EV Charging Connector Handoff Using Delivery-Based Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems require users to manually attach and detach charge/discharge connectors, which is laborious and discourages users from utilizing charging services.
Innovation Solution
A substitution system where delivery personnel attach or detach charge/discharge connectors to vehicle charging ports as part of their delivery service, based on the state of charge and coupling conditions of the vehicle battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a substitute person temporarily keeps the electric vehicle and moves it to a charging station, then the vehicle can be charged, but the service becomes cumbersome and difficult for users to request and utilize in daily life
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle itself to initiate charging requests automatically when parked at a delivery destination, eliminating the need for users to manually request charging services. The vehicle's control device detects its own parking state and autonomously communicates with the substitution management server to arrange charging, making the service self-activating and user-friendly
Solution Approach 2:
The substitution management server pre-arranges charging services by identifying suitable charging stations near delivery destinations before the vehicle arrives. This preliminary preparation ensures that charging is already organized when the vehicle parks, eliminating the need for users to actively request or manage the charging process
2Ease of operation
If the delivery person attaches or detaches the charge/discharge connector, then the charging process is simplified for users, but the system must determine SOC and coupling conditions to decide between attachment and detachment substitution
Solution Approach 1:
The substitution management server acts as an intermediary that receives vehicle status information (SOC and coupling conditions), processes this data, and determines the appropriate substitution type. This centralized decision-making logic simplifies the vehicle's control system while ensuring proper charging/discharging actions are taken based on real-time conditions
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
Facilitates easy and convenient charging and discharging of electric vehicles by reducing the need for user intervention, making it easier for owners to request charging and discharging services.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle includes a vehicle battery and a charging port electrically coupled to the vehicle battery. The charge/discharge connector is configured to be attached to the charging port in a detachable manner and to supply electric power from outside of the vehicle to the vehicle or supply electric power from the vehicle to outside of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A substitution system includes a vehicle including a battery and a charging port electrically coupled to the battery, a connector configured to be detachably attached to the port and to supply power from outside to the vehicle or from the vehicle to outside, and a control device including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to determine whether the vehicle is at a delivery destination, and when determining that the vehicle is at the delivery destination, acquire the state of charge (SOC) of the vehicle battery and information indicating whether the connector is coupled to the port, and based on the SOC and the information, determine whether to set attachment substitution in which a delivery person who visits the delivery destination to deliver an item attaches the connector to the port or detachment substitution in which the delivery person detaches the connector from the port.