Vehicle Charging Socket Access Control via Proximity Wake-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling access to charging sockets on vehicles lack both safety and convenience, as they often require unnecessary unlocking of the vehicle and do not provide secure authentication for charging operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a proximity sensor and ID transmitter for secure authentication, where a wake-up signal is sent by a transmitting coil when a user approaches the charging socket, enabling bidirectional radio communication to verify authorization before unlocking the charging socket, allowing access only when necessary and preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is provided for the charging socket to secure it against manipulation and unauthorized access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the user must manually unlock and open the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of unlocking and opening the charging socket cover with an automated electromechanical system. A control unit receives a request to open the cover and actuates a locking device via an actuator, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while maintaining security through controlled access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the charging socket cover automatically opens in response to a control signal without requiring user intervention for manual unlocking. The automated control system performs the unlocking and opening actions autonomously based on received commands.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is unlocked to access the charging socket, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates because other vehicle functions are also accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control system into separate independent functions: vehicle access control and charging socket access control. The charging socket can be opened independently through its own control unit and locking device, without requiring the vehicle to be unlocked, thus maintaining security while providing convenient charging access.
3Reliability
If manual unlocking of the charging socket is required, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to additional time and steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the control unit automatically actuate the locking device to open the charging socket cover in response to a control signal, before the user needs to access the charging port. This eliminates the time-consuming manual unlocking steps while maintaining security through controlled automated operation.
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
Enhances security and convenience by ensuring only authorized users can access the charging socket, allowing charging without unlocking the vehicle and providing separate access control for charging functions from other vehicle functions, thus improving safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitting coil for electromagnetic wake-up signals is coupled to the control system. The control system can control the transmission coil in order to send out a wake-up signal via the transmission coil when the proximity sensor detects the approach of a body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling access to a charging socket on a motor vehicle (1). The charging socket has a lockable cover (3), and a proximity sensor (11) is arranged in the region of the charging socket, said proximity sensor detecting the proximity of a body (4). The proximity sensor (11) is coupled to a control system (17) on the vehicle side. At least one transmitting coil (10) for electromagnetic wake-up signals is connected to the control system, and the control system (17) is designed to control the transmitting coil (10) in order to transmit a wake-up signal in response to the detection of a proximity of a body (4) by means of the proximity sensor (11). An ID transmitter (5) that is separate from the vehicle (1) is designed to receive the wake-up signals, said ID transmitter (5) and control system (17) each having means for carrying out a bidirectional wireless communication in order to authenticate the ID transmitter (5). The control system (17) unlocks the cover (3) in response to a successful authentication.