EV Charging System Pairing via Temporary Signal Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging systems for vehicles lack a mechanism for secure and efficient communication of information between the power feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus, relying solely on the power feed line for electric power transfer without a dedicated communication channel, limiting their ability to exchange data and perform advanced charge control.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a control signal line for transmitting control signals and communication devices in the charging system, allowing for the sharing of temporary signal patterns to facilitate pairing and communication between the power feeding apparatus and the charging apparatus, enabling secure and efficient information exchange via wireless or network communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power feed line is configured to meet safety standards without communication capability, then safety and reliability are improved, but information exchange capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinformation exchange capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the power transmission function (power feed line) from the communication function (communication devices). The power feed line maintains its safety-oriented configuration while communication is handled by dedicated devices using wireless or network protocols, allowing both safety and information exchange to coexist independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Communication devices act as intermediaries between the power feeding apparatus and charging apparatus. These devices transmit information via wireless communication or network connections, mediating the information exchange without interfering with the safety-critical power transmission path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If communication devices are added for information exchange, then information exchange capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation exchange capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication devices are designed to perform multiple functions: establishing pairing relationships, exchanging charging control information, and coordinating power transmission. By consolidating these communication tasks into unified devices with standardized protocols, the system achieves enhanced information exchange without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pairing is established through complex communication protocols, then information exchange reliability is improved, but pairing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing reliabilityVSAvoidpairing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary pairing actions by establishing communication links and exchanging identification information before actual power transmission begins. This preliminary pairing ensures reliable connection establishment while minimizing the time impact on the main charging operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication devices implement feedback mechanisms where the charging apparatus and power feeding apparatus continuously exchange status information and confirmation signals. This feedback loop enables rapid verification of pairing status and automatic adjustment of communication parameters, improving both reliability and speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3038853B1Charging system and pairing method
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3038853B1 patent drawingFigure 1+
  • EP3038853B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3038853B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A charging system includes a vehicle (200) that receives electric power with which a storage battery (240) is charged, from an inlet (226), and a power feeding apparatus (100) that supplies the electric power to a power-feed-side connector (126) connected to the inlet (226). The power feeding apparatus (100) and the vehicle (200) share a temporary signal pattern given to a control signal, through communication via communication units (130, 270), separately from communication established by connection between the inlet (226) and the power-feed-side connector (126). The vehicle (200) specifies the power feeding apparatus (100) as a destination of wireless communication, as the apparatus connected to the inlet (226), based on matching of a temporary signal pattern detected from the control signal, with the shared temporary signal pattern. Selected drawing: