Selective Charging Port Status Indicator Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles with multiple charging ports face user confusion and delayed feedback on charging status due to incorrect illumination of charging port status indicators, especially when determining AC or DC charging.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller that instructs charging port status indicators to illuminate based on data transmission via the ports, with specific indicators for AC and DC charging, and only illuminating when the respective port door is open, to provide prompt and accurate feedback on charging status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If charging port status indicators are illuminated to provide charging status feedback, then user awareness of charging status is improved, but user confusion increases when multiple ports are present and incorrect indicators are illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging status indication system into separate, dedicated indicators for each charging port (AC charging port indicator and DC charging port indicator). Each indicator is specifically assigned to monitor and display the status of its corresponding port type, preventing confusion that would arise from a single undifferentiated indicator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different illumination conditions to different indicators based on their specific functions. The AC charging port status indicator illuminates under specific conditions (when AC charging is detected), while the DC charging port status indicator illuminates under different conditions (when DC charging is detected). This localized differentiation ensures each indicator provides accurate, context-specific information.
2Loss of information
If charging port status indicators illuminate to indicate charging status, then information availability is improved, but response time is delayed when determining AC or DC charging type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of the charging port type (AC or DC) as soon as a plug is coupled to the charging port. The controller is configured to detect the port type and prepare the appropriate status indicator for illumination, so that when charging status needs to be indicated, the correct indicator is already ready and can illuminate immediately without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a real-time feedback loop where the controller continuously monitors charging status and automatically illuminates the appropriate indicator. When charging status changes or is detected, the system provides immediate visual feedback through the corresponding indicator, eliminating delays in information communication to the user.
3Loss of information
If charging port status indicators are always illuminated to provide continuous status information, then information visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional illumination of the charging port status indicators rather than continuous illumination. The indicators are illuminated only when relevant charging status information needs to be communicated (such as when a plug is coupled, when charging status changes, or when the port door is opened). This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining necessary information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging port status indicator system automatically activates and deactivates based on detected charging conditions without requiring manual user control. The controller monitors charging status and autonomously determines when indicators should be illuminated, optimizing the balance between information visibility and energy consumption without user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to selective illumination of charging port status indicators for an electrified vehicle. An example electrified vehicle includes a charging port configured to couple to a plug, a charging port status indicator configured to selectively illuminate to indicate a charging status of the charging port, and a controller configured to instruct the charging port status indicator to illuminate when data is transmitted via the charging port. A method is also disclosed.