Electric Vehicle Charger Antitheft System Using Smart Key Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slow chargers for electric vehicles can be easily stolen due to their design, which allows disconnection without requiring the owner's presence, as they typically have a lever switch that can be easily operated, leading to potential theft during the extended charging time.
Innovation Solution
An antitheft system that includes a first signal generating portion, a second signal generating portion, a control portion, and an actuator, which only allows the charger to be decoupled from the connector when an authorized person is nearby by generating and verifying position and decoupling signals, using a smart key and elastic members to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever switch is used for easy disconnection of the charger, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lever switch with an electronic control system. The disconnection operation is no longer performed by a simple mechanical lever but requires electronic authentication through a remote controller that communicates with the charger's control unit. This substitution maintains operational convenience through electronic control while adding security layers that prevent unauthorized disconnection and theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote controller as an intermediary device between the user and the charger's disconnection function. The remote controller serves as a mediator that must be authenticated by the charger's control unit before allowing the disconnection operation. This intermediary adds a security verification step while maintaining ease of operation through wireless control.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the charging time is extended to 6 hours for complete battery charging, then the charging capacity is improved, but the vulnerability to theft during charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the charger's control unit continuously monitors authentication status and disconnection requests throughout the charging process. The system provides real-time feedback by requiring authentication before each disconnection attempt, regardless of how long the charging has been in progress. This feedback loop ensures that even during extended 6-hour charging periods, the charger remains protected from unauthorized theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing authentication requirements before the charging process begins and maintaining these requirements throughout the entire charging duration. The system pre-configures security protocols that must be satisfied before any disconnection can occur, ensuring that the extended charging time does not create vulnerability windows for theft.
3Reliability
If an authentication system is added to prevent theft, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves security functionality by integrating the authentication system into the existing charger control unit rather than adding a completely separate security device. The control unit performs multiple functions including charging control, authentication verification, and disconnection authorization. This multi-functionality approach improves security while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity by reusing existing computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to be self-contained within the charger and remote controller pair. The verification process is automatically performed by the control unit without requiring external security infrastructure or complex intervention systems. The system serves itself by having the remote controller transmit authentication codes that the control unit independently verifies, reducing the need for additional complex security infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An antitheft system of a charger for an electric vehicle that prevents theft of a charger during charging a battery of the electric vehicle is disclosed.More specifically, a first signal generating portion is provided at the charger, receives a decoupling will of the charger, and generates a decoupling signal. A second signal generating portion generates a position signal, so that anyone who is allowed to handle the electric vehicle possesses the second signal generating portion. A control portion generates an operating signal when both the decoupling signal of the first signal generating portion and the position signal of the second signal generating portion are received by the control portion. Once received, an actuator decouples the charger from the connector once the operating signal from the control portion is received.