FLOATING LIFT WITH CHARGING SYSTEM

One or more examples provide an electric vehicle or a device for use with an electric vehicle, including a floating lift having a watercraft charging system.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to examples of electric watercraft and to devices for use with an electric watercraft, including electric watercraft batteries and electric watercraft charging systems and devices.

BACKGROUND

Electric watercraft and electric watercraft devices provide quiet, clean, and efficient powertrains for moving from place to place or having fun on water. When not in use, an electric watercraft can be parked on a floating lift.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides one or more examples of an electric watercraft and systems and/or devices for use with an electric watercraft. In one or more examples, the system is a floating lift that includes an electric watercraft charging system and/or charging device.

Additional and/or alternative features and aspects of examples of the present technology will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electric vehicles (EVs), such as automobiles (e.g., cars and trucks), autonomous vehicles, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-side vehicles (SSVs), and electric bikes, for example, offer a quiet, clean, and more environmentally friendly option to gas-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles have electric powertrains which typically include a battery system, one or more electrical motors, each with a corresponding electronic power inverter (sometimes referred to as a motor controller), and various auxiliary systems (e.g., cooling systems).

Watercraft Floating Lift with Charging System

The present disclosure provides a watercraft floating lift with a charging system. In one example, the floating lift is used as part of an electric watercraft charging system and includes an on-board charging system. The charging system can include a charging station entirely located on the floating lift, or can include components of the charging station located near the floating lift with a charging interface unit positioned on the floating lift.

Watercraft Floating Lift with Charging Battery

The present disclosure provides a Watercraft Floating lift with a charging battery. In one example, the floating lift is used as part of an electric watercraft charging system and includes an on-board charging system including a charging battery. The charging system can include a charging station entirely located on the floating lift, or can include components of the charging station located near the floating lift with a charging interface unit positioned on the floating lift. The charging battery is located on the floating lift to aid in charging a watercraft positioned on or near the lift and in need of a charge.

One or More Examples and Features of a Watercraft Floating Lift with a Charging System and/or Charging Battery are Detailed Herein and Illustrated in the Figures(s), and can Include a Combination of One or More of the Following Features.

FIG.1is a diagram generally illustrating a floating lift100with a charging system, according to examples of the present disclosure. The floating lift100includes a float body110and a charging system112. The charging system112includes one or more charging components114integrated into the float body. The float body110docks or stores a watercraft (e.g., an electric watercraft) when not in use. Charging system112is operable to charge an electric watercraft docked on the float body110, and/or energize electric components located on the float body (lights, sensors, robotics, winches, etc).

The float body110includes a top side116and a bottom side118. The charging system112includes a charging device120extending from the top side116. The charging device120includes a charging mechanism122for charge coupling to an electric watercraft. The charging device120can be a charging station, or one or more charging components.

In examples, the floating lift100includes a bow stop124operably positioned on the top side114. In one example, the charging device120is formed as part of the bow stop124. In one example, the charging device120includes a charging port121. The charging port121is coupled to a charging power supply via the bow stop124and float body110. The charging mechanism122couples to the charging port121. The charging mechanism122includes a charging cable126coupled to a charging plug128. The charging plug128is located at an end of the charging cable126. As such, the bow stop122is configured as a charging station130for charging an electric watercraft.

Reference is also made toFIG.2.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a top view of floating lift100with charging system112, according to examples of the present disclosure. The float body includes a first edge region132, a second edge region134, and a bow support region136. The bow support region136is located between the first edge region132and the second edge region134. The bow stop124is located between the first edge region132and the second edge region134, and spaced from an end of the bow support region136.

The bow stop124includes multiple sidewalls, including a bow side140, a front side142, a first side144, a second side146, and a top side148. The bow side140is configured to receive a bow of a watercraft. The front side142is opposite the bow side140. The first side144is opposite the second side146. In one example, the charging port121is located on the top side148(illustrated) or the front side142(not illustrated).

