical supply point with an electrical receiving connector connected to the plug-in electric vehicle. Furthermore, the charging device disclosed herein automatically initiates charging of the plug-in electric vehicle after a successful connection is established between the electrical supply connector and the electrical receiving connector. Furthermore, the charging device disclosed herein is inexpensive, simple, safe, and robust. Moreover, the charging device disclosed herein is less susceptible to heat, dust, moisture, and wear and tear.

[0007] The electrical supply connector device disclosed herein comprises a flexible support member and a supply connector frame connected to a lower end of the flexible support member. The supply connector frame comprises magnetic nodes. For example, the magnetic nodes are mounted on the supply connector frame.

[0008] The electrical receiving connector device disclosed herein comprises a receiving connector frame and magnetic nodes mounted on the receiving connector frame.

[0009] In the method disclosed herein, the electrical supply connector device and the receiving connector device are attached. For example, the electrical supply connector device and the receiving connector device are attached in order to initiate a flow of electrical current from the electrical supply connector device to the receiving connector device. The magnetic nodes on the supply connector frame and the magnetic nodes on the receiving connector frame are arranged in a first configuration. The receiving connector frame is aligned with the supply connector frame. The receiving connector frame is advanced towards the supply connector frame. The magnetic nodes on the supply connector frame are attached to a corresponding one of the magnetic nodes on the receiving connector frame. The flexible support member comprising the supply connector frame located at the lower end of the flexible support member reduces the precision and force required for establishing a connection between the electrical supply connector device and the electrical receiving connector device. The flexible support member provides a flexibility for movement of the supply connector frame towards the receiving connector frame when the magnetic nodes on the supply connector frame and the plurality of magnetic nodes on the receiving connector frame of the electrical receiving connector device are in proximity with each other. The magnetic nodes on the supply connector frame are configured to magnetically attract and attach to the corresponding one of the magnetic nodes on the receiving connector frame.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, related systems comprise circuitry and/or programming for effecting the methods disclosed herein. The circuitry and/or

programming can be any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to implement the methods disclosed herein depending upon the design choices of the system designer. Also, in an embodiment, various structural elements can be employed depending on the design choices of the system designer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and components disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a component referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or component shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates a front elevation view of an electrical supply connector device with a flexible support member comprising a first spring member and a second spring member located along a length of the flexible support member.

[0013] FIG. IB illustrates a bottom view of the electrical supply connector device showing a cancelling of opposing torsional forces of the first spring member and the second spring member mounted side by side.

[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a front side perspective view of the electrical supply connector device with the first spring member and the second spring member in a relaxed state.

[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates a front side perspective of the electrical supply connector device with the first spring member and the second spring member stretched to enable a supply connector frame to connect with a receiving connector frame of a receiving connector device to charge an electric vehicle.

[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the supply connector frame and the receiving connector frame.

[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of magnetic nodes on the supply connector frame connected to the magnetic nodes on the receiving connector frame to charge an electric vehicle connected to the receiving connector device.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of an electrical supply connector device with a swivel structure adapted to align the magnetic nodes positioned on the supply connector frame to the magnetic nodes located on the receiving connector frame. [0019] FIG. 5A illustrates a supply relay circuit for initiating a flow of electrical current from an electrical power supply to the magnetic nodes of the electrical supply connector device.

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates a receiving relay circuit for establishing a circuit path for flow of the electrical current through the magnetic nodes of the electrical receiving connector device.

[0021] FIGS. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate perspective views of a license plate frame sized receiving connector frame and a license plate frame sized supply connector frame.

[0022] FIGS. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the license plate frame sized receiving connector frame and the license plate frame sized supply connector frame that use inductive power transmission for charging the electric vehicle.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an intervention circuit designed to allow an electric vehicle to pull away from a breakable magnet connection between the magnetic nodes of the supply connector frame and the magnetic nodes of the receiving connector frame.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a method for attaching an electrical supply connector device and a receiving connector device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a front elevation view of an electrical supply connector device 101 with a flexible support member lOlg comprising a first spring member 101a and a second spring member 101b located along a length of the flexible support member lOlg. In an embodiment, the flexible support member lOlg is a combination of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b.

