EV Charging Port Lock Control via Keyless Entry Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The locking device of an electric vehicle's charging port is not integrated into keyless entry systems, requiring active operation of a vehicle key or electronic device for control, which is inconsistent with the concept of keyless entry.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that automatically lock and unlock the charging port based on the presence or absence of a vehicle key and the state of charge, using presence information, movement information, and position information to determine when to unlock or lock the charging port, allowing convenient unplugging when not charging and preventing unauthorized access during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking device is controlled by active operation of a vehicle key or electronic device, then the user can manually control the charging port locking, but this is inconsistent with the keyless entry system concept and reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging port locking control function with the existing keyless entry system by integrating the locking device control into the same control device that manages door locking. The control device receives presence information from the keyless entry system and automatically controls the charging port locking without requiring separate manual operation, thus combining multiple functions into a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging port locking device operates autonomously by automatically detecting the charging state and vehicle key presence, then self-controlling the locking action without requiring active user intervention. The system services itself by using its own sensors and control mechanisms to manage the locking state based on pre-defined logic.
2Reliability
If the charging port is automatically locked during charging, then unauthorized disconnection is prevented, but the user cannot conveniently unplugging when approaching the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device dynamically adjusts its locking state based on real-time conditions. During active charging, the device maintains a locked state to prevent unauthorized disconnection. When charging stops and the vehicle key is detected in proximity, the device automatically transitions to an unlocked state, enabling convenient user access. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors feedback from multiple sources including the charging state sensor and the keyless entry system's vehicle key presence detection. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically adjusts the locking device state - maintaining locked during charging and unlocking when charging stops and key is present, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Extent of automation
If the locking device is integrated into the keyless entry system, then automatic control without active key operation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the controller for the keyless entry system (door locking) and as the controller for the charging port locking device. By making the control device universal and capable of managing multiple locking functions, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated control hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a locking device of an electric charging port of a vehicle. The vehicle has a keyless entry system, which makes it possible for the vehicle to be unlocked without the active operation of a vehicle key. Presence information of the vehicle key in the vicinity of the vehicle is detected and further a state of charge is detected that indicates whether a charging process is currently taking place via the charging port. The locking device is activated depending on the presence information and the state of charge.