FIG.3is a block diagram generally illustrating a charging system including bow stop124with charging station130, according to examples of the present disclosure. The charging station130is a smart charging station, and is located within bow stop124. In one example, the charging station130includes a control system150with an on-board battery152. Bow stop sensors154are coupled to control system150. The bow stop sensors154can include a number of different sensors, including a bow sensor, an active charging sensor, a positioning sensor (e.g., positioning of the bow stop, positioning of the charging mechanism relative to a watercraft charging port, etc.), a charging marker sensor, a charging port sensor, etc. Plug system156and charging mechanism positioning system158are also in communication with control system150. Additionally, control system150includes a communication system for communicating with other external devices. Such external devices include an external charging control system, a charging application (e.g., a user phone or computer system), or watercraft control system.

The bow stop124can include an electric motor operated winch system160. The winch system160is controllable via control system150. Other smart systems can be located on bow stop124, that aid in operation of charging station130. Plug system162is in communication with control system150, for activation of the charging station charging device.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a charging system168including a smart bow stop and charging station, according to examples of the present disclosure. The bow stop164is located physically separate from the charging station166. Components of charging system168can be located on both bow stop164and charging station166.

In one example, bow stop164includes bow stop sensors170, a bow stop control system172, and an electric motor operated winch system174. Charging station166includes a charging station control system180, an on-board battery182, a positioning system184, and a plug system186. Both the bow stop164and the charging station166can communicate with each other. Additionally, the bow stop164and the charging station166can communicate with a central control system, watercraft control system, other control system or application.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a partial view of a floating lift with a charging system190, according to examples of the present disclosure. In one example, components of the charging system190are located within the floating lift100float body110. In another example, an entire charging station192is located within the float body110.

In one example, the float body110includes one or more cavities suitable for containing the charging system components, charging power cables, and control wiring. In one example illustrated, the float body110includes a first cavity194and a second cavity196adjacent the top side116. One or more charging system components198are positioned within the first cavity194and the second cavity196. In one example illustrated, the charging station control system200is located in first cavity194. The charging station charging power cables and control wiring201are routed through second cavity196.

In one example, the float body110includes a bottom cavity202. The bottom cavity202can be open to the bottom side118. The bottom cavity202can be used to hold an inflatable bladder204for controlling flotation of the floatable lift100.

FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating a floating lift210with a charging system212including an integral charger, according to examples of the present disclosure. The charging system212is primarily located within float body110. The charging system212provides charging power to a watercraft docked on the floating lift210, charging power to a watercraft docked nearby float210, and provides power to systems located on the floating lift210.

In one example, the floating lift210charging system212includes a controller214, an AC/DC converter216, and a watercraft charging coupler218. In operation, AC charging power is supplied to the float lift210via AC power supply220. Charging power is input to the floating lift210at float charging coupler222, that is coupled to controller214. Controller214controls the feed of charging power through the floating lift210to AC/DC converter216. The AC/DC converter converts the input AC voltage to a DC target voltage used by the watercraft needing a charge. The DC target voltage is output to a watercraft requesting a charge via watercraft charging coupler218.

An on-board motor controller226and electric motor228are coupled to controller214. The motor controller can include a DC/DC converter to supply a DC voltage to electric motor228. Alternatively, motor controller226can receive a DC voltage power supply from AC/DC converter216and can include a DC/DC converter to convert the DC supply voltage to the electric motor target/operating voltage (e.g., 408 volt DC, 240 volt DC). The electric motor can be utilized to operate one or more devices located on the floating lift210, including a winch system or a plug positioning system.

A DC/DC converter229is provided to convert the DC input voltage to a DC target voltage for charging on-board battery230. Battery230supplies power to auxiliary floating lift devices, including lift sensors, lift lighting, and other lift systems.

FIG.7is a block diagram illustrating a floating lift210awith a charging system212aincluding an integral DC charger, according to examples of the present disclosure. The floating lift210ais similar to floating lift210, and the other floating lifts previously detailed herein. The floating lift210aincludes charging system212athat is part of a 2 stage DC charging system. Stage 1 is located separated from the floating lift210aand converts an AC supply voltage to a stage 1 DC voltage, which is a higher voltage than the electric watercraft target voltage.