[0026] In an embodiment, the electrical supply connector device 101 comprises a flexible support member lOlg and a supply connector frame lOlh connected to a lower end lOli of the flexible support member lOlg. The supply connector frame lOlh comprises magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 are configured to be connected to an electrical power supply 105. For example, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 are configured to be connected to the electrical power supply 105 through a supply relay circuit 501, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5A. For example, the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 are connected to live and neutral wires 105, respectively, of the electrical power supply, and the magnetic node 102 is connected to a ground wire 117 of the electrical power supply.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1A, the electrical supply connector device 101 further comprises an elongated support member 101ο. The elongated support member 101ο comprises a first end lOlr and a second end 101s. The second end 101s of the elongated support member 101ο is attached to an upper end lOlp of the flexible support member lOlg. The elongated support member 101ο may be attached to a rigid support structure 118, and the first end lOlr of said elongated support member 101ο is attached to the rigid support structure 118 through one or more fasteners. Examples of rigid support structure 118 comprise a beam, a wall, etc.

[0028] In an embodiment, the electrical supply connector device 101 is used to charge an electric vehicle 202. The electric vehicle 202 to be charged using the electrical supply connector device 101 comprises an electrical receiving connector device 119 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2B. The electrical receiving connector device 119 comprises a receiving connector frame 106 and magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 attached to the receiving connector frame 106, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 3A. [0029] In an embodiment, the flexible support member lOlg comprises a first spring member 101a and a second spring member 101b, located along a length of the flexible support member lOlg. Furthermore, the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The flexible support member lOlg comprises a first binder lOlj and a second binder 101c. An upper end lOlt of the first spring member 101a and an upper end lOlu of the second spring member 101b are fastened to the first binder lOlj. A lower end lOlv of the first spring member 101a and a lower end lOlw of the second spring member 101b are fastened to the second binder 101c, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1A. In an embodiment, the supply connector frame lOlh is connected to the flexible support member lOlg proximal to the second binder 101c. Further, the direction of winding of the first spring member 101a is opposite to the direction of winding of the second spring member 101b. The parallel arrangement of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b, and binding of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b using the first binder lOlj and the second binder 101c neutralize and cancel opposing torsional forces of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b, and positions the supply connector frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 perpendicular to the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b. Neutralizing and canceling the opposing torsional forces cause the supply connector frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 to align perpendicular to the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b. The perpendicular alignment of the supply connector frame lOlh to the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b enables the supply connector frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 to align with the receiving connector frame 106 comprising magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2B. The first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b carry weight of the supply connector frame lOlh. The the first binder lOlj and the second binder 101c hold the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b together, and connect the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b to the supply frame lOlh. [0030] The supply connector frame lOlh comprises a first substantially flat surface 201a and a second substantially flat surface 201b below the first substantially flat surface 201a, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2B. The supply connector frame lOlh is connected to the lower end lOli of the flexible support member lOlg through the second substantially flat surface 201b.

[0031] FIG. IB illustrates a bottom view of the electrical supply connector device 101 showing the neutralization and canceling of opposing torsional forces of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b mounted side by side. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. IB, the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b are positioned substantially parallel to each other. Further, the direction of winding of the first spring member 101a is opposite to the direction of winding of the second spring member 101b. The substantially parallel arrangement of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b, and binding of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b using the first binder lOlj and the second binder 101c, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1A, neutralize and cancel opposing torsional forces of the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b.

[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates a front left side perspective view of the electrical supply connector device 101 with the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b in a relaxed state. Consider an example where the first spring member 101a is wound in a clockwise direction and the second spring member 101b is wound in a counter clockwise direction to neutralize and cancel the opposing torsional forces of the first and second spring members 101a and 101b. By neutralizing and canceling the opposing torsional forces, the supply connector frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b. Furthermore, by neutralizing and canceling the opposing torsional forces, the supply connector frame lOlh is aligned substantially in the same plane as the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b. The alignment of the supply connector frame lOlh perpendicular to the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b, and the alignment of the supply connector frame lOlh substantially in the same plane as the first spring member 101a, the second spring member 101b enables alignment of the supply connector frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 with the receiving connector frame 106 comprising the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0033] In an embodiment, the electrical supply connector device 101 comprising the flexible support member lOlg and the supply connector frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 reduces the precision and force required for establishing a connection between the electrical supply connector device 101 and an electrical receiving connector device 119, as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0034] FIG. 2B illustrates a front side perspective of the electrical supply connector device 101 with the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b stretched to enable a supply connector frame lOlh to connect with a receiving connector frame 106 of an electrical receiving connector device 119 to charge an electric vehicle 202. The flexible support member lOlg reduces the precision required for establishing the connection between the electrical supply connector device 101 and the electrical receiving connector device 119 by providing flexibility for movement of the supply connector frame lOlh towards the receiving connector frame 106 when the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh and magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106 are in proximity with each other.

