EV Charging Control via Near-Field Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging station systems require a connection to a remote authorization server via a mobile network to control the charging process, which can be unreliable in areas with poor network coverage, making it difficult for users to manage or terminate the charging process promptly.

Innovation Solution

A method that establishes a near-field communication connection between the mobile terminal device and the charging station's control device, allowing for an additional means of identification to control the charging process independently of the initial authorization means, enabling control instructions to be sent via a control connection that is independent of mobile network coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mobile network connection is used to control the charging process, then authorization and control functions can be performed, but the system becomes unreliable in areas with poor network coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging process control reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork coverage dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control connection as an intermediary communication channel between the mobile terminal device and the charging station. This control connection operates independently of the mobile network connection, allowing control messages to be transmitted directly between the user's device and the charging station without relying on remote authorization servers accessible via mobile network. This resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable local communication path that works regardless of network coverage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the same identification means is used for both charging release and charging process control, then the system is simplified, but the user cannot control charging when the identification means is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging control accessibilityVSAvoidcharging process management reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authorization and control functions into two distinct components: (1) the initial identification means (card or mobile device) used for charging release, and (2) the control connection established via near-field communication for ongoing charging process control. This segmentation allows the user to control charging through the mobile terminal device's control connection even when the initial identification means (such as a physical card) is unavailable or lost, while maintaining system simplicity through the integrated approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If an emergency stop button is provided to terminate charging, then immediate termination is possible, but the user may be held liable for operational disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging termination speedVSAvoidcharging control convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based control mechanism where the user's mobile terminal device communicates directly with the charging station through the control connection. The user can send termination requests through this connected interface, and the system provides feedback about the charging status and termination confirmation. This eliminates the need for an emergency stop button while enabling fast and convenient controlled termination, as the user has direct communication with the charging station to immediately stop charging when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 users to control, pause, or terminate the charging process without relying on mobile network connectivity, providing a reliable and user-friendly solution for managing charging sessions, especially in areas with limited network coverage.

Implementation Method 1

a control connection provided for controlling the charging process using a second proof of authorization stored in a mobile terminal device being provided independently of an identification means initially used for the charging release, comprising the steps of: a) use of a first proof of authorization used for starting the charging process by a control device assigned to the charging station; b) transmission of the first proof of authorization or the terminal-side second proof of authorization between the mobile terminal and the control device via a near-field communication link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3609731B1Method for controlling a charging process of a vehicle at a charging post using first and second authorisation verification
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 ECOG GMBH
  • EP3609731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3609731B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The basic concept of the invention is that, independently of a means of identification initially used to approve charging, i.e. a card and/or mobile terminal, a further means of identification is provided, by way of which the charging process can be controlled, i.e. monitored, modified, paused or terminated. The further means of identification is realised by means of a control connection, which is configured as a near-field communication connection between the mobile terminal and a control device of the charging post and which makes it possible for the control device to receive a termination instruction in order to terminate the charging process.