In one example, AC power supply220ais provided external to the floating lift210a. The AC power supply includes an AC/DC converter for converting the AC supply voltage to the desired stage 1 DC voltage. In one example, the stage 1 DC voltage is greater than 600 volts DC. The AC power supply220acan be configured to provide a stage 1 DC supply voltage to multiple floating lifts with electric vehicle chargers.

At floating lift210a, the charging system212aincludes stage 2 DC/DC converter216afor converting the stage 1 DC voltage level to a stage 2 DC voltage level that is the target voltage of the electric watercraft needing a charge. In one example, the stage 2 DC voltage is 600 volts DC or less. The stage 2 DC/DC converter216aprovides a DC charging voltage to an electric water craft via watercraft charging coupler218.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a floating lift charging system including a bow stop charging station, according to examples of the present disclosure. The bow stop charging station130ais similar to the bow stop charging stations previously detailed herein. The bow stop charging station130ais a contact charging station, and includes contact mechanisms234for making a charging connection to the watercraft needing a charge. In one example, the bow of the watercraft includes charging contact locations236. Once the bow of the watercraft is positioned against the bow stop124, the bow charging contact locations236are in alignment and electrical contact with the charging station contact mechanisms234. Alternatively, a charging cable extending from the bow stop124can be configured to contact couple to the watercraft at the bow contact locations236. In one example, the charging cable plug is an electromagnetic plug for contact coupling to a watercraft charging contact location or charging port.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating a floating lift charging system240, according to examples of the present disclosure. In one example, the charging station238is located separate from the bow stop124. The charging station238extends from a top side116of the float body110, and is adjustable relative to the bow stop124. In one example illustrated, the charging station238charging mechanism122is a robotic arm248. The robotic arm248can be an articulating arm mechanism that is attached to the charging cable. The robotic arm248positions the charging plug at the watercraft charging port. In one or more examples, the robotic arm248is movable in multiple directions. For example, the robotic arm248is movable in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and rotatable, all relative to a plane defined by the float body110top surface. The robotic arm can manually or automatically position and electrically couple the charging plug128to a watercraft charging port250.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating a floating lift charging system238a, according to examples of the present disclosure. The charging station238ais similar to the charging station238ofFIG.9, and includes a robotic arm248afor positioning and aligning a charging plug128with an electric watercraft charging port250. The robotic arm can be movable automatically or manually. The robotic arm248ais a mechanical arm that is capable of rotating in a first vertical direction252, a second horizontal direction254, a third horizontal direction256, and/or a fourth rotational direction258.

FIG.11is a diagram illustrating a top view of floating lift charging system168, according to examples of the present disclosure. Floating lift charging system168includes bow stop164which is separate from charging station166. The bow stop164and charging station166can be similar to other bow stops and charging stations detailed herein. The bow stop164is movable relative to the charging station166. In one example, the charging system168includes a rail system160. The bow stop164and/or the charging station166are positioned along the rail system160, and movable along the rail system160. This allows positioning of the charging station166relative to a watercraft located at on the floating lift at bow stop164, to aid in positioning the charging system166in a desirable position for charging the electric watercraft.

FIG.12is a diagram illustrating a floating lift with a charging system, including example charging station locations on the floating lift. In one example, the charging station166(a,b,c,d,e,f) is located separate from the bow stop164. The charging station166can be located at a number of locations about the float body110. For example, the float body110includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The charging station166can be located along the first side260(charging station166a), the second side262(charging station166b,166c,166d), third side264(charging station166e), or fourth side266(charging station166f). The respective charging stations166can be electrically coupled to bow stop164through the float body110internal cavities as previously detailed herein. An electric watercraft can be charged directly from the charging station166or through the bow stop164.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating a floating lift charging system including a charging communication system272for communication between the floating lift charging system and external devices. In one example, a central control system274is provided. A float charging system276, watercraft control system278, and/or external user interface or application devices280all communication with each other (either directly or through the central control system274. The user interface devices280can include one or more of a phone, a phone application, a table, a computer, or other smart device).

