Charging Inlet Authorization for Secure Remote Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for electric vehicle charging often fail to securely authorize access to the charging inlet, leading to unauthorized cord removal and incomplete charging, particularly in scenarios where the driver of one vehicle needs to use a charger occupied by another vehicle without the necessary keys or access.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that processes requests to unlock the charging inlet based on requester identification, allowing authorized individuals to unlock the inlet either manually or automatically, ensuring secure and convenient access while preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge cord is locked to the vehicle during charging, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but accessibility for authorized users without physical vehicle access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the requester and the charging inlet. The system receives authorization requests, verifies credentials, and communicates with the charging inlet to unlock it remotely. This mediator enables authorized users to access the charging inlet without needing physical vehicle access or keys, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the charging inlet is locked to prevent unauthorized removal, then protection against equipment damage is improved, but flexibility for fleet charging operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic authorization system where the charging inlet's locked state can be changed remotely based on verified credentials. The system dynamically adjusts the security state from locked to unlocked for authorized users, enabling flexible fleet operations where drivers can access chargers for vehicles they don't personally own, while maintaining protection against unauthorized access.
3Reliability
If manual unlocking procedures are required, then control over charging access is improved, but time consumption for charging operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service authorization system where the charging inlet automatically unlocks upon receiving verified authorization credentials. The system performs the unlocking action autonomously without requiring manual intervention from operators. This maintains control through credential verification while eliminating time-consuming manual procedures, as the inlet self-unlocks when proper authorization is presented.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer system (103, 400) for handling authorization to unlock a charging inlet (108) of a vehicle (100), wherein the computer system (103, 400) comprises processing circuitry (402) configured to: - obtain, from a requester (105), a request for authorization to unlock the charging inlet (108), wherein the request comprises an ID of the requester (105); - determine, based on the ID of the requester (105), to deny or grant the request; - when the request has been granted, provide instructions to the charging inlet (108) to authorize unlocking of the charging inlet (108); and to - obtain, from the charging inlet (108), a confirmation that the unlocking has been authorized.