[0035] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the supply connector frame lOlh and the receiving connector frame 106. FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 in the supply connector frame lOlh connected to the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 in the receiving connector frame 106 to charge an electric vehicle 202 connected to the electrical receiving connector device 119. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh are configured to magnetically attract and attach to a corresponding one of the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106. For example, the magnetic node 102 on the supply connector frame lOlh is configured to magnetically attract and attach to magnetic node 107 on the receiving connector frame 106, as illustrated in FIGS.2B and 3B. Similarly, for example, the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh are configured to magnetically attract and attach to magnetic nodes 108 and 109, respectively on the receiving connector frame 106, as illustrated in FIGS.2B and 3B.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the precision and force required for establishing a connection between the electrical supply connector device 101 and an electrical receiving connector device 119 is significantly less compared to a conventional plugged connection, while simultaneously providing flexibility to the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 in the supply connector frame lOlh to magnetically attract and attach to a corresponding one of the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 in the receiving connector frame 106.

[0037] In an embodiment, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106 are electrically conductive, and include one or a combination of permanent magnets, electro-permanent magnets and electromagnets. Furthermore, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh are physically mounted on the supply connector frame lOlh, and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106 are physically mounted on the receiving connector frame 106. For example, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104, and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 are physically hard mounted by drilling or welding the magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109 on the supply connector frame lOlh and the receiving connector frame 106. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109 do not require resilient mounts to connect with another one of the magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109.

[0038] In an embodiment, the first spring member 101a and the second spring member 101b that are located along the length of the flexible support member lOlg allow the electrical supply connector device 101 to be stretched and pulled towards the receiving connector device 119 for attaching the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh to the corresponding one of the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106.

[0039] As exemplary illustrated in FIG.1A, the magnetic nodes comprise a first magnetic node 102, a second magnetic node 103, and a third magnetic node 104. The supply connector frame lOlh comprises a first side 101k, a second side lOlq, a third side 101m, and a fourth side 101η located adjacent to the first substantially flat surface and the second substantially flat surface. The first side 101k is located adjacent to the second side lOlq and the third side 101m, and the first magnetic node 102, the second magnetic node, 103 and the third magnetic node 104 are located on the first substantially flat surface proximal to the first side 101k, the second side lOlq, and the third side 101m as exemplarily illustrated in FIG.1A.

[0040] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG.2A, the first side 101k is located adjacent to the second side lOlq and the third side 101m, and the fourth side 101η is located opposite to the first side 101k, and adjacent to the second side lOlq and the third side 101m. The first magnetic node 102 is located on the first substantially flat surface proximal to the first side 101k, and the second magnetic node 103 and the third magnetic node 104 are located on the first substantially flat surface proximal to the fourth side 101η. Thus, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 in the supply connector frame lOlh are arranged in a first configuration, for example, a tripod configuration. In the tripod configuration, the magnetic node 102 is located proximal to the first side 101k, and the second magnetic node 102 and the third magnetic node 103 are located proximal to the fourth side 101η.

[0041] In an embodiment, the electrical receiving connector device 119 comprises a receiving connector frame 106 and magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 attached to the receiving connector frame 106, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG.3A. The magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106 and the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh are arranged in the first configuration, for example, a tripod configuration. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located in the supply connector frame lOlh are configured to magnetically mate and fasten to the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located in the receiving connector frame 106.

[0042] As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2A, the counter wound spring members 101a, 101b located along the length of the flexible support memberlOlg are in a relaxed, magnetically unattached state with the spring members 101a and 101b in a straight posture. As shown in FIG. 1A, the second binder 101c secures the first and second counter wound springs 101a and 101b to the supply connector frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located along the first side 101k, second side lOlq, and third side 101m of the supply connector frame lOlh. In an embodiment, the flexible support member lOlg has only one spring member 101a secured by the binder 101c to the frame lOlh comprising the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104.

