Electric Vehicle Charger PLC Port Segmentation for In-Station Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric vehicle charging systems lack the capability to provide additional services such as failure diagnosis, battery status diagnosis, software updates, and content updates, leading to increased inconvenience for owners who need to frequently visit diagnostic centers.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an additional service port in the PLC server of the electric vehicle charger allows for the provision of services like software updates and content updates during charging, utilizing two TCP/IP ports for communication, enabling the charger to offer these services without the need for separate diagnostic connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only one TCP/IP port is used for charging communication, then the charging function is simple and reliable, but additional services such as failure diagnosis, battery status diagnosis, software updates, and content updates cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice capabilityVSAvoidcommunication port structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication functionality is segmented into two separate TCP/IP ports: one dedicated to charging control and another dedicated to additional services. This segmentation allows each port to handle specific tasks independently, enabling versatile service provision while maintaining clear functional boundaries and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system is enhanced with multi-functionality by adding a second TCP/IP port that enables the charger to provide not only charging services but also failure diagnosis, battery status diagnosis, software updates, and content updates. This makes the charging infrastructure universal and capable of handling multiple vehicle maintenance and enhancement tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If vehicle owners need to visit diagnostic centers frequently, then comprehensive vehicle diagnostics can be performed, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle diagnostic capabilityVSAvoidtime for visiting diagnostic centers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service diagnostics and updates by allowing the vehicle to receive diagnostic services and software/content updates automatically at the charging station. The driver simply needs to connect for charging, and the additional services are performed in the background without requiring separate visits to diagnostic centers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic and update services are merged with the charging process. By combining multiple vehicle maintenance functions (charging, diagnostics, software updates, content updates) into a single charging station visit, the system eliminates the need for separate trips to diagnostic centers, saving time while maintaining comprehensive vehicle care.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If SD cards are used for content updates, then update capability is provided, but update speed and convenience deteriorate due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent update capabilityVSAvoidupdate process convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical SD card insertion method is replaced with automated electronic communication through the second TCP/IP port. The system enables wireless or network-based transfer of content updates directly to the vehicle, eliminating the need for manual SD card handling and providing faster, more convenient updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs content updates automatically during the charging process without requiring driver intervention. Update files are prepared and transferred in advance through the network connection, and the installation is executed automatically, providing preliminary action that eliminates manual update steps for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4112369A1Electric vehicle charging system and method therefof for providing additional services

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 DAEYOUNG CHAEVI CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention presents a method providing an additional service during electric vehicle charging by (a) the electric vehicle charger (200) detecting connection with an electric vehicle (100) via a charging cable; (b) the electric vehicle charger (200) exchanging charging messages through a charging port in a PLC modem, when the connection is detected in step (a); and (c) the electric vehicle charger (200) providing an additional service for the electric vehicle once the charging begins, and therefore, providing additional services such as software updates, vehicle contents updates requested by a driver during the charging of the electric vehicle, and thus providing convenience for the car owners without visiting car diagnostic service center.