Vehicle Charging Cover Unlocking via BLE Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles require manual unlocking and opening of charging/tank covers at fueling or charging stations, which is impractical and time-consuming, and existing GPS-based positioning methods are inaccurate for determining proximity to these stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Bluetooth-Low-Energy (BLE) based positioning to automatically unlock and open the charging/tank cover when the vehicle is within a predefined distance from a charging/fuel station by using signal strength to determine proximity and transmitting advertisement messages to conserve energy and ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based positioning is used to determine vehicle proximity to charging/fuel station, then positioning coverage is provided, but positioning accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces BLE signals as an intermediary positioning method between GPS and the charging/fuel station. BLE provides higher accuracy for short-range proximity detection (within 10-20 meters) compared to GPS, enabling reliable automatic cover activation only when the vehicle is truly close to the station.
2Productivity
If charging/tank cover is unlocked manually, then security is maintained, but operation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically unlocking and opening the charging/tank cover based on detected proximity to the charging/fuel station. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention, reducing operation time and improving charging/fueling speed while maintaining security through controlled automatic activation.
3Measurement precision
If BLE signal is transmitted continuously by charging station, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging/fuel station transmits BLE advertisement messages periodically rather than continuously. The vehicle's BLE receiver monitors these periodic signals to determine proximity. This periodic transmission maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing the energy consumption of the stationary charging station.
4Loss of time
If charging/tank cover is unlocked automatically, then operation time is reduced, but risk of unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sources including BLE signal strength (RSSI), GPS location data, and proximity thresholds to dynamically control cover activation. The cover is automatically unlocked only when feedback confirms the vehicle is within a safe proximity threshold of the charging/fuel station, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining fast operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user experience by facilitating automatic charging/fueling and reducing manual intervention while improving positioning accuracy compared to GPS-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
make use of the distance-dependent attenuation of BLE signals and reliably determine the distance based on a signal strength of a BLE signal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a computer program, an apparatus (400), a vehicle (310), and methods (100, 200) for unlocking and/or opening a charging/tank cover of a vehicle (310). A method (100) for a vehicle (310) and for unlocking and/or opening a charging/tank cover of the vehicle (310) comprises receiving (110) a BLE signal from a charging/fuel station (320) for the vehicle (310) and unlocking and/or opening (120) the charging/tank cover based on the BLE signal.