Vehicle Charge Inlet Unlocking Based on Charging Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for unlocking a charge inlet of electric or fuel cell-driven vehicles are cumbersome, requiring manual authentication and lacking flexibility in authorization, especially when the vehicle is not at a designated location or if an error occurs during charging.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that processes requests to unlock the charge inlet by comparing current vehicle conditions with target conditions, such as location, State of Charge, time, or charging status, to determine if the target conditions are met before granting access, allowing for automatic authorization without the need for additional manual steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual authentication device or vehicle computer application is required for unlocking charge inlet, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but operation time and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service authentication by automatically verifying the user's identity and vehicle association through the mobile application, eliminating the need for physical authentication devices. The system autonomously handles the authentication process by comparing the user's mobile device information with registered vehicle data, providing both security and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical authentication devices (key-fobs, physical keys) with an electronic/mobile-based authentication system. The mobile application communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's control unit, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic data exchange, thereby reducing authentication time while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If charge cord is locked during charging, then protection against accidental ejection and unauthorized removal is improved, but ease of removal by authorized user deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state based on authenticated user input. When an authorized user initiates removal through the mobile application, the control unit dynamically changes the locking state, allowing the charge cord to be removed. This dynamic behavior maintains security during charging while enabling convenient removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application serves as an intermediary between the authorized user and the locking mechanism. Instead of directly interacting with the physical lock, the user communicates through the mobile application, which transmits the unlock command to the vehicle's control unit. This intermediary layer provides both security verification and user-friendly operation.
3Ease of operation
If stop button next to charge inlet is used for unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application acts as an intermediary authentication layer between the user and the charge inlet locking mechanism. The system verifies the user's identity and authorization status through the mobile application before transmitting the unlock command, providing both convenient operation and security against unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical stop button with an electronic authentication system using mobile applications. This substitution maintains the ease of operation through wireless communication while adding security layers through digital verification of user identity and authorization, preventing unauthorized access that a simple button could not prevent.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer system (105, 400) for handling a request to unlock a charge inlet (108) of a vehicle (100), wherein the computer system (105, 400) comprises processing circuitry (402) configured to: - obtain a request to unlock the charge inlet (108); - when the request has been received, compare a current condition of the vehicle (100) with a target condition of the vehicle (100), wherein the current condition comprises a current position of the vehicle (100) and the target condition comprises a target position of the vehicle (100); - determine to grant the request to unlock the charge inlet (108) when a result of the comparing indicates that the target condition is met; and to - trigger unlocking of the charge inlet (108) when the request has been granted.