EV Rear Window Charge Display With Dynamic Ring Progress Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing visual displays for electric vehicle battery charging provide only static information on the state of charge and do not dynamically indicate the progression of the charging cycle, making it difficult for users to monitor the charging process effectively.

Innovation Solution

A charge visual display featuring a plate-like body fixed to the rear window of an electric vehicle with a central luminous indicator and two concentric annular indicators that sequentially light up to show the charging cycle's progression, from an inoperative state to full completion, serving both as a charging indicator and a welcome/goodbye function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a closing cap with luminous indicators is used, then the device structure is simple, but the information provided is static and barely visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging cycle progression informationVSAvoidvisual display structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visual display is segmented into three distinct luminous indicators: a central indicator and two concentric annular indicators. Each indicator serves a specific function in displaying different stages of charging information, allowing comprehensive charging cycle progression to be communicated through divided visual elements rather than a single complex indicator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The visual display transitions from static to dynamic operation. The annular indicators progressively illuminate from the inner ring to the outer ring as charging progresses, creating a dynamic visual representation of charging stages. This dynamic illumination pattern provides real-time information about charging cycle progression without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If multiple luminous indicators are added to show charging progression, then information completeness is improved, but visibility and clarity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging status informationVSAvoidindicator visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the visual display have different luminous characteristics optimized for their specific function. The central indicator provides a focused bright signal for immediate attention, while the annular indicators provide distributed illumination that progresses outward. This local differentiation of luminous quality ensures each indicator type is optimally visible for its specific information role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display transitions from a single-plane indicator to a multi-dimensional visual arrangement with concentric rings at different radial distances from the center. This spatial dimensionality allows multiple indicators to be clearly distinguished and simultaneously visible, with the concentric arrangement creating natural visual hierarchy and depth that enhances overall clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If a dynamic charging cycle display is implemented, then user awareness is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time charging statusVSAvoidluminous indicator energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The luminous indicators operate in periodic sequences corresponding to charging stages rather than continuous illumination. The annular indicators activate in sequence as charging progresses through defined stages, and the display can transition to standby modes when charging is complete or paused. This periodic operation provides real-time charging status information while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination of all indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The solution provides clear, immediate, and complete information on the battery charging process, enhancing user awareness and visibility of the charging cycle's status from start to finish.

Implementation Method 1

a central luminous indicator, a first annular luminous indicator surrounding the central luminous indicator, and a second annular luminous indicator concentrically surrounding the first annular luminous indicator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from luminous indicators: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12109910B2Charge visual display for electric vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.10.08 AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA GMBH
  • US12109910B2 patent drawing
  • US12109910B2 patent drawing
  • US12109910B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charge visual display for electric vehicles, of including a plate-like body configured to be fixed to a lower central area area of a rear window of a motor vehicle and bearing—on an exposed surface thereof—a central luminous indicator, a first annular luminous indicator surrounding the central luminous indicator and a second annular luminous indicator concentrically surrounding the first annular luminous indicator.