Apple's new patent hints at research into large-scale MagSafe magnetic suction technology for Apple Car charging

 A new report states that the Apple Car could have its own MagSafe-style charger alignment system, where the contacts on the charging station automatically align perfectly with their counterparts on the electric car.

The rumored Apple Car has taken many forms in speculation, but one recurring factor is that it will use electricity to power the vehicle, aka an electric vehicle.

If Apple is going to build an electric car and make it available to the public in some form, it really has to address the issue of car charging. Unlike gasoline and diesel cars that use fuel alone, EV users are accustomed to charging their cars at night.

Not that the car will run out of battery overnight, but EV charging is inevitably slower than refueling at the pump, and overnight hours are ideal—users just need to remember to plug it in for charging.

In a newly granted amended patent, titled "Charging station with passive alignment mechanism," Apple proposes an engineered system that would allow drivers to stop and start the vehicle immediately Charge.

The system mainly involves a charging station with a charging plug designed to be inserted into the receiving socket of the vehicle itself. The stopper is attached to a sliding rod that can move the stopper's position vertically and horizontally to allow for imperfect parking attempts by the driver and changes in vehicle height.

While the height of sockets on a vehicle may be the same across models and even manufacturers, there are some potential ways in which heights can vary. Two examples are the extra weight put into the vehicle as a load, and the pressure of the tires.

In operation, the vehicle will be equipped with a cover for its charging socket that opens by moving upwards as it approaches the charging station. The driver or autonomous vehicle system must try to position the vehicle as close to its intended endpoint as possible to maximize the chances of a proper connection to the charging station.

Parking doesn't have to be perfect, as long as it's within the range that allows a charging plug to be connected. The rest of the patent explains that the plug can adjust its position where it needs to, and can do so relatively passively.

Movement of the charging point via the sliding lever allows the plug to be pushed back by the vehicle, for example, if the driver moves the vehicle closer to the charging station, to minimize damage from the plug hitting the vehicle.

For added protection from the potentially fragile charging plug, a plate is placed over the assembly to handle any heavy shocks. It also helps guide the plug slide down to interface with the socket by pressing against the vehicle's flaps, which are also angled to facilitate movement towards the socket itself.

To further increase the chances of a proper connection, the area around the socket can also act as a funnel, diverting the plug into the socket. Apple also recommends using magnets to secure the coupling.

Finally, the charging plug itself will be able to rotate vertically and horizontally, and once maneuvered into the correct position, the angle can be changed to ensure perfect seating.

The patent lists its inventors as Matthew M. Torok, Foster D. Collins, and William M. Price.