[0043] As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2B, the spring members 101a and 101b located along the length of the flexible support member lOlg provide the required stretch 201c necessary for the electrical supply connector device 101 to pull itself towards the receiving connector frame 106 due to the magnetic force created by the attraction of magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located on the supply connector frame 101 and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located on the receiving connector frame 106, and connect with the receiving connector frame 106. More specifically, when the supply connector frame lOlh and the receiving connector frame 106 are in proximity with each other, the spring members 101a and 101b stretch 201c allowing the supply connector frame lOlh to move towards the receiving connector frame 106 due to the magnetic force created by the attraction of magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located on the supply connector frame 101 and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located on the receiving connector frame 106, and connect with the receiving connector frame 106, thereby establishing a magnetic and electrical connection. The electricity necessary for charging the electric vehicle 202 through the wires 105 is supplied once the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located on the supply connector frame lOlh attach to the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106. [0044] The electrical supply connector device 101 disclosed herein allows an otherwise non-precisely aligned supply connector frame lOlh to align and connect with a receiving connector frame 106. The spring members 101a and 101b of the flexible support member lOlg offer the required stretch 201c necessary for the supply connector frame lOlh to pull itself towards the receiving connector frame 106 that may be out of alignment or distanced from the supply connector frame lOlh, for example, by about 3 inches or less, with a magnetic force created due to attraction of magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104, with magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109, and connect with the receiving connector frame 106. The electrical supply connector device 101 comprises affordable components comprising first and second spring members 101a and 101b, and magnetic connectors 102, 103, and 104. The electrical supply connector device 101 allows establishment of a reliable magnetic connection for charging an electric vehicle 202. Furthermore, the electrical supply connector device 101 is simply retracted away when the charging is complete to terminate the connection.

[0045] As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3A, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 in the supply connector frame lOlh are configured to magnetically attach to corresponding magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 in the receiving connector frame 106 of an electrical receiving connector device 119 when the supply connector frame lOlh and the receiving connector frame 106 are in proximity with each other, and when the magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109 in the supply connector frame lOlh and the receiving connector frame 106 are arranged in the first configuration, for example, the tripod configuration. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located in the supply connector frame lOlh are configured to magnetically mate and fasten to the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located in the receiving connector frame 106.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located in the supply connector frame lOlh connect to magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located on a receiving connector frame 106 to charge the electric vehicle 202. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 are electrically conductive. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located on the supply connector frame lOlh and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located on the receiving connector frame 106 are electrically wired 105 and 110 to carry high voltage for charging an electric vehicle 202. In an embodiment, the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 are connected to live and neutral wires 105, respectively, of the electrical power supply, and the magnetic node 102 is connected to a ground wire 117 of the electrical power supply. Similarly, the magnetic nodes 108 and 109 are connected to a battery of an electric vehicle 202, and the magnetic node 107 is connected to a ground point of the electric vehicle 202. Thus, the exposed magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109 are magnets that are electrically conductive and wired 105 and 110 to transfer or receive electricity. Magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109 provide the force to secure and hold the connectors together and also conduct the electrical current from the electrical supply connector device 101 to the electrical receiving connector device 119.

[0047] The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located in the supply connector frame lOlh and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located in the receiving connector frame 106 are tripod magnetic node mirrors, to magnetically mate the supply connector frame lOlh to the receiving connector frame 106 located on the electric vehicle 202, to charge the electric vehicle 202. As both the connector assemblies employ a tripod scheme for the arrangement of magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109, resilient mechanisms are not necessary since the tripod scheme provides hard physical mating of each of the magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109 on both the electrical supply connector device 101 and the electrical receiving connector device 119.

[0048] FIG.4 exemplary illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of an electrical supply connector device 101 with a swivel structure 401 to align the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 positioned on the supply connector frame lOlh with the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located on the receiving connector frame 106. In this embodiment, the electrical supply connector device 101 comprises a swivel structure 401, a first arm 402, a second arm 403, and a movable joint 404. The movable joint 404 connects an upper end 406a of a flexible support member 406 with a second end 403b of the second arm 403. The swivel structure 401 comprises a base 401a and a rotatable member 401b.

