External EV Charge Display for Visible SOC and Station Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle (EV) charging systems lack effective means to clearly and comprehensively convey the state of charge (SOC) and charging status to external observers, leading to confusion and inefficiency in public and workplace charging settings, where multiple vehicles are charged simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device connected to the EV's on-board communication network displays SOC numerically and charging status using clear, decipherable words, visible from up to 25 feet, either through a window or projection, ensuring accurate and immediate understanding of charging information to approaching drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional charging status indicators are used, then the device complexity is low, but the information clarity and visibility to external observers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary display device that interfaces between the vehicle's charging system and external observers. This intermediary translates internal charging status data into externally visible visual indicators, resolving the contradiction by adding information clarity without requiring direct modification of the vehicle's core charging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or simple electrical indicators with a digital display system that uses electronic communication protocols to retrieve charging status data. This substitution enables comprehensive information display while maintaining integration with modern vehicle communication networks.
2Ease of operation
If charging information is displayed only inside the vehicle, then the display system is simple, but external observers cannot determine charging status from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the display function from the internal vehicle dimension to the external environmental dimension. By positioning display elements on the vehicle exterior and using projection capabilities, the system makes charging status visible to external observers at a distance, adding a spatial dimension to information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed to serve multiple functions: internal driver information display, external observer visibility, and remote communication capability. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same system serve both simple internal display and complex external communication needs.
3Measurement precision
If numerical SOC display is used, then the measurement precision of charging status is high, but the device complexity increases due to additional display components
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously retrieves real-time charging status data through vehicle communication networks and updates the display accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise numerical SOC display without requiring complex manual measurement systems, as the data is automatically provided by the vehicle's existing monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of charging status data from the vehicle's internal systems to the external display. Instead of requiring separate sensing and measurement hardware, the system copies existing digital data representations, achieving high precision display with minimal additional hardware complexity.
4Ease of operation
If charging status is displayed using symbolic indicators, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of understanding for approaching drivers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments charging status information into distinct, clearly labeled components such as SOC percentage, charging rate, time remaining, and status indicators. This segmentation organizes complex information into manageable units that are easily understood by approaching drivers while preserving complete charging status details.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system uses color coding to convey different charging statuses and states, such as green for charging, yellow for paused, and red for errors. This visual differentiation enhances comprehensibility for approaching drivers while maintaining detailed information through accompanying text labels and numerical data.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device situated in an electric vehicle displays the precise state of charge (SOC) and charging status of the vehicle such that this information is visible from a substantial distance outside the vehicle while the vehicle is charging, connected to a charging station, or idle after disconnection from a charging station. The displayed information is easily comprehensible to a driver in an approaching electric vehicle who is interested in using the charging station, allowing the approaching driver to quickly determine if the charging station is available for use, or how soon it may be available. A method for accessing and displaying information regarding an electric vehicle charging session, allowing for a constant display of charging information outside of the electric vehicle.