EV Charger Optical Communication for Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle chargers lack diagnostic capabilities and firmware update mechanisms, making it difficult to analyze failures and provide waterproofing, while exposed communication ports can be vulnerable to malicious access.
Innovation Solution
A cord-set type charger with a light emitting unit for displaying charging information, a communication unit for optical communication with external devices, and a control unit to manage these components, using LEDs and guides for infrared communication to prevent additional port exposure and ensure waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ports for connecting diagnosis devices or firmware updating devices are formed on chargers, then diagnostic capabilities and firmware update mechanisms are enabled, but additional configurations for waterproofing are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical ports with optical communication (infrared LEDs) for diagnostic and firmware update functions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical openings in the charger housing, thereby maintaining waterproofing without sacrificing adaptability. The optical communication system enables data exchange between the charger and external devices through light signals without requiring any breach in the sealed enclosure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ports for communication are separately formed, then communication functionality is provided, but malicious users may change or damage programs in chargers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical communication ports with optical communication using infrared LEDs. This eliminates the vulnerability of exposed electrical contacts that could be tampered with. The optical interface provides secure communication because it requires precise alignment and cannot be easily intercepted or tampered with compared to electrical connections. The infrared communication enables firmware updates and diagnostics while maintaining program integrity.
3Loss of information
If displays for charging states are provided, then charging operation information is displayed, but the charger lacks diagnostic and update capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical communication unit serve multiple functions: it acts as both an information display medium and a communication interface for diagnostics and firmware updates. The same infrared LEDs and optical guides used for displaying charging status can also transmit diagnostic data and receive firmware updates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate display and communication systems, adding adaptability while maintaining information display capabilities.
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 user-friendly charging operation monitoring, diagnostic analysis, and firmware updates without additional waterproofing configurations, while preventing malicious access through internal communication, enhancing safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit to display charging operation information of the charger
Implementation Method 2
a communication unit to perform optical communication with an external device
Data Source
AI summary
A charger for an electric vehicle is provided. The charger supplies a current from a commercial power source to a battery of the electric vehicle. The charger includes a light emitting unit for displaying charging operation information of the charger, a communication unit for performing optical communication with an external device, and a control unit controlling the light emitting unit and the communication unit.