[0049] In an embodiment, the rotatable member 401b, for example, is configured to rotate the first arm 402, the second arm 403, the movable joint 404, and the electrical supply connector device 101 about a horizontal axis of the base 401a. In another embodiment, the rotatable member 401b, for example, is configured to rotate the first arm 402, the second arm 403, the movable joint 404, and the electrical supply connector device 101 about one or more of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis of the base 401a. The first arm 402 comprises a first end 402a connected to the rotatable member 401b and a second end 402b connected to a first end 403a of the second arm 403. The second end 403b of the second arm 403 is connected to a first end 406a of the flexible support member 406 and a second end 406b of the flexible support member 406 is attached to the supply connector frame lOlh. In this embodiment, movements of the flexible support member 406 connecting the supply connector frame lOlh is activated by a sensor 405 using servo motors located in the movable joint 404 and the swivel structure 401.

[0050] The movable joint 404 is configured to rotate the electrical supply connector device 101 about a vertical axis of the supply connector device 101. The sensor 405 monitors and identifies a location of the receiving connector frame 106. After identifying the location of the receiving connector frame 106, the sensor 405 utilizes a control circuitry to provide signals to the servo motors in the swivel structure 401 and the moveable joint 404, to position the supply connector frame lOlh into connectable proximity of the receiving connector frame 106. Therefore, the sensor 405 enables the supply connector frame lOlh to attach to the receiving connector frame 106, when the electric vehicle 202 equipped with receiving connector frame 106 approaches the supply connector frame lOlh. In this embodiment, the structure of the flexible support member 406 may be similar to the structure of the flexible support member lOlg described in FIGS. 1A, IB, 2A and 2B. Alternatively, flexible support member 406 comprises hinged mechanisms for connecting to the supply connector frame and the second arm 403. [0051] FIG.5A illustrates a supply relay circuit 501 for initiating a flow of electrical current from the electrical power supply 105 to the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 of the electrical supply connector device 101. In an embodiment, the supply relay circuit 501 is located within the electrical supply connector device 101. FIG.5B illustrates a receiving relay circuit 502 for establishing a circuit path for flow of the electrical current through the magnetic nodes 108 and 109 of the electrical receiving connector device 119. In an embodiment, the receiving relay circuit 502 is located within the electrical receiving connector device 119.

[0052] In an embodiment, the supply relay circuit 501 comprises a first reed switch S 1 112 and a second magnet M2503. The first reed switch S I 112 is activated due to proximity of a first magnet Ml 504 in the receiving relay circuit 502 of the receiving connector device 119. The activation of the first reed switch S I 112 causes a first relay Rl 113 of the supply relay circuit 501 to establish a circuit path for flow of the electrical current from the electrical power supply 105 to the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh. The receiving relay circuit comprises a second reed switch S2114 that is activated by proximity of the second magnet M2503 in the supply relay circuit 501. The activation of the second reed switch S2114 causes the second relay R2 115 of the receiving relay circuit 502 to establish a circuit path for flow of the electrical current from the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh to one or more batteries connected to the receiving relay circuit 502 through the magnetic nodes 108 and 109 on the receiving connector device 119 attached to the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 of the electrical supply connector device 101.

[0053] In an embodiment, the magnetic nodes 103 and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh and the magnetic nodes 108 and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106 are high current exposed magnetic nodes. As exemplarily illustrated in FIGS.5A and 5B, the high current exposed magnetic nodes, 103, 104, 108, and 109 are only activated when the first magnet Ml 504 and the second magnet 503 are proximal to the first reed switch S I 112 and the second reed switch S2114, respectively. Therefore, the second reed switch S2114 in not activated in the absence of a proximity of the second magnet M2 503 of the supply connector device 101. Therefore, voltage cannot escape the electric vehicle 202 or batteries of the electric vehicle 202 through relay R2115 to the exposed high voltage magnetic nodes 108 and 109. Therefore, open relay R2115 passively protects humans in the vicinity of the electric vehicle 202 during and after charging.

