Vehicle Charge Inlet Unlocking With Zone-Based Authorization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for unlocking a charge inlet on electric vehicles are cumbersome, requiring manual authentication and authorization, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when the vehicle is not at its designated location or if an error occurs during charging.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that processes requests to unlock the charge inlet by comparing the vehicle's current condition with a target condition, allowing unlocking only when specific criteria such as location, State of Charge, time, or charging status are met, thereby streamlining the authorization process and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual authentication device or vehicle computer application is used for authorization, then security is improved, but operation time and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures geographic zones and authorization rules in advance. When the vehicle enters a predefined zone, the authorization is automatically granted without requiring manual authentication at the moment of charging, thus resolving the contradiction between security and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authorization by automatically determining whether the vehicle is in an authorized zone using GPS/location data and comparing it against predefined zones. This eliminates the need for manual authentication while maintaining security through automated zone-based access control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If authentication device is required for unlocking, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical authentication device (key-fob) with an electronic geographic zone-based authorization system. The vehicle's location is automatically checked against predefined zones, and authorization is granted electronically without requiring physical authentication devices, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If charge cord is locked during charging, then safety is improved, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the locking state of the charge inlet based on the vehicle's location. When the vehicle is in an authorized zone, the charge inlet is automatically unlocked even during charging, allowing safe removal of the charge cord without manual authentication. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between safety and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for handling a request to unlock a charge inlet of a vehicle has processing circuitry to obtain a request to unlock the charge inlet; when the request has been received, compare a current condition of the vehicle with a target condition of the vehicle, wherein the current condition comprises a current position of the vehicle and the target condition comprises a target position of the vehicle; determine to grant the request to unlock the charge inlet when a result of the comparing indicates that the target condition is met; and to trigger unlocking of the charge inlet when the request has been granted.