FIG.14is a block diagram illustrating a floating lift210bwith a charging system212bincluding a solar charger, according to examples of the present disclosure. The charging system210bis similar to the charging systems detailed herein, and further includes a solar charger284. In one example, the solar charger284includes a solar panel286and voltage regulator288. The solar panel286is located on the top side116of float body110. The voltage regulator is located at the solar panel286or located near the charging system210bcharging station. The solar charger284is coupled to the charging system210controller, and can be used to aid in direct charging an electric watercraft. The solar charger284can also be used to charge the charging system auxiliary battery230and/or power other devices located on the floating lift100.

FIG.15is a diagram illustrating a floating lift with a charging system including solar panels, according to examples of the present disclosure.FIG.16is a diagram illustrating a top view of a floating lift with a charging system including solar panels, according to examples of the present disclosure. In reference toFIG.15andFIG.16, the solar panels286can be positioned at any suitable location along the top116or the float body110. In one example, the solar charger solar panels are located along first edge region132and second edge region134. Each of the solar panels286a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,lare coupled to the top surface of top side116, and electrically coupled to the charging station212via electrical wiring routed through the float body110. In one or more examples, the electrical wiring is routed through the float body110through cavities in the float body110as previously detailed herein.

FIG.17is a diagram illustrating a floating lift including a charging system300including a float charging interface unit302, according to examples of the present disclosure. The charging system300is similar to charging systems previously detailed herein. The charging system300includes a charging station130and further includes the charging interface unit302. The charging station130is located off of the floating lift100. The charging interface unit302is located on the float body110. The charging interface unit302includes one or more components of the charging system, and in one example, includes only the charging system components that need to be located on the floating lift100float body110. The charging interface unit302may be located integral the bow stop124or separate from the bow stop124. Alternatively, the floating lift may not include a bow stop.

FIG.18is a block diagram illustrating a floating lift having the charging system300including the float charging interface unit302, according to examples of the present disclosure. The charging interface unit302operates as a power and control interface between the charging station130and the float body110on-board devices, since the charging station is located remote from or off of the float body110. In one or more examples, the charging interface unit302operates as a charging interface between the charging station300and the float watercraft charging output218. Additionally, the charging interface unit302operates as an interface between the charging station300and the on-board motor controller226/electric motor228and the DC/DC converter229/auxiliary battery230.

FIG.19is a diagram illustrating a floating lift500with a charging battery, according to examples of the present disclosure.FIG.20is a diagram illustrating a top view of a floating lift with a charging battery, according to examples of the present disclosure. Reference is made toFIG.19andFIG.20. In one example, the floating lift500is used as part of an electric watercraft charging system and includes an on-board charging system510(or components thereof) and a charging battery512(e.g., a battery, multiple batteries, or a battery pack). The charging system510can include a charging station entirely located on the floating lift500, or can include components of the charging station located near the floating lift500with a charging interface unit514positioned on the floating lift500. The charging battery512is located on the floating lift500to aid in charging a watercraft positioned on or near the lift and in need of a charge.

In one example, the floating lift500includes a lift body520. The charging battery512is in the form of a battery pack located within the lift body520and/or coupled to a top surface of the lift body520. The charging system510similar to one or more charging systems previously detailed herein. The charging battery512is charged by the charging system and can operate with the charging system to aid in charging an electric watercraft located on or near the floating lift500.

FIG.21is a diagram illustrating a partial view of floating lift500with a charging battery, according to examples of the present disclosure. The charging battery512is a battery pack522located in the lift body520. In one example, the floating lift body520includes one or more cavities that contain the battery pack or parts of the battery pack522. The lift body520can also contain other components of the floating lift charging system510.

In examples, the lift body520includes a top530and a bottom532. In operation, bottom532faces the water. The lift body includes a first cavity534and a second cavity536. The first cavity534and the second cavity536are located near the top530. The battery pack522is made up of multiple panel batteries located in the first cavity534and the second cavity536. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG.21A, the battery pack522can be located in an intermediate cavity. The intermediate cavity538is positioned between the first and second cavities534,536and the bottom532. In one example, the float body520includes a bottom cavity540, where the intermediate cavity538is located between the first and second cavities534,536and the bottom cavity540. The bottom cavity540can include an inflatable bladder542to aid in floating the floating lift500. The bottom cavity540can be open to the bottom532.

