Charge Control Device for Multi-Vehicle Simultaneous Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chargers with a single connector are unable to efficiently charge multiple mobile vehicles simultaneously without requiring multiple connectors and changes to the charging standard, leading to increased labor costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A charge control device with multiple connection parts for mobile vehicles and a single connection part for the charger, which communicates using standardized data to manage charging schedules and states, allowing the charger to treat multiple vehicles as a single unit without altering the existing charging standard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a charger includes multiple connectors to charge multiple mobile vehicles simultaneously, then charging efficiency and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharger structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the charging function by separating the connector (single physical interface) from the control logic (multiple virtual connection channels). The charge control device creates multiple logical connection paths through data processing, where each mobile vehicle is assigned a unique identification and communication channel, allowing simultaneous charging control through a single physical connector without requiring multiple physical connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single connector is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple mobile vehicles sequentially and simultaneously through different communication protocols and data channels. The charge control device enables the connector to adapt to different vehicle types and charging requirements by dynamically switching between multiple connection modes and protocols, making one connector perform the function of multiple connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a charger includes multiple connectors to charge multiple mobile vehicles simultaneously, then charging productivity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharger cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating multiple physical connectors, the system creates virtual copies of the connection interface through software and communication protocols. The charge control device generates multiple logical connection channels that mimic the behavior of physical connectors, allowing the system to handle multiple vehicles simultaneously while using only one physical connector, thereby reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing charging standards are modified to support multiple vehicles with a single connector, then adaptability is improved, but compatibility with existing systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-vehicle charging capabilityVSAvoidstandard compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charge control device acts as an intermediary between the single connector and multiple mobile vehicles. It translates and adapts communication protocols, converting interactions with multiple vehicles into a format compatible with existing single-connector charging standards. This mediator layer enables multi-vehicle charging without requiring changes to the fundamental charging standard or protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the charging standard to accommodate multiple vehicles, the system inverts the approach by making the charge control device adapt to the existing standard while creating virtual multiple connection channels. The control logic is designed to work within the constraints of existing standards, processing multiple vehicle requests through a single standardized interface, thereby maintaining compatibility while achieving multi-vehicle capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20230226942A1Charging control device, and information processing method

Publication Date: 2023.07.20 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A charge control device includes: a first communication section configured to: receive first data from a plurality of mobile vehicles respectively and transmit second data to the mobile vehicles respectively via first connection parts; and receive a third datum from a charger and transmit a fourth datum to the charger via a second connection part; and a control part that generates the fourth datum from the first data, generates the second data for the mobile vehicles respectively from the third datum received from the charger in response to the fourth datum, and causes the first communication section to transmit the fourth datum and the second data, each of the first data, the second data, the third datum, and the fourth datum complying with a charging standard.