Charging Post Activation via Automatic Contract Certificate Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging systems require manual selection of certificates for charging processes, which is inconvenient and can lead to suboptimal billing due to multiple certificates being present, lacking flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that automatically selects a suitable digital certificate from multiple mobility provider contracts based on preconfigured characteristics, such as charging process details, vehicle user, and contract data, to authenticate and activate the charging station for optimal billing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple contract certificates are stored in the vehicle for different mobility providers, then the user has flexibility in choosing charging contracts, but the user must manually select the appropriate certificate for each charging session, which reduces convenience and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in choosing charging contractsVSAvoidconvenience of charging process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic certificate selection and authentication without user intervention. The vehicle's control system automatically selects the appropriate contract certificate based on the charging station's requirements and performs authentication, eliminating the need for manual user input and making the system serve itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple contract certificates are pre-stored in the vehicle's data storage device before charging sessions begin. The system prepares by having all necessary certificates ready and automatically selects the appropriate one during authentication, performing the selection action in advance of the actual charging process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the user manually selects a certificate for charging authentication, then the user can choose which contract to use, but the user may inadvertently select a certificate with unfavorable billing conditions, leading to suboptimal costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over certificate selectionVSAvoidoptimality of billing conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system receives information from the charging station about which contract certificates are accepted and their associated billing conditions. Based on this feedback, the system automatically selects the certificate that provides the most favorable billing conditions for the user, ensuring optimal cost outcomes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the vehicle authenticates itself automatically using a default contract certificate, then the charging process is simplified and faster, but the vehicle may use a certificate with unfavorable conditions even when a better option is available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of charging process activationVSAvoidability to choose optimal contract
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate contract certificate based on real-time conditions at the charging station and the user's preferences. Rather than using a static default certificate, the system adapts its selection to the specific charging context, balancing speed and optimality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the user is required to independently review contract terms and conditions for each charging station, then the user can make informed decisions, but this process increases time consumption and reduces convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformed decision makingVSAvoidtime for certificate selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically compares contract terms and conditions across multiple certificates and selects the most favorable one without requiring the user to manually review each option. The system serves itself by performing the information gathering and comparison tasks that would otherwise require user time and effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4578721A1Computer-implemented method and system for activating a charging post
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4578721A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4578721A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4578721A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Computer-implemented method and system for activating a charging station (LS) for carrying out a charging process by a vehicle (F), comprising the steps of: providing (S1) certificates (Z) from mobility provider contracts that exist between one or more vehicle users (N) of the vehicle (F) and mobility providers (MSP); selecting (S2) a suitable certificate from the provided certificates (Z) depending on characteristics of the charging process to be carried out and/or the current vehicle user (N) and/or the vehicle (F) and/or depending on data from the mobility provider contracts; and authenticating (S3) the vehicle (F) with the charging station (LS) using the selected certificate (Z) to activate the charging station (LS) for carrying out the charging process.