EV Charging Communication Handoff for Multi-AP Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing protocols for dynamic wireless power transfer (D-WPT) in electric vehicles lack standardized message sequencing and rules, making it difficult to perform association, pairing, and handoff processes between an electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC) and a supply equipment communication controller (SECC), especially in a multiple-access point environment, and do not account for changes in driving situations during charging.

Innovation Solution

A charging communication method utilizing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for EVs, involving EVCC and SECCs to perform WLAN scanning, discover adjacent SECCs capable of D-WPT, and execute handoff processes between SECCs and access points (APs) while accounting for changes in driving situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic wireless power transfer (D-WPT) is implemented without standardized protocols, then wireless power transfer capability is provided, but association, pairing, and handoff processes between EVCC and SECC cannot be performed reliably

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD-WPT service capabilityVSAvoidassociation and pairing process reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying communication protocols to accommodate D-WPT specific parameters such as handoff trigger events, WLAN scanning parameters, and message sequencing parameters. This allows the system to adapt existing communication infrastructure to support dynamic wireless power transfer while maintaining reliable association and pairing processes through standardized parameter definitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the D-WPT communication process into distinct standardized phases including association, pairing, authentication, and handoff procedures. Each phase has defined message sequences and protocols, allowing reliable step-by-step execution of complex communication tasks between EVCC and SECC without requiring complete protocol redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple access points are used for D-WPT service, then service continuity is improved, but complexity of handoff process between SECCs and APs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD-WPT service continuityVSAvoidhandoff process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing association and pairing between EVCC and SECC before actual power transfer begins. Handoff triggers are pre-configured and WLAN scanning is performed in advance to identify available access points. This preparatory communication setup simplifies the actual handoff execution by having all necessary parameters and protocols already established.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces WLAN communication as an intermediary layer between EVCC and multiple SECCs/APs. The standardized WLAN-based message sequencing acts as a mediator that manages the complexity of handoff processes, allowing seamless transitions between access points while maintaining a unified communication interface for power transfer control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If existing charging protocols are used for D-WPT, then implementation is simpler, but they do not account for changes in driving situations during charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol implementation simplicityVSAvoidresponse to driving situation changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing event-driven handoff triggers that respond to changing driving situations such as vehicle speed, position, and acceleration. The communication protocol dynamically adapts message sequencing based on real-time conditions, allowing the system to maintain simplicity of implementation while responding flexibly to varying operational contexts through standardized event handling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4606634A1Charging communication handoff method and apparatus for electric vehicle charging through dynamic wireless power transfer using multi-access point
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4606634A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606634A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4606634A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A charging communication handoff method according to the present disclosure includes: transmitting, by an electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC) mounted in an electric vehicle, a handoff trigger request to a first supply equipment communication controller (SECC) corresponding to a first primary assembly transmitting power to the electric vehicle by a dynamic wireless power transfer (D-WPT), so that the first SECC performs a WLAN scanning to discover a second SECC that is adjacent to the first SECC and capable of supporting a D-WPT service; and transmitting, by the EVCC, a message including the handoff trigger request to the second SECC based on a result of the WLAN scanning.