EV Battery Charging Cable Authentication for Multi-Voltage Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Charging systems for electric vehicles, particularly electric bicycles, face compatibility issues due to varying supply voltages and charging methods, as well as safety concerns from non-compliant charging cables.
Innovation Solution
A charging system with a control unit and multipole connectors that detect and adapt to different battery types, using electronic identification and authentication to ensure safe and efficient charging, including a power supply unit that generates appropriate voltages and a switch device for regulated current delivery, along with authentication circuits for cable verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If charging cables without authentication are used to reduce cost and simplify the system, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to non-compliant cables causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication of charging cables through electronic identifiers (RFID tags, barcodes, or QR codes) before charging begins. The charging station reads the identifier, verifies cable compliance against a database, and only authorizes charging for authenticated cables. This preliminary verification prevents non-compliant cables from causing damage while maintaining system safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging cables are provided for different battery types to ensure compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal charging cable design with standardized connectors that can interface with different battery types. Instead of manufacturing separate cables for each battery voltage (36V, 48V) and charging method, a single cable type is used for all applications. The charging station's control unit automatically detects battery parameters and adjusts charging parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic identification system as an intermediary between the charging cable and battery. The cable carries an identifier that communicates cable capabilities and compatibility information to the charging station. This intermediary enables the charging station to mediate the charging process by selecting appropriate parameters based on the identified cable and battery combination, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic identification devices are added to charging cables to identify supply voltage, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple optical copying methods (barcodes or QR codes) or passive RFID tags to encode cable identification information. These are the simplest forms of electronic identification that can be manufactured at low cost and integrated into existing cable production processes. The identification data is stored in a centralized database accessible by the charging station, separating the complexity of data management from the cable itself.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a charging system and method of a battery of an electric vehicle, in particular a bicycle, comprising a charging station (10; 100) and at least one charging cable (12) connectable to a battery (2) to be charged. The charging station (10; 100) comprises at least one power unit (102) provided with a power card adapted to charge the battery and a female-type connector (22) adapted to connect to a male-type connector (24) of the charging cable. The charging cable and the charging station are provided with respective authentication circuits configured to implement a cable authentication algorithm which, in case of a positive outcome, enables charging the battery. The charging system allows charging batteries of different types and working voltages.