[0054] FIG.5A and FIG.5B exemplarily illustrates wires 116, 117 and magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109, including pilot signal wires 116 and ground wires 117 drawn in to show conformity in this case with SAE J 1772 standard. Further, the low current exposed magnetic nodes say, for example 612, 613 and the ground exposed magnetic nodes labeled say, for example, 102, 107 do not pose a threat of electrocution as that of the high voltage exposed magnetic nodes 104, 109, 103 and 108 of the connectors lOlh, 106.

[0055] Low voltage is not generally dangerous to an user. For instance, a 12 volt car battery has enough wattage to start a car's engine, but because of the low voltage potential in 12 volts, an user cannot be shocked even if he puts his wet hands on both the positive and negative poles of a 12 volt car battery at the same time. Similarly, a common 9 volt radio battery when dragged with wet hands results only an annoying amount of wattage with no injury. High voltage is significantly more dangerous and can potentially kill an user. A typical socket in a house can deliver a severe and possibly life threatening shock at 120 volts. There is therefore usually a significant difference in danger in higher voltages compared to safer lower voltages.

[0056] The SAE J 1772 standard employs a signaling protocol used for signaling between electric vehicle 202 and the supply connector device 101 to communicate charging states, and to initiate and terminate charging. When the batteries of the electric vehicle 202 are completely charged, the SAE J1772 sends a signal to the supply connector device 101.

[0057] FIG.8 illustrates an embodiment of an intervention circuit 600 designed to allow an electric vehicle 202 to pull away from a breakable magnet connection between the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 of the supply connector frame lOlh and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 of the receiving connector frame 106. The intervention circuit 600 may for example, be a J 1772 intervention circuit 600 designed to allow an electric vehicle 202 to pull away from the breakable magnet connection even when the electric vehicle 202 believes it is "plugged in" to a non-breakable connection. The circuit monitors the J1772 pilot wire 'P' 116, for example also illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 5A, and 5B and affects logical electronic charger connection and disconnection to the electric vehicle 202 by opening and closing a third relay R3 610 and a fourth relay R4 611 connecting the proximity wire 111 and pilot wire 'P' 116, respectively, with the electric vehicle 202. In an embodiment, the electrical receiving connector device 119 comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) 'CI' 615 wired to the J1772 pilot wire 'P' 116. The programmable logic controller (PLC) 'CI' 615 is configured to monitor the state of charging of the electric vehicle 202. The programmable logic controller (PLC) 'CI' 615 is further configured to completely disconnect the connection of the proximity wire 111 and pilot wire 'P' 116 to the electric vehicle 202, upon completion of charging of the electric vehicle, allowing the electric vehicle 202 to drive away even though the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 of the supply connector frame lOlh and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 of the receiving connector frame 106 are still connected through the breakable magnetic connection. In addition, the intervention circuit, upon receiving a signal from the Pilot wire 'P' 116, causes the electrical supply connector device 101 to retract away from the electric vehicle 202.

[0058] The intervention circuit 600 is further configured to automatically reset itself restoring the third relay R3 610 and the fourth relay R4 611 to the closed position allowing the Pilot wire 'P' 116 that is in connection with the charger to open a new communication with the electric vehicle 202 for instigating a logical connection and for providing an opportunity to continue charging or create a new charging process. The closed connection of the proximity wire 111 of the electric vehicle 202 connects the proximity wire 111 to a ground wire 105g and adds an appropriate J 1772 signal ohmic resistance RS 614. [0059] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of a license plate frame sized receiving connector frame 106 and a license plate frame sized supply connector frame lOlh.

[0060] In an embodiment, the license plate frame sized receiving connector frame 106 is mounted on a license plate frame of the electric vehicle 202. The license plate frame sized supply connector frame lOlh with wires 105 connected to magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh conducts electricity through the contacts, i.e. magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located on the supply connector frame lOlh to contacts, i.e., magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 mounted on the receiving connector frame 106. Shape of a license plate and area of installation of the license plate area are in general universally common to each vehicle type, for example, vehicle types such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. Therefore, the receiving connector frame 106 and/or electrical receiving connector device 119 may be designed or manufactured to a specific vehicle type.