FIG.22is a system block diagram illustrating a floating lift500with a primary power system540, according to examples of the present disclosure. The primary power system540includes the charging battery512. The primary power system is located within the float body520, or includes components located on the float body520or within the float body520.

The floating lift500includes a float charging coupler600, an AC/DC converter610, primary power system540, and a charging output612. A watercraft charging coupler is connected to the charging output612. A control system614is coupled to the primary power system540. In operation, AC power supply616provides AC charging power input to the floating lift500charging system. The AC charging power is input to the floating lift500at the float charge couple600. AC power601is input to the AC/DC converter via the float charge coupler600. The AC/DC converter610converts the AC input voltage601to a DC charging voltage603(e.g., 600 volts DC). The DC charging voltage603is input to the primary power system540. The primary power system540uses the input DC power603to direct charge a watercraft via the charging output612and/or charge the battery pack512contained in the primary power system540. A watercraft can charge couple to the floating lift500charging system via the charging coupler618.

Control system614coordinates with a user interface to control charging of a watercraft or charging of the primary power system540battery banks. Additionally, the floating lift500can include a battery cooling system620and/or a battery heating system622. The control system614or other controller (e.g., a primary power system on board controller) can control battery temperature via the battery cooling system620or the battery heating system622.

Additionally, the primary power system540can power other external devices. In one example, the primary power system540powers an electric motor630. The primary power system540is coupled to the electric motor630through a DC/AC converter632. The primary power system540provides an auxiliary power supply634that can be used to energize other devices on the floating lift500(e.g., lights, sensors, motors, etc.)

FIG.23is a system block diagram illustrating the floating lift primary power system540, according to examples of the present disclosure. The primary power system540is contained on the floating lift, and includes primary battery pack512. Additionally, the primary power system can include a DC/DC converter650and an auxiliary battery652. The primary battery pack512provides charging output612and other outputs654. The primary battery pack is lithium based battery pack, solid state battery pack or other suitable battery technology.

The DC/DC converter receives a DC voltage from the primary battery pack and converts it to a lower DC voltage for charging auxiliary battery652. In one example, the primary battery pack DC voltage is 600 volts or greater. The auxiliary battery652is 208 volts or lower. The auxiliary battery provides auxiliary power supply output634at a lower DC voltage to power on-float lower voltage devices.

FIG.24is a system block diagram illustrating a floating lift500awith a DC power system660, according to examples of the present disclosure. The floating lift500ais similar to floating lifts previously detailed herein, including floating lift500. In one example illustrated, the DC power system660is a two stage DC power system. AC power supply616aincludes an AC/DC converter for converting an input AC voltage power to a first stage DC supply voltage. In one example, the first stage DC supply voltage is greater than 800 volts DC. First stage DC supply voltage601ais input to the floating lift500aat float charging coupler600. Within the floating lift500a, the first stage DC supply voltage is input to DC/DC converter610a. DC/DC converter provides a second stage DC voltage603ato the primary power system540. In one example, the second stage DC voltage is 600 volts or less.

FIG.25is a system block diagram illustrating a floating lift500cwith a primary power system and including solar charging system284, according to examples of the present disclosure. The solar charging system284is similar to the solar charging system previously detailed herein, and includes solar panel286aand regulator286b. The solar charging system284provides charging power to primary power system540. The solar charging system284is utilized by primary power system in multiple ways. The solar charging system284can be used to charge primary battery pack512or aid in charging primary battery pack512. Solar charging system284can also be used to charge auxiliary battery652. In one example, auxiliary battery652is only charged via solar charging system284. In other examples, solar charging system284is used to charge other battery systems located on floating lift500c.

FIG.26is a diagram illustrating a floating lift with a primary power system and including a solar charging system, according to examples of the present disclosure.FIG.27is a diagram illustrating a floating lift with a primary power system and including a solar charging system, according to examples of the present disclosure.FIG.26andFIG.27illustrate one example of a floating lift500with primary power system540including a battery pack512, and a solar charging system284including solar panels286coupled to a top surface of the floating lift500.

