Authenticated Charging Cable Locking for Electric Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric work vehicles face challenges with cable theft and unauthorized charging due to generic or shared keys, which can lead to inefficient charging and potential battery health issues.
Innovation Solution
A charging security device that includes a lock, a receiver, and a processor to secure the charging cable to the electric work vehicle. The device requires an operator identifier signal, which is compared against a list of authorized operators to determine if the lock can be changed and if charging can be initiated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If generic or shared keys are used to unlock charging cables, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as cables can be stolen or vehicles disconnected without operator knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based locking system with an electronic authentication system using biometric sensors (fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scanning). This substitution eliminates the security vulnerabilities of generic keys while maintaining ease of operation through automatic biometric verification. The processor compares biometric data against stored operator profiles to authorize charging cable access and vehicle disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a biometric authentication intermediary between the operator and the charging cable lock mechanism. This intermediary (the authentication system) verifies operator identity before allowing lock state changes, preventing unauthorized cable removal or vehicle disconnection while maintaining smooth operation for authorized users.
2Reliability
If physical locking mechanisms are used to secure charging cables, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as operators must actively unlock cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking/unlocking operations with an automated electronic system. The lock mechanism is controlled by a processor that automatically changes lock state based on biometric authentication results, eliminating the need for operators to manually manipulate physical locks while maintaining strong security through biometric verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system provides self-service functionality by automatically verifying operator identity and controlling lock state changes without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by comparing biometric data against stored profiles and autonomously determining whether to authorize charging or vehicle disconnection.
3Ease of operation
If untrained operators are allowed to charge electric work vehicles, then ease of operation is improved, but battery health deteriorates due to improper charging practices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication intermediary that verifies operator training status before allowing charging operations. The system checks whether the authenticated operator is authorized to charge the specific vehicle type, preventing untrained operators from initiating charging and thereby protecting battery health while maintaining ease of operation for qualified personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by verifying operator credentials and training status before allowing charging initiation. This feedback mechanism ensures that only operators with appropriate training and authorization can charge the vehicle, preventing improper charging practices that would harm battery health while maintaining operational efficiency for authorized users.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging security device for an electric work vehicle comprising a battery, the charging security device comprising a lock configured to secure a charging cable to a charge port of the electric work vehicle, wherein the lock may be in a locked state or an unlocked state; a receiver configured to receive from a transmitter a signal indicative of an operator identifier; and a processor configured to compare the operator identifier against a list of authorized operators. In an event that the operator identifier corresponds to an authorized operator, the charging security device is configured to allow the state of the lock to be changed and allow charging to be initiated. In an event that the operator identifier does not correspond to an authorized operator, the charging security device is configured to prevent the state of the lock from being changed from the locked state to the unlocked state and prevent initiation of charging.