EV Charging Port Door Control via In-Vehicle Payment Approval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack a convenient method for automatically controlling the charging port door based on in-vehicle payment information, requiring manual intervention for door opening.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging system and method that utilizes in-vehicle payment information to control the charging port door automatically by transmitting a signal to open it upon payment approval, involving a head unit, service relay server, and charging station server to facilitate seamless charging without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation or separate payment methods are used for charging, then the charging process can be completed, but the convenience and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the payment system and charging port control into a single integrated system. The head unit that handles in-vehicle payment also controls the charging port door opening/closing, merging two previously separate functions (payment processing and port control) into one unified interface, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing perceived complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The head unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the payment processing device and the charging port controller. By making the head unit universal, the system eliminates the need for separate manual operations for payment and port control, streamlining the charging process while maintaining system manageability
2Ease of operation
If in-vehicle payment technology is integrated with charging port control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the charging port door automatically opens or closes based on payment status without requiring manual intervention. The head unit autonomously determines when to open the port based on whether payment has been completed, and autonomously closes it when charging ends, reducing the need for user commands while managing system complexity through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the head unit receives charging status information from the charger and automatically adjusts port control accordingly. The port remains open during charging and automatically closes when charging completes or is interrupted, creating a responsive system that manages complexity through automated feedback-based control rather than complex manual coordination
3Ease of operation
If the charging port door is automatically controlled based on payment approval, then convenience improves, but reliability may worsen due to system dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by opening the charging port automatically when payment approval is received, before the user needs to access it. This anticipatory control improves convenience by eliminating manual opening operations. The port is prepared in advance based on payment status, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making during charging operations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to manually open the port and then handle payment separately, the system inverts the sequence by automatically controlling the port based on payment status. The port control becomes a passive response to payment events rather than an active user-initiated action, simplifying the user interface while managing system complexity through event-driven control
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment charging control method of an electric vehicle includes receiving, by a head unit of the electric vehicle, input of order information for a charging station, requesting payment based on the order information, and opening a charging port door when charging approval information is received in response to order identification information corresponding to the order information being input to a charger provided in the charging station.