FIGS.28A-28Dare diagrams illustrating a floating lift700example battery pack710locations, according to examples of the present disclosure. InFIG.28A, two main battery packs710are located within the float body on each side of the bow support area712and bow stop714. InFIG.28B, a third battery pack is located on the other side of the bow stop714. InFIG.28C, two main battery packs are located on each side of the bow support area712. A third battery pack BP3and a fourth battery pack BP4are located on the end of each corresponding main battery pack. InFIG.28D, two main battery packs710are located within the float body on each side of the bow support area712. Battery packs can be located in other areas of the float body not illustrated, including within the bow support area712.

One or More Examples and Features of a Watercraft Floating Lift with a Charging System and/or Battery System are Detailed Herein and and can Include a Combination of One or More of the Following Features.

Energized Floating Lift

Floating lift. Floating lift can be configured to aid in charging a watercraft.Floating lift material. Floating lift is generally made of a molded material (e.g., plastic).Integral Charging System. Charging system is integrated into the floating lift.Manual or Automatic connection. Floating lift charging station can be manually connected to a watercraft, or automatically connected to a watercraft for performing a charging operation.Automatic Connection. Automatic connection could be on or more combinations of robotic, magnetic, or wireless.AC or DC Charging Power. Can include a primary AC or DC power supply, and may also include a secondary power supply (e.g., a solar panel).Electromagnetic Coupling. Floating lift charging system can automatically couple electromagnetically to a watercraft.·Integral Charger. Floating lift includes an integral charging system.

Float Charging System

AC Powered. In one example, floating lift is fed from an AC power source for level 1, 2, or 3 charging.Float Charge Coupler. Floating lift includes a mechanism for coupling between the AC power supply and the floating lift. In one or more examples, the float charge coupler is a (e.g., standard) charging plug, or other coupling system such as a magnetic or electromagnetic plug.On-Board Controller. AC Power can be fed through an on-board controller.AC/DC Converter. AC Power is fed to an AC/DC Converter for converting the AC input voltage to a DC target charging voltage which is output to the watercraft needing a charge.Watercraft Charging Coupler. The float charger is coupled to the watercraft via a plug charger that can be a physical plug charger, or utilize another charging plug system such as a magnetic or electromagnetic connection system.Electric Motor. The controller can also feed a motor controller coupled to an electric motor. One or more electric motors can be used to aid in moving the watercraft on and off the boat lift, and can be used for other systems such as a handsfree connection system and/or plug positioning system for coupling the float charger to a watercraft to perform a charging operation.DC/DC Converter plus Aux Battery. The float can include an onboard DC/DC converter coupled to an auxiliary battery for powering one or more on-board components.DC Charging System. In one example, the float charger can be configured as a DC charging system. In one example the DC charging system is a DC fast charging system. In another example, the DC charging system is a two stage DC charging system.
Float with Solar ChargerSolar Charger. The float charger can include a solar charger (e.g., a built-in solar charger). The solar charger can be used to charge (i.e., trickle charge) the watercraft while docked and not in use. The solar charger can be used to simultaneously charge the watercraft at the same time as the AC or DC charger. The solar charger can be used to charge an auxiliary battery.Solar Panels. Solar panels can be located on the float in many different configurations. In one example, solar panels are located along the outer side edges to allow for a walkway while going on or off the watercraft.

Bow Stop and Charging Station

Bow Stop with Charging Station. In one example, the bow stop and charging station are located in one single unit. The single unit can include a molded housing.Bow Stop with Charging Plug. A charging plug can be configured to be extendable from the bow stop.Bow Stop with a separate Charging Station. The charging station can be located separate from the Bow stop. For example, the charging station can be located on an end or side of the watercraft float/docking area.Bow Stop. The bow can be shaped similar to a conventional bow stop, and include additional features. For example, the bow stop can include a charging station including a charging plug system, a charging station positioning system, metering, auxiliary battery, watercraft contacts, sensors and lights. The bow system can be configured to be used with an electromagnetic plug system, and handsfree automatic positioning and plug connection system. The charging system can be configured to communicate wired or wirelessly with the on-board watercraft smart system and a charging app (e.g., via a phone app, tablet or computer).Adjustable Bow Stop. The bow stop can be adjustable on the float. For example, the bow stop can include a charging station. The bow stop can be adjustable on the float surface. The bow stop can be separated from the charging station, and is adjustable relative to the charging station. In one example, the charging station is located on a rail couple to the float surface and extending from the bow stop. The charging station can be moved along the rail and separated from the bow stop based on the size and contour of the watercraft that is parked on the float.Robotic System. The robotic system can be a robotic arm system (e.g., an articulating arm). In one or more examples, the robotic arm system can be an articulated arm, a six-axis arm, a collaborative robot arm, a SCARA arm, a Cartesian arm, a cylindrical arm, a spherical/polar arm, a parallel/delta arm, a anthropomorphic arm, and/or a dual-arm system. In other examples, an articulating arm may be manually adjustable (i.e., non-robotic).Positioning System. A positioning and alignment system can be used to align the charging plug with the watercraft charging port. Example positioning systems can include optical sensors, infrared sensors/reflectors or other alignment systems and methods.

