Automated EV Charging Robot Vehicle Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automated charging of electric vehicles lack efficient and collision-free communication between vehicles and charging robots, especially in diverse scenarios, necessitating a solution for coordinated interaction to ensure effective and efficient charging processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling the charging process involving establishing a communication link between the motor vehicle and the charging robot, setting necessary vehicle conditions, opening the tailgate, and granting the robot permission to block the vehicle, ensuring safe and controlled charging operations, including identifier-based communication and supervision to prevent vehicle movement during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated charging processes are implemented using charging robots, then charging efficiency and station utilization are improved, but coordination and communication complexity between vehicle and robot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supervising entity that acts as an intermediary between the motor vehicle and the charging robot. This entity coordinates the charging process by managing communication protocols, authorizing blocking rights, and ensuring safe interaction. The intermediary simplifies the direct communication burden between vehicle and robot while maintaining automated charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes communication links and defines interaction protocols before the actual charging process begins. The supervising entity pre-authorizes blocking rights and sets up safety conditions in advance, allowing the charging robot and vehicle to proceed with automated charging without real-time coordination complexity during the charging itself.
2Reliability
If the charging robot is given permission to block the motor vehicle during charging, then collision safety is improved, but vehicle accessibility and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supervising entity continuously monitors the charging process and vehicle state, providing feedback control for the blocking permission. The robot can block the vehicle only when charging conditions are met and safety is ensured. The system can revoke blocking permission when charging is complete or abnormal conditions occur, balancing safety with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking permission is not static but dynamically adjusted based on charging status and safety conditions. The supervising entity can grant, maintain, or revoke blocking rights in real-time, allowing the system to adapt between safety requirements and vehicle accessibility needs throughout the charging process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, a computer program with instructions, and devices for controlling a charging process for a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle and a charging robot in which the methods or devices according to the invention are used. In a first step (10), an identifier of the charging robot is received or read for communication with the charging robot. Then, a communication link is established between the motor vehicle and the charging robot (11). Subsequently, the motor vehicle establishes a state required for the charging process (12) and opens a charging flap (13). Once this has occurred, the motor vehicle (14) grants the charging robot the right to lock the vehicle, which then locks the vehicle and initiates the charging process.During the charging process, the vehicle can transmit information to the charging robot about a cancellation of a charging request or a change in the vehicle's status (15). In response to the termination of the charging process, (16) the vehicle receives an unlock request for a charging plug used for the charging process and unlocks (17) it. After unlocking (17), the charging robot removes the charging plug from the charging socket and moves to a safe starting position. Once the safe starting position is reached, (18) the vehicle receives a release signal and closes (19) the charging door.