Vehicle Charging Cover BLE Unlocking for Hands-Free Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles require manual unlocking and opening of charging/tank covers at fueling or charging stations, which is impractical and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Utilize Bluetooth-Low-Energy (BLE)-based positioning to automatically unlock and open charging/tank covers when a vehicle is within a predefined distance from a charging/fuel station, using signal strength to determine proximity and transmit advertisement messages to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual unlocking and opening of charging/tank cover is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but the operation time is increased and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging/tank cover is unlocked and opened in advance before the user needs to connect the charging plug or fuel nozzle. The system detects the vehicle's approach to the charging/fuel station and automatically performs the cover opening action beforehand, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of unlocking and opening the cover is replaced by an automated electronic control system. The system uses BLE signal detection and processing to trigger an electronic locking mechanism, substituting the manual mechanical action with an automated electromechanical system that reduces operation time and improves convenience.
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based positioning is used to determine vehicle proximity to charging/fuel station, then the system is simple to implement, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient for reliable cover unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
A BLE signal intermediary system is introduced between the vehicle and charging/fuel station. Instead of relying directly on GPS coordinates, the system uses BLE signals as an intermediary to establish proximity. The BLE signal strength provides a more accurate and reliable indicator of actual physical proximity, enabling more reliable cover unlocking decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from GPS coordinates to BLE signal strength for determining proximity. By using signal strength attenuation as the primary parameter, the system achieves higher measurement precision for short-distance detection, which directly improves the reliability of the cover unlocking decision.
3Reliability
If BLE signals are transmitted continuously by charging/fuel station, then the vehicle can always detect the station, but energy consumption at the station increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous transmission, the charging/fuel station transmits BLE signals periodically or on-demand. The station activates BLE transmission only when a vehicle approaches or when charging/fueling operations are initiated, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient detection reliability through periodic signal availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle actively searches for and detects BLE signals from the charging/fuel station rather than relying on continuous broadcasting. This self-service approach allows the vehicle to initiate detection when needed, reducing the station's energy consumption while maintaining the ability to detect station presence and trigger cover unlocking.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates convenient and efficient charging/fueling by automating the cover unlocking process, enhancing user experience and conserving resources at stations.
Implementation Method 1
make use of the distance-dependent attenuation of BLE signals and reliably determine the distance based on a signal strength of a BLE signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a vehicle and unlocks and/or opens a refill access cover of the vehicle. The refill access cover is one or both of a charging cover and a fuel tank cover. The method includes receiving a BLE signal from a charging/fuel station for the vehicle. The method also includes performing at least one access operation based on the BLE signal. The access operation can be one or both of unlocking the refill access cover, and opening the refill access cover.