EV Charging Support for Consecutive Fast-Charge Usability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consecutive fast charging using public chargers can lead to a decrease in usability for electric vehicle users due to time restrictions and potential malfunctions, which are not addressed by existing charging control systems.

Innovation Solution

A charging support system that collects vehicle and charger information, identifies consecutive fast charging events, and provides targeted charging support information to user terminals to improve usability by recommending higher-output chargers, addressing malfunctions, or suggesting alternative pricing plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If consecutive fast charging is performed using public chargers, then charging speed is improved, but usability during charging deteriorates due to time restrictions and potential malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidusability during charging
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of consecutive fast charging patterns by collecting and analyzing charging history data before providing support information. This allows the system to proactively notify users of potential usability issues and recommend preventive actions, such as scheduling alternative charging times or locations, thereby maintaining high charging speed while preventing usability deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop by continuously monitoring charging events, identifying consecutive fast charging patterns, and providing real-time support information to users. This feedback mechanism enables users to adjust their charging behavior based on system recommendations, resolving the contradiction between maintaining fast charging speed and ensuring usability by alerting users to time restrictions and malfunction risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If fast charging is performed multiple times consecutively, then total charging time is reduced, but reliability of charging process deteriorates due to potential malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal charging timeVSAvoidreliability of charging process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system identifies consecutive fast charging patterns in advance by analyzing charging history and predicts potential reliability issues before they occur. By providing support information that includes malfunction warnings and alternative charging options, the system enables users to take preventive actions, thus maintaining the time efficiency of fast charging while mitigating reliability risks through early warning and planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares cushioning measures by providing users with alternative charging location recommendations and scheduling suggestions before consecutive fast charging causes reliability issues. This prior cushioning approach ensures that if malfunctions occur during consecutive fast charging, users have pre-identified backup options, thereby maintaining both the time efficiency and reliability of the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If public chargers are used for consecutive fast charging, then charging accessibility is improved, but usability deteriorates due to time restrictions imposed by public charger operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging accessibilityVSAvoidusability during charging
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback to users about time restrictions and usability issues at public charging locations by monitoring consecutive fast charging patterns. This feedback enables users to make informed decisions about whether to continue using the current public charger or switch to alternative options, thereby maintaining charging accessibility while improving usability through real-time information about operational constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of public charger usage patterns and time restrictions before users encounter usability problems. By providing advance warning and alternative location recommendations, the system allows users to plan their charging sessions more effectively, maintaining the accessibility benefits of public chargers while preventing usability deterioration through proactive information provision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4686596A1Charging support system, charging support method, and charging support program
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4686596A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686596A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4686596A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A charging support system, a charging support method, and a charging support program are provided. Information processing circuitry (10) collects vehicle information (Iv) and charger information (Ic). The charger information (Ic) relates to a charger (12) used for charging a vehicle (11). The charger (12) and the vehicle (11) in which consecutive fast charging has occurred are identified (802) based on the vehicle information (Iv) and the charger information (Ic). The consecutive fast charging includes executing fast charging a plurality of consecutive times. The charging support information (Is) is provided (808) to an information terminal (13) linked to the vehicle (11) that has undergone the consecutive fast charging. The charging support information (Is)is configured to improve usability of the charging of the vehicle (11). The charging support information (Is) is provided to the information terminal (13) through information communication using a communication network (2).