[0061] As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 6A, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located on the frame of the license plate sized supply connector frame lOlh connects to magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located on a license plate sized receiving connector frame 106 in an electric vehicle 202 to charge the electric vehicle 202. The license plate sized receiving connector frame 106 is located on a license mount frame assembly of an electric vehicle 202. The purpose is to use the existing license plate frame assembly of the electric vehicle 202 to connect to the electric vehicle 202 such as a car in a non- intrusive fashion while still providing a large stable area for the supply connector frame lOlh to mate to the electric vehicle 202 for delivering an electrical charge to the electric vehicle 202.

[0062] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the license plate frame sized receiving connector frame 106 and the license plate frame sized supply connector frame lOlh that uses inductive power transmission for charging electric vehicle 202. [0063] As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 7A, the receiving connector frame 106

comprises permanent and/or electromagnets 120a, 121a, and 122a, and a receiving inductor coil 124. As shown in FIG. 7A, the supply connector frame lOlh comprises permanent and/or electromagnets 120b, 121b, and 122b, and a supply inductor coil 125. After the supply connector frame lOlh and the receiving connector frame 106 are mated together by the movement of the spring members 101a, 101b, the supply inductor coil 125 is aligned to the receiving inductor coil 124 for charging the electric vehicle 202. The supply inductor coil 125 is configured to generate an electromagnetic field for transferring energy to the receiving inductor coil 124, when the supply inductor coil 125 is aligned with the receiving inductor coil 124.

[0064] As exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the permanent and/or

electromagnets 120a, 121a, and 122a located on the frame of the license plate sized supply connector frame lOlh connect to permanent and/or electromagnets 120b, 121b, and 122b located on a license plate sized receiving connector frame 106 in an electric vehicle 202. Once connected, the supply inductor coil 125 is aligned to the receiving inductor coil 124 thereby allowing current to flow from the supply wires 105 of the license plate sized supply connector frame lOlh to the receiving wires 110 of the license plate sized receiving connector frame 106, thereby allowing wireless power transfer.

[0065] In an embodiment, the receiving connector frame 106 is part of a side, quarter panel or fender of any electric vehicle 202. The permanent and/or electromagnets 120a, 121a, and 122a and the receiving inductor coil 124 are placed under a body panel of the electric vehicle 202 instead of a license plate frame. Here, when the permanent and/or electromagnets 120b, 121b, and 122b of the supply connector frame lOlh are connected to the permanent and/or electromagnets 120a, 121a, and 122a of the receiving connector frame 106, the supply inductor coil 125 uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy to the receiving inductor coil 124 through the body panel of electric vehicle 202. In an embodiment, the permanent and/or electromagnets 120a, 121a, and 122a of the receiving connector frame 106 are positioned on the body panel of the electric vehicle 202 for the most direct possible inductive connection.

[0066] In an embodiment, the supply connector frame lOlh is positioned in a

predetermined position corresponding to x, y, z coordinates of a license plate of the electric vehicle 202 in a parking garage so that the when electric vehicle 202 with the license plate frame sized receiving connector frame 106 approaches the supply connector frame lOlh of the electrical supply connector device 101, the magnetic nodes 107, 108 and 109 of the receiving connector frame 106 is attracted to the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 of the supply connector frame lOlh to charge the electric vehicle 202. Here, one end of the elongated support member is attached towards a rigid support structure 118 such as a beam in a parking garage so as to mount the elongated support member to a plug receptor located on the beam to provide power supply to the wires 105 connected to the electrical supply connector device 101.

[0067] Thus, the electrical supply connector device 101 uses spring members 101a, 101b, wired magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 to provide a cost effective charging device to charge the electric vehicle 202. The magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 located in the supply connector frame lOlh and the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 located in the receiving connector frame 106 are tripod magnetic node mirrors, to magnetically mate the supply connector frame lOlh to the receiving connector frame 106 located on the electric vehicle 202, to charge the electric vehicle 202. Further, the electrical supply and receiving connector devices 101, 119 are only activated when the magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, and 109 of the electrical supply and receiving connector devices 101, 119 are in proximity.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates a method for attaching an electrical supply connector device 101 and an electrical receiving connector device 119. The method comprises providing 901 an electrical supply connector device 101 comprising a flexible support member lOlg and a supply connector frame lOlh connected to a lower end lOli of the flexible support member lOlg. The supply connector frame lOlh comprises a plurality of magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 arranged in a first configuration, for example, a tripod configuration, and the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 are connected to an electrical power supply 105 as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS. 1A and IB.

