Charging Inlet Unlock Authorization for Secure Charger Access
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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, especially when the vehicle is inaccessible to the owner.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that processes requests for authorization 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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge cord is locked to the vehicle during charging, then the charging inlet is protected from unauthorized access, but authorized individuals cannot remove the cord to use the charger for other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the charging inlet lock mechanism and the user. This mediator receives unlock requests, verifies authorization credentials, and communicates with the charging inlet to grant or deny access. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining physical security while enabling authorized remote access through the intermediary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical key-based locking system with an electronic authorization system. Instead of requiring physical keys or manual intervention, the system uses electronic credentials, communication protocols, and automated decision-making to control the charging inlet lock, enabling remote authorization while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If physical access to the vehicle is required for charger access, then unauthorized access is prevented, but users cannot access the charger when the vehicle is inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system acts as a mediator that decouples the physical vehicle from the authorization process. Users can submit unlock requests through the intermediary system without needing physical access to the vehicle, and the system verifies credentials and grants access remotely, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authorization function from the physical vehicle and places it in a separate computer system. This allows the authorization decision to be made independently of the vehicle's physical accessibility, enabling users to unlock the charging inlet remotely while the vehicle remains in its location.
3Ease of operation
If manual unlocking is required, then user control over charging operations is maintained, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The charging inlet system performs self-service by automatically processing unlock requests, verifying credentials, and executing the unlock command without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by managing the authorization process autonomously, reducing complexity while maintaining user control through the digital request process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical unlocking operations with an automated electronic system. Instead of requiring users to physically manipulate locks or coordinates, the system uses electronic communication, automated verification, and electronic actuation to unlock the charging inlet, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for handling authorization to unlock a charging inlet of a vehicle has processing circuitry to obtain, from a requester, a request for authorization to unlock the charging inlet, wherein the request comprises an ID of the requester, determine, based on the ID of the requester, to deny or grant the request; when the request has been granted, provide instructions to the charging inlet to authorize unlocking of the charging inlet; and to obtain, from the charging inlet, a confirmation that the unlocking has been authorized.