EV Charger Sharing Fee Control for Wider Public Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chargers for electric vehicles are not widely available due to their installation being limited to vehicle owners, preventing widespread access when batteries run out outside of charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a charger, a user terminal, a lender terminal, and a server that facilitates the sharing and payment of charger usage through a communication network, allowing users to request and pay for charger use, and lenders to receive payment, thereby increasing charger availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If chargers are installed only for vehicle owners, then charger installation is simple and direct, but charger availability is limited and cannot be widely supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates charger ownership from usage rights. The charger is divided into components: the physical charger unit remains with the owner, while usage permissions are segmented and granted to multiple users through the server-based management system. This allows one charger to serve multiple purposes and users simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The charger installation place is transformed into a universal resource that can serve multiple vehicle owners. By allowing different users to request and pay for charger usage at different times, the same charger infrastructure provides universal service to the community rather than being restricted to a single owner.
2Quantity of substance
If chargers are installed only in private residences, then installation cost is borne by individual owners, but charger supply cannot be expanded widely
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between charger owners and users. It manages usage requests, calculates fees, and coordinates charging sessions without requiring direct involvement from owners or users in the technical installation process. This mediator enables widespread supply while maintaining simple installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Users independently request charger usage through their terminals, pay the calculated fees, and manage their own charging sessions. The system automates fee calculation based on usage time and amount, eliminating the need for manual intervention in installation and operation management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If charger usage is free for owners, then owner incentive is high, but charger cannot be shared with others
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of access rights from exclusive (owner only) to conditional (any user who pays). By introducing a fee structure based on usage amount and time, the charger transitions from a private good to a club good that can be shared while still providing economic incentives to owners.
4Adaptability or versatility
If charger usage is monitored and fees are charged, then charger sharing is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server continuously monitors charger usage and provides feedback to both owners and users. It tracks charging sessions, calculates fees based on actual usage, and notifies relevant parties. This automated feedback loop enables complex sharing arrangements while keeping the management system simple through rule-based automation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
In the present invention, when a charging device (2) is used, a terminal (31) acquires an ID for the charging device (2) and transmits a use request and the ID for the charging device (2). A server (4) receives the use request and the ID, calculates a billing fee for the charging device (2) in response to the reception of the use request, and presents the billing fee to the terminal (31). The server (4) calculates an electricity charge incurred for the use of the charging device (2) in response to the reception of the use request. The server (4) calculates a payment fee that includes the calculated electricity charge and a charging device installation charge and presents the payment fee to a terminal (32).