Charging Station Software Update via Local Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles often face software update failures due to breakdowns in mobile communication networks, especially in areas with poor coverage or underground locations, which can lead to incomplete or failed software updates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a charging station establishes a communication link with an electric vehicle to check for software updates and transmit necessary update data, enabling reliable and efficient software updates, even in areas with limited mobile network coverage, by using a communication interface for both electrical charging and software update functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile communication link is used for software updates, then updates can be performed remotely, but communication breakdowns occur in dead zones or underground parking garages
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station acts as an intermediary device between the central server and the electric vehicle. It establishes a local communication link (via cable connection) to the vehicle's OBD plug, serving as a reliable mediator that bypasses the need for mobile network coverage. The charging station receives update data from the server and transmits it directly to the vehicle through this stable local connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical charging of the vehicle battery and software update transmission. By integrating both functions into a single system, the charging station utilizes its existing stable cable connection for both power delivery and data communication, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure.
2Reliability
If cable connection via OBD plug is used for software updates, then large amounts of data can be transferred reliably, but the process requires vehicle presence at repair shops
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service software updates by allowing vehicle owners to perform updates at charging stations without needing to visit repair shops. The charging station automatically manages the update process by receiving data from the server and transmitting it to the vehicle, making the service accessible and convenient for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the software update capability from the repair shop dimension to the charging station dimension. By distributing update capabilities to multiple charging stations geographically, the system changes the spatial dimension of service delivery, allowing updates to occur wherever the vehicle is charged rather than requiring trips to centralized repair facilities.
3Reliability
If charging station is used only for electrical charging, then charging function is simple and reliable, but the station is not efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is enhanced to perform dual functions: electrical charging and software update transmission. The existing cable connection and communication interface are utilized for both power delivery and data transfer, allowing the station to serve multiple purposes without compromising the reliability of the charging function while significantly improving resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging and software update functions are merged into a single integrated process. When a vehicle is connected for charging, the system simultaneously checks for and transfers software updates through the same communication channel, combining two separate operations into one efficient workflow that maximizes station productivity during each vehicle connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a charging station, including establishing a communication link between the charging station and an electric vehicle; checking, via the communication link, whether a software stored on a processing unit of the electric vehicle has to be updated; and transmitting, as a function of the check, update data for updating the software via the communication link to the electric vehicle with the aid of the charging station so that the software may be updated based on the update data. A charging station, an electric vehicle, a method for operating an electric vehicle, and a computer program, are also described.