EV Charger Communication Path Multiplexing via Mobile Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication failures between electric vehicle chargers and central servers lead to service interruptions, especially in unmanned environments, resulting in significant time and economic losses, as existing solutions like duplexing M2M communication modules are costly and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A communication path multiplexing device and method that utilizes near-field communication technologies like Bluetooth, NFC, or picocell/femtocell to establish a temporary communication channel through the customer's mobile device, allowing the charging service to continue uninterrupted, even when primary communication channels fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If M2M communication module duplexing is installed to ensure communication reliability, then communication failure resistance is improved, but equipment cost and communication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator (customer's mobile communication terminal) to establish an alternative communication path between the charger and central server. When the M2M communication module fails, the system uses near-field communication means to connect through the customer's mobile device, which acts as an intermediary to restore communication without requiring duplicate M2M modules at the charger.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service recovery by automatically detecting M2M communication failures and switching to alternative communication paths using the customer's mobile device. The charger control unit autonomously manages the communication path switching without requiring service agent intervention, allowing the system to self-correct communication failures.
2Reliability
If M2M communication module duplexing is installed to ensure communication reliability, then communication failure resistance is improved, but communication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The customer's mobile communication terminal serves as a mediator that enables alternative communication paths without requiring duplicate M2M communication modules. This approach leverages the customer's existing mobile network connection, avoiding the need to pay for additional dedicated communication infrastructure while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the customer's mobile communication terminal for multiple purposes: as the primary user interface for charging operations and as a backup communication path when M2M fails. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated backup communication infrastructure, reducing communication costs while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If service agent intervention is required to recover communication channels, then communication recovery accuracy is improved, but service time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charger control unit automatically detects communication failures and switches to alternative communication paths without requiring service agent intervention. The system self-manages the recovery process by utilizing the customer's mobile device as a backup communication channel, eliminating waiting time for service personnel while maintaining accurate communication restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures alternative communication paths using the customer's mobile device before failures occur. When M2M communication fails, the pre-established alternative path is immediately activated, enabling instant recovery without requiring service agents to diagnose or set up new communication channels, thus reducing service time while ensuring accurate recovery.
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
Enables quick recovery of communication channels without additional equipment costs or service agent intervention, reducing downtime and economic burdens on both operators and customers by using familiar and accessible mobile communication devices for alternative networking.
Implementation Method 1
a near-field communication (short-range wireless communication function having a short communication distance, such as Bluetooth, NFC, picocell/femtocell) means is installed in the charger communication unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and method for addressing the occurrence of a communication problem between an electric vehicle charger and a central server for the charger. The present invention discloses a communication path multiplexing device and method for an electric vehicle charger, in which a near-field communication means is installed in the charger communication unit, so that an alternative communication network is temporarily established through the charging customer's mobile communication terminal to proceed with the charging service when a communication failure occurs in the M2M communication module, and the alternative communication network established by the customer using the mobile communication device is released when the charging service is completed, whereby it is possible to implement an electric vehicle charging service without an increased manufacturing cost of the electric vehicle charger or an additional burden of communication fee.