EV Charging Function Notifications for Remote User Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of vehicles equipped with external charging functions, such as timer charging and charging upper limit functions, may be unaware of these features or how to use them, leading to underutilization and potential battery deterioration due to improper charging practices.
Innovation Solution
An information notification system that communicates with a user's terminal device to notify them of underutilized external charging functions, allowing users to recognize and activate these features remotely through a smartphone app, even when they are not present at the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external charging functions are provided in the vehicle, then charging convenience is improved, but user awareness and utilization of these functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors charging behavior and provides feedback to users about underutilized functions through push notifications. The notification device sends information about available functions based on actual charging patterns, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that bridges the gap between function provision and user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
A notification device acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's charging system and the user's terminal device. This intermediary translates complex charging functions into simple, actionable notifications that users can understand and respond to, facilitating better utilization without requiring users to actively seek out function information.
2Productivity
If functions are activated by default, then utilization is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to unwanted functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts function activation status based on user response to notifications. Functions remain inactive by default but can be activated when users express interest through terminal device responses. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to individual user preferences rather than imposing a static default configuration on all users.
Solution Approach 2:
Users take control of function activation through their terminal devices by responding to notifications. The system provides information and allows users to self-select which functions they want to utilize, eliminating the need for pre-configuration while maintaining high utilization rates for desired functions.
3Speed
If users are not present at the vehicle, then mobility is improved, but ability to configure charging functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device serves as a remote intermediary that extends the vehicle's charging control capabilities to the user's location. Users can view function information and provide responses through their smartphones or other terminal devices, enabling configuration without physical presence at the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical interaction with the vehicle's charging system with wireless communication through terminal devices. Instead of requiring users to physically access and configure charging functions at the vehicle, the system uses electronic communication to transmit function information and receive user responses remotely.
Data Source
AI summary
When a charging connector of an EVSE is connected to an inlet, a vehicle transmits charging information to a server. The server determines whether or not there is a predetermined function which is set to OFF among functions for external charging included in the vehicle. When there is a predetermined function which is set to OFF, the server transmits a recommendation notification to a smartphone. The smartphone transmits selection information in response to an operation of a user on the recommendation notification to the server. Based on the selection information, the server generates setting information about the predetermined function and transmits the setting information to the vehicle. The vehicle performs a setting for the predetermined function according to the setting information.