Helmut Brunner

Title: Helmut Brunner and Automated Electric-Vehicle Charging

Introduction

Helmut Brunner is an inventor associated with Graz, Austria, and Technische Universität Graz. His work includes an invention designed to automate the connection of electric vehicles to charging equipment.

Latest Patents

Brunner is credited with 1 patent: “Method for Automatically Establishing a Plug-In Connection in Order to Charge Electric Vehicles.” The method uses a position sensor to determine the relative positions of a movable plug-in connector and a permanently installed connector. The movable connector approaches until their guide surfaces make mechanical contact, then advances into the plug-in position. During insertion, transverse-force sensors detect forces at the guide surfaces, and the positioning head adjusts sideways or around a transverse pivot axis to reduce those forces.

Career Highlights

Brunner’s listed patent focuses on improving the alignment and insertion of charging connectors, an important step toward automated electric-vehicle charging. He is associated with Technische Universität Graz.

Collaborations

Bernhard Walzel and Mario Hirz are identified as Brunner’s coworkers. The available information does not specify their roles in the patent.

Conclusion

Helmut Brunner’s patent describes a sensor-guided approach to establishing electric-vehicle charging connections, with force-responsive adjustments intended to support reliable insertion.