On-Board Charging System

Charging System. The charging system can be totally located on the float or partially located on the float. The charging system can be located above the deck of the float or at least partially be located below the deck of the float.Charging System Target Voltage. The charging system can include a voltage selector switch (either a physical switch or via a graphical user interface) for adjusting the float voltage output to match the target voltage of the watercraft requesting a charging operation.

Charging Interface Unit

Charging Interface Unit. In one example, a charging interface unit is located on the float. The charging interface unit can be part of the bow stop, or located separate from the bow stop.Smart CIU. The charging interface unit can act as a location near a watercraft located on the float for accessing a charging plug. The CIU can also include a robot system (e.g., an articulated arm) to aid in positioning a charging plug on a watercraft charging port. Can include a smart system for communicating with at least one of the float system control systems, the charging station, and/or the watercraft requesting/needing a charge.Charging Interface. The CIU operates as a charging interface between the float charging station and the watercraft requesting a charge. In one example, the charging interface unit is located adjacent (and not on) the floating dock. Only the CIU is located on the floating dock.

On Board Auxiliary Battery

Auxiliary Battery. The float system can include an auxiliary battery (or more) for powering one or more float components, and for emergency powering of one or more components on the watercraft.Float Support System. The float may include a float support system. In one example, the support system includes an inflatable bladder-(or other suitable compressed air container) for aiding in supporting and floating the float charger.Charging System Location. The charging system may be partially or entirely located below or above the float deck.

On Board Charging Battery

On Board Charging Battery. The float charger can include an on-board battery charger for charging the watercraft. The float charger can be configured to charge an on-board battery rack for charging the watercraft, or the float charger can direct-charge the watercraft. A solar charging system can be located on the float charger for charging the on-board battery rack, direct-charging the watercraft, or charging the auxiliary power system and auxiliary battery.On-Board Charging Battery System. The on-board charging battery system can be made up of one or more battery racks. In one example, the battery racks are made up of lithium ion batteries configured as stacked panel batteries.Auxiliary Battery. The float system can include an auxiliary battery (or more) for powering one or more float components, and for emergency powering of one or more components on the watercraft.Float Support System. The float may include a float support system. In one example, the support system includes an inflatable bladder (or other suitable compressed air container) for aiding in supporting and floating the float charger.Battery Cooling/Heating System. An on-board battery cooling and/or heating system may be provided to optimize battery temperature during charging of the on-board charging battery.Charging System Location. The charging system may be partially or entirely located below or above the float deck.

Other Charging Float Systems

Winch system. A winch with an AC motor or DC motor (e.g., a DC stepper motor). Can be energized via the charging system or the charging battery.Step System. A step system to aid in getting on or off a watercraft. The step system can be a step up or step down configuration that extends from the float surface, or may extend upward from the float surface and act as a bridge, and is positioned between the side of the watercraft and a dock. The height of the step system can be adjustable.Motorized Step System. In one example, the step system is motorized and can be moved up and down using a small motor (e.g., controlled via an application or remote control). The motor can be a DC motor or an AC motor, and can be energized through the charging station. Could also be energized using incoming float power, auxiliary power, or power from the charging battery.
It is Recognized that the Charging System of the Present Disclosure can be Configured for Use in Many Charging System Applications, Including Those not Disclosed Herein.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein.

The claims are part of the specification.