Remote EV Charging Indicator with Multi-Color LED
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle owners face challenges in monitoring the charging state of their vehicles remotely and controlling the charging process, as existing systems require manual intervention and are not user-friendly, especially when the owner is engaged in other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle charging station, a visual indicator (such as a multi-color LED), and a control server that communicates the charging state and allows remote control of the charging process, using a cloud server and API for seamless data exchange, enabling users to monitor and control EV charging from anywhere in the house.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the EV/PHEV owner needs to check the charging state, then the charging information can be viewed, but the owner must manually come to and get inside the vehicle or open a mobile application, which requires multiple manual steps and is inconvenient when preoccupied with other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote visual indicator device as an intermediary between the charging station and the user. This device receives charging state information from the charging station via wireless communication and displays it remotely, eliminating the need for the user to physically approach the vehicle or use a mobile application. The visual indicator acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the charging system and the user, providing information in a convenient location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction required in conventional systems (opening vehicle doors, navigating mobile applications) with an optical signaling system. The visual indicator uses LED lights to communicate charging status remotely, substituting the need for manual intervention and digital interface interaction with a simple visual display that can be observed from a distance.
2Ease of operation
If a remote visual indicator is implemented, then the user can monitor charging from anywhere in the house, but the system complexity increases with additional components like control servers and communication modules
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator device is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays charging state information, provides visual alerts, and can potentially communicate with the user through different lighting patterns. The control server also serves multiple purposes by managing charging sessions, communicating with the visual indicator, and storing charging data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to operate autonomously once configured. The visual indicator automatically receives and displays charging status information without requiring user intervention. The control server automatically manages data exchange between the charging station and the visual indicator, eliminating the need for manual setup or continuous user management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables remote monitoring of EV charging state and allows users to control the charging process through a visual indicator, providing real-time information on charge level, renewable energy usage, and cost, enhancing convenience and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the visual indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
A remote visual indicator of a state of charging of an electric and/or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV and PHEV). In one or more embodiments, the aforesaid visual indicator incorporates a multi-color light source, such as a multi-color LED and uses the color of the emitted light to indicate the state of the EV/PHEV charging. In one or more embodiment, the aforesaid visual indicator incorporates one or more buttons or other user-activated controls configured to alter the charging of the EV/PHEV by the charging stations. In one or more embodiments, a sound generation element may be additionally provided for creating audible indicators of charging state.