EV Charging Credential Transfer for Rental Vehicle Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The usability of electric vehicle charging stations is restricted for rental vehicles due to the high effort required to install and manage token modules or blockchain modules for payment processing, and users must manually book each charging process, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to store certificate data in a server device external to the vehicle, enabling the vehicle to autonomously activate charging processes by associating these data with the vehicle, using an operating device to transfer certificate data to a data memory linked to the vehicle, and the vehicle's control unit to signal access data to the charging station, which verifies the certificate data before initiating the charging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a user installs a token module or blockchain module in a rental vehicle to enable payment at charging stations, then the vehicle can autonomously handle charging payments, but the setup effort and complexity increase significantly for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server device as an intermediary between the charging stations and the vehicle. The server stores certificate data and manages authorization credentials, eliminating the need for the user to install and manage complex token modules or blockchain modules in the vehicle. The server acts as a centralized mediator that handles all authentication and payment coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex authentication and payment management functionality from the vehicle and relocates it to an external server device. The certificate data and authorization logic are stored and managed on the server rather than being embedded in the vehicle's onboard systems, simplifying the vehicle's hardware requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a user manually books each charging process individually, then precise control over charging sessions is achieved, but the time and effort required for operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the vehicle's control unit automatically initiate charging processes without requiring manual user intervention. The control unit uses stored certificate data to autonomously activate charging at compatible stations, eliminating the need for users to book each charging session in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's control unit performs self-service by automatically managing the charging activation process. The system uses the stored certificate data to independently authenticate with charging stations and initiate charging sessions, freeing the user from repetitive manual booking tasks.
3Extent of automation
If certificate data is stored in the vehicle for autonomous charging activation, then charging can be activated automatically, but the risk of misuse or unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server device serves as a secure intermediary that holds the master certificate data. The vehicle receives only limited authorization credentials from the server, not the full certificate data. This intermediary architecture allows automatic charging activation while maintaining centralized security control and preventing misuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication system into multiple layers: the server holds the complete certificate data, while the vehicle receives segmented authorization credentials that are sufficient for charging activation but insufficient for unauthorized access or misuse. This segmentation limits the impact of potential security breaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for activating an electrical charging process between an electric vehicle and a charging station. The certificate data for activating the charging process are stored in a server device by an operating device of a user distinct from the motor vehicle, and the operating device transfers the certificate data to a data memory assigned to the motor vehicle in the server device, by a predetermined transfer command, and, before or while the motor vehicle is connected to the charging station for the charging process, a control unit of the motor vehicle sends out access data for accessing the data memory to an activation circuit of the charging station and the activation circuit requests the certificate data from the data memory of the motor vehicle at the server device based on the access data and, if the requested certificate data meet a predetermined permissibility criterion, carries out the charging process.