EV Charging Connector Authentication Using Port Attachment Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system to ensure that only authorized electric vehicles can be charged, as existing technologies lack effective authentication methods to prevent unauthorized charging.

Innovation Solution

A connector and method that includes a housing with a sensor to detect attachment to an electric vehicle port, transmitting attachment data to a computing device, receiving vehicle identification data, generating a verification datum, and determining authorization status to control charging based on authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional charging infrastructure is used without authentication, then charging accessibility is improved, but security and authorization control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging accessibilityVSAvoidauthorization control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication actions before allowing charging. The sensor detects attachment datum when the connector is mated with the vehicle port, and the computing device verifies this data against identification data from the vehicle before authorizing charging. This preliminary verification ensures security is established before the charging operation begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system acts as an intermediary between the power source and the electric vehicle. It includes a sensor to detect attachment, a computing device to process authentication data, and a communication system to verify credentials. This intermediary layer controls the charging process by validating authorization before allowing power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication systems are added to charging infrastructure, then authorization control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical connection interface and as an authentication system. The same physical connector that mates with the vehicle port also houses the sensor for detecting attachment datum and interfaces with the computing device for verification. This universal design reduces the need for separate authentication hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses self-service authentication where the vehicle itself provides identification data through its onboard systems. The sensor on the connector detects attachment and automatically initiates the verification process by receiving identification data from the vehicle's own computing device, eliminating the need for manual authentication by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If verification processes are implemented, then charging security is improved, but charging speed and productivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging securityVSAvoidcharging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication and verification processes are completed as preliminary actions before the charging operation begins. The sensor detects attachment datum, the computing device verifies identification data, and authorization is granted before power transfer starts. This ensures security checks do not interrupt or delay the actual charging process once authorized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system rapidly processes the authentication sequence to minimize delay. The sensor immediately detects attachment upon connector mating, and the computing device quickly verifies the identification data against stored credentials. This rapid verification process rushes through the security checks efficiently, minimizing impact on overall charging productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS11833918B2Connector and method for use for authorizing battery charging for an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 BETA AIR LLC
  • US11833918B2 patent drawing
  • US11833918B2 patent drawing
  • US11833918B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector for charging an electric vehicle that includes a housing configured to mate with an electric vehicle port of an electric vehicle, at least a sensor configured to detect an attachment datum as a function of the housing mating with an electric vehicle port, and transmit the attachment datum to a computing device, a computing device configured to receive the attachment datum from the at least a sensor, receive an identification datum from the electric vehicle, generate a verification datum as a function of the identification datum and the attachment datum, and determine an authorization status as a function of the verification datum.