EV Charging Inlet Control via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging systems are vulnerable to theft due to the long charging time, as the connector of the charging cable can be released when the user leaves, even if they are not present, allowing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
An inlet control system and apparatus that uses a release control apparatus to transmit signals to the electric vehicle, permitting or prohibiting the release of the charging cable connector based on the user's proximity, ensuring the connector is only released when the authorized user is nearby and preventing release when they move away.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is permitted to be released when the plug is removed from the power source, then the charging cable can be easily disconnected, but the system becomes vulnerable to theft when the user leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet control apparatus continuously monitors the distance between the release control apparatus and the electric vehicle through wireless communication. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the connector release permission - permitting release when the authorized user is nearby and prohibiting release when the user moves away, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and theft vulnerability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static release permission mechanism (based solely on plug removal) to a dynamic mechanism that continuously evaluates user proximity. The release permission state changes in real-time based on the user's location relative to the vehicle, enabling convenient access for authorized users while preventing theft when users are absent
2Reliability
If the connector release is controlled by user proximity, then theft is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a release control apparatus as an intermediary device that carries identification information and communicates wirelessly with the inlet control apparatus. This intermediary enables the theft prevention function through simple proximity-based wireless communication without requiring complex biometric authentication or multiple sensors, thus achieving reliable theft prevention while minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The release control apparatus contains a copy or replica of the authorized user's identification information in the form of a digital key or code. This copied identification data enables the system to verify user authorization through simple comparison without requiring the physical presence or biological characteristics of the user, reducing system complexity while maintaining security
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an inlet control system and apparatus for an electric vehicle. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an inlet control system and apparatus for an electric vehicle that permit the connector of the charging cable to be released from the inlet of the electric vehicle connected thereto only when an authorized user having a release control apparatus is adjacent to the electric vehicle regardless of whether one end of the charging cable connected to a power source is removed or not and prohibit release of the connector of the charging cable from the inlet of the electric vehicle when the user having the release control apparatus moves away from the electric vehicle.