Electric Aircraft Charging Authorization via Credential Upload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric aircrafts face complexities in optimizing the recharging process for their onboard battery systems, requiring efficient and secure authorization mechanisms for charging at charging structures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a housing, current conductors, and a computing device with proximity sensors, which communicates with the aircraft controller to authorize charging by uploading credentials to a remote data storage, ensuring secure and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a credential verification system is implemented for charging authorization, then security and control of charging operations are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional computing devices, sensors, and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The charging structure acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the power source, mediating the authorization process by receiving credentials from the aircraft controller, verifying them against stored or remotely accessible authentication data, and controlling power delivery based on verification results. This mediator approach centralizes security logic in a dedicated component without requiring complex embedded systems in the aircraft itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual charging authorization methods with electronic credential verification systems. Instead of physical keys, manual switches, or operator intervention, the system uses digital credentials, electronic communication protocols, and automated verification logic to authorize charging operations, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current conductors for AC and DC charging are integrated, then versatility and adaptability to different charging standards are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging structure is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple charging standards and configurations. The system can accommodate AC charging, DC charging, and potentially future charging standards through a unified interface that adapts its behavior based on the aircraft's requirements and the connected charging equipment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized charging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system employs dynamic configuration where the electrical connection parameters, voltage levels, current types, and power delivery modes are not fixed but can be dynamically adjusted based on the aircraft's battery state, charging infrastructure available, and operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows a single system to serve multiple charging standards without requiring physical reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If real-time credential verification and remote data upload are implemented, then charging security and fleet management capability are improved, but loss of time during charging authorization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering aircraft credentials with the charging structure or remote server before actual charging occurs. Authentication data is uploaded and stored in advance, and verification rules are pre-configured, so that during actual charging operations, the system only needs to perform quick credential matching rather than full verification protocols, significantly reducing authorization time.
Solution Approach 2:
The credential verification and data upload processes operate continuously or near-continuously rather than being triggered only at charging moments. Background communication channels maintain synchronized authentication states, and partial verification can occur during aircraft approach or docking, ensuring that when charging is initiated, authorization is already substantially complete or can be rapidly finalized.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect the current disclosure is an apparatus for authorizing an electric aircraft to charge at a charging structure. The apparatus may include a housing configured to mate with an electric vehicle port of an electric vehicle, at least a current conductor configured to conduct a current, a proximity sensor, and a computing device. The at least a current conductor comprises a direct current conductor configured to conduct a direct current and an alternating current conductor configured to conduct an alternating current. The computing device is configured to be communicatively connected to the aircraft charging structure and the proximity sensor. The computing device may further be configured to receive an aircraft credential from an aircraft controller, authorize the charging structure to charge an energy source of the aircraft as a function of the aircraft credential, and upload the aircraft credential to a remote data storage device.