Color-Coded EV Charging Station Finder Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging is complicated due to varying charging connector types and power levels, making it difficult for users to find compatible charging stations and estimate charging times, with existing solutions providing technical information that is not user-friendly or easily understandable.
Innovation Solution
A standardized communication language using color and number codes to identify charging connector types and power levels, allowing for a unified representation of charging options, which simplifies the process of locating compatible charging stations and estimating charging times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technical information for charging connectors and power levels is provided in detailed form (e.g., model names, kilowatt values), then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded labels to charging connectors where different colors represent different connector types (e.g., Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, Tesla). This visual coding system allows users to quickly identify compatible connectors without needing to understand technical specifications, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments charging station information into distinct visual components: connector type indicators (color-coded), power level indicators (numerical values), and availability status. This segmentation allows users to process information in manageable chunks rather than overwhelming technical data, resolving the contradiction between precision and usability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging networks are queried separately to find compatible stations, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple charging networks into a single unified display. The system simultaneously queries and aggregates charging station information from various networks, presenting all compatible options in one consolidated view rather than requiring separate queries for each network, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal charging finder system that works across multiple charging networks simultaneously. The single application interface provides multi-functional capability to search, filter, and display charging options from different networks based on the user's vehicle connector type, eliminating the need for multiple separate queries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If charging station information is displayed with non-uniform indicia, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a standardized color-coding system across all charging station displays where each connector type is represented by a specific color. This creates visual uniformity in the interface while maintaining the ability to identify different connector types, thereby preserving adaptability while reducing perceived device complexity through consistent visual language.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples are provided for identifying charging options for charging an electric vehicle. In one method, the charging options may be identified by receiving a charging station query including one or more parameters, accessing a charging station database, the charging station database storing connector codes identifying a connector type and a connector power level for charging connectors provided at a plurality of charging stations, and comparing parameters of the charging station query to the connector codes of the charging station database to identify a first subset of the plurality of charging stations that fit the parameters of the charging station query. The method may also include transmitting mapping data for the first subset of the plurality of charging stations to a client device.