Custom EV Charger Enclosures With Display and IP Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for customizable and aesthetically pleasing electric vehicle (EV) chargers that can provide additional features such as branding and targeted advertising to offset the purchase and usage costs, which existing EV chargers lack.
Innovation Solution
Customizable EV charger devices with a processor, memory, display, and communication interfaces that allow users to design enclosures using 3D printing, integrate sub-metering capabilities, and connect to IP networks, enabling features like targeted advertising and customized charging schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If EV chargers are made standardized and mass-produced, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but customization capability and aesthetic appeal are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The EV charger system is divided into a standardized base unit and a separate customizable enclosure. The base unit contains all functional components (processor, communication interfaces, charging circuitry) that remain identical across models, while the enclosure is segmented into customizable elements (3D printed外壳, branding elements, display modules) that can be tailored to user preferences without affecting manufacturing of the core charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary customization options during the ordering process where users can select enclosure designs, branding elements, and features before manufacturing. The standardized base unit is pre-manufactured and ready for assembly, while customization elements are prepared separately and integrated later, allowing mass production of core components while maintaining customization capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional features like displays and communication interfaces are added to EV chargers, then functionality and user experience are enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor in the auxiliary device serves multiple functions: it controls the display, manages communication interfaces (first and second communication interfaces), processes user inputs, and coordinates with the EV charger's charging operations. This multi-functional approach allows enhanced functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single processor handles diverse tasks rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device with its additional features (processor, display, communication interfaces) is nested within or integrated with the EV charger system. The auxiliary device acts as a control module that enhances the overall system functionality while being contained within the existing charger architecture, allowing feature enhancement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Shape
If 3D printed enclosures are used for customization, then aesthetic appeal and user satisfaction are improved, but manufacturing time and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of 3D printing entire enclosures from scratch, the system uses 3D printing only for specific customizable portions of the enclosure where aesthetic differentiation is needed. Standardized portions of the enclosure are manufactured using traditional, more efficient methods. This partial application of 3D printing maintains aesthetic customization while reducing overall manufacturing time and material waste compared to fully 3D printed enclosures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for providing customized electric vehicle (EV) chargers. In one embodiment, a device is disclosed that includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled with the processor, a display electrically coupled with the processor, and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a mounting arrangement for securing the device to an EV charger. The device also includes a first communication interface electrically coupled with the processor. The first communication interface is configured for direct connection to the EV charger. The device further includes a second communication interface electrically coupled with the processor. The second communication interface is configured for connection to an internet protocol (IP) network.