Charging State Alert System for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) face anxiety-inducing charging time constraints, particularly due to potential unplugging or power outages that may go unnoticed by owners, leading to uncharged vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that determines if the time corresponds to a charging window, retrieves the start time and charge requirement for an upcoming journey, and alerts the user if insufficient time remains to charge the vehicle, utilizing a processor connected to a vehicle network and transceiver for notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle charges automatically during designated charging windows, then charging convenience is improved, but the risk of undetected unplugging or power outages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors charging status and sends notifications to the user's mobile device, creating a feedback loop that alerts users to charging interruptions. The processor detects when charging stops during a charging window and communicates this information to the user, enabling them to take corrective action.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile communication device serves as an intermediary between the vehicle's charging system and the user. The transceiver sends notifications to the user's smartphone or other mobile device, allowing the user to be informed of charging status remotely without needing to be physically present at the vehicle.
2Reliability
If the user monitors charging status continuously, then charging reliability is improved, but user time and attention are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and detection of charging status automatically before the user would need to check. The processor continuously monitors whether the vehicle is in a charging state during charging windows, and only contacts the user when an issue is detected, eliminating the need for continuous user attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging monitoring system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The processor automatically detects charging interruptions and initiates notifications to the user's mobile device, allowing the system to serve itself in monitoring charging status while keeping the user informed only when necessary.
3Ease of operation
If charging occurs during extended periods without user presence, then charging convenience is improved, but the likelihood of undetected charging failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user about charging status through automated notifications. When charging stops during a charging window, the processor sends a notification to the user's mobile device, ensuring the user receives information about charging status even when not physically present at the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical presence and manual checking with electronic communication systems. The transceiver and mobile device substitute for the user being physically present at the vehicle, transmitting charging status information wirelessly to keep the user informed remotely.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method includes determining whether a time of day corresponds to a charging window, responsive to a determination that a vehicle is in a non-charging state. The method also includes retrieving a start time and charge requirement for an upcoming journey. The method further includes determining if sufficient time remains to charge a vehicle to the charge requirement, responsive to a determination that the time of day corresponds to the charging window. Also, the method includes alerting a user to the non-charging state, responsive to a determination that insufficient time remains to charge the vehicle to the charge requirement.