Multi-protocol EV Charge Port Protocol Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of maintaining multiple charging systems for electric vehicles, as different manufacturers use proprietary and industry-standard charge protocols, leading to incompatibilities and increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A method for electric vehicles to automatically detect and match the charging station's protocol using a SAE J1772 connector and proximity detection pin, allowing selection and use of appropriate charge protocols for seamless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle supports multiple charge protocols to be compatible with different charging stations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge controller is designed to support multiple charge protocols (SAE J1772, proprietary protocols from different manufacturers) within a single device. The controller automatically detects which protocol the charging station uses and switches to the appropriate protocol, making one charging system universally compatible with multiple charging standards without requiring separate dedicated charging systems for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The charge controller dynamically changes operational parameters based on the detected charging station protocol. By monitoring voltage levels on the proximity detection pin and control pilot line, the controller identifies the charging protocol being used and adjusts its communication and charging parameters accordingly, enabling seamless adaptation to different protocols without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle maintains dedicated charging systems for both industry standard and proprietary protocols, then charge protocol compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate charging systems for SAE J1772 and proprietary protocols, the invention implements a single universal charge controller that can operate with multiple protocols. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce and inventory multiple dedicated charging systems while maintaining full compatibility with both industry standard and manufacturer-specific charging stations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple dedicated charging systems into a single integrated charge controller. By combining support for SAE J1772, proprietary protocols, and automatic protocol detection/switching capabilities into one unified device, the system reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while providing the same compatibility benefits as having separate dedicated systems
3Ease of operation
If automatic protocol detection and switching is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge controller performs automatic protocol detection and switching without requiring user input or intervention. The system autonomously monitors voltage signals on the proximity detection pin and control pilot line, identifies the charging station protocol, and automatically configures itself to use the appropriate protocol, making the charging process as convenient as simple plug-and-play operation
Solution Approach 2:
The charge controller uses feedback from voltage detection on the proximity detection pin and control pilot line to automatically determine which charging protocol is being used. Based on this feedback information, the controller dynamically adjusts its operation mode and communication protocol, enabling automatic adaptation without user involvement while keeping the control logic manageable through clear feedback-based decision making
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging an electric vehicle at a charging station includes electrically connecting the charging station to the vehicle. The charging station may be configured to charge the vehicle using a charging station charge protocol and the vehicle may be configured to receive the charge using a vehicle charge protocol. The vehicle receives a signal indicative of the charging station charge protocol and selects the vehicle charge protocol based on this signal. The vehicle is then charged using the selected vehicle charge protocol. While selecting, the vehicle may select one charge protocol from multiple charge protocols supported by the vehicle to match the charging station charge protocol.