[0069] The method also provides 902 an electrical receiving connector device 119 comprising a plurality of magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 arranged in the first configuration, for example, a tripod configuration as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS. 3A and 3B. A receiving connector frame 106 of the electrical receiving connector device 119 mounted on an electric vehicle 202 is aligned 903 with the supply connector frame lOlh. The receiving connector frame 106 is advanced 904 towards the electrical supply connector device 101. For example, an electric vehicle 202 with the license plate frame sized receiving connector frame 106 approaches the supply connector frame lOlh positioned in a predetermined position corresponding to x, y, z coordinates of a license plate of the electric vehicle 202. Next, the magnetic nodes 102, 103, and 104 on the supply connector frame lOlh attach 905 to a corresponding one of the magnetic nodes 107, 108, and 109 on the receiving connector frame 106.

[0070] A flow of electrical current is initiated from the electrical power supply 105 to the magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104 of the electrical supply connector device 101, when the magnetic nodes 107, 108, 109 of the electrical receiving connector device 119 are in direct contact with the magnetic nodes 102, 103, 104 of the electrical supply connector device 101 by a supply relay circuit as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS. 5A- 5B. A reed switch SI 112 located on the supply relay circuit is activated by the proximity of first magnet Ml 504 of the electrical supply connector device 101. Upon activation of the reed switch SI 112, electric current flows through a relay Rl 113 thereby allowing electricity to flow from wires 105 connected to the high voltage magnetic nodes say, for example, 108 and 109 exposed on the receiving connector frame 106 through the high voltage magnetic nodes 103 and 104 exposed on the supply connector frame lOlh, as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS. 5A-5B. [0071] In an embodiment, when the receiving connector frame 106 is aligned with a supply connector frame lOlh, a circuit path is established for the flow of the electrical current through a receiving relay circuit of the receiving connector device 119 to charge one or more batteries connected to the receiving relay circuit. A reed switch S2 114 located on the receiving connector device 119 is activated by the proximity of a second magnet M2 503 of the electrical supply connector device 101 as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS. 5A-5B. The activation of a reed switch S2 114 activates an open relay R2 115 thereby enabling flow of electricity from the supply voltage wires 105 to the receiving voltage wires 110 connected to the batteries of electric vehicle 202 through the high voltage magnetic nodes 108 and 109, as disclosed in the detailed description of FIGS. 5A-5B.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, the receiving connector frame 106 comprises permanent and/or electromagnets 120a, 121a, and 122a, and a receiving inductor coil 124. The supply connector frame lOlh comprises permanent and/or electromagnets 120b, 121b, and 122b, and a supply inductor coil 125. After the supply connector frame lOlh and the receiving connector frame 106 are mated together by the movement of the spring members 101a, 101b, the supply inductor coil 125 is aligned to the receiving inductor coil 124 for charging the electric vehicle 202. The supply inductor coil 125 is configured to generate an electromagnetic field for transferring energy to the receiving inductor coil 124, when the supply inductor coil 125 is aligned with the receiving inductor coil 124.

[0073] As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 7B, the electromagnets 120a, 121a, and 122a located on the frame of the license plate sized supply connector frame lOlh connect to electromagnets 120b, 121b, and 122b located on a license plate sized receiving connector frame 106 in an electric vehicle 202. Once connected, the supply inductor coil 125 is aligned to the receiving inductor coil 124 thereby allowing current to flow from the supply wires 105 of the license plate sized supply connector frame lOlh to the receiving wires 110 of the license plate sized receiving connector frame 106, thereby allowing wireless power transfer. [0074] The foregoing examples have been provided merely for explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the electrical supply connector device 101 and the electrical receiving connector device 119 disclosed herein. While the electrical supply connector device 101 and the electrical receiving connector device 119 have been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the electrical supply connector device 101 and the electrical receiving connector device 119 have been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the electrical supply connector device 101 and the electrical receiving connector device 119 are not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the electrical supply connector device 101 and the electrical receiving connector device 119 extend to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, that the method, the electrical supply connector device 101, and the electrical receiving connector device 119 disclosed herein are capable of modifications and other embodiments may be effected and changes may be made thereto, without departing from the scope and spirit of the electrical supply connector device 101 and electrical receiving connector device 119 disclosed herein.