EV Charging Terminal Integrating Utility Billing and Location Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack integrated consumer guidance and financial settlement management, particularly in private residences and public settings, where energy billing is not automatically associated with utility accounts and public charging stations are not easily locatable via mobile devices or GPS navigation.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods for electric vehicle charging that include graphic user interfaces for mobile applications, websites, and point of sale terminals, enabling consumer profiles and financial settlement management, with features such as location-based charging information, reservation capabilities, and integrated marketing, using a cloud-based computing system for network communication and financial settlement processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If public charging stations use manual payment methods (credit card or electronic payment), then financial transactions can be completed, but the billing process becomes complex and requires separate payment systems not integrated with utility billing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging payment system with the utility billing system by integrating the charging terminal with the utility company's billing infrastructure. This allows charging costs to be automatically included in the consumer's utility bill, eliminating the need for separate credit card transactions or electronic payment systems at charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging terminal is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a charging station and a billing interface. The system can handle both traditional utility billing and charging transactions through a unified platform, allowing consumers to pay for charging through their existing utility account rather than requiring separate payment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If charging station locations are not integrated with mobile devices and GPS systems, then system complexity is reduced, but consumers cannot easily locate or access charging stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network communication system that acts as an intermediary between charging stations and consumers' mobile devices. This system includes a server that receives location data from charging terminals and communicates it to consumers through mobile applications, websites, or GPS integration, enabling easy location of charging stations without direct complex peer-to-peer communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where charging terminals continuously report their status and location to a central server, which then provides real-time information to consumers through various interfaces. This allows consumers to receive updated information about charging station availability and location, enabling informed decision-making about where to charge.
3Ease of operation
If private residence charging stations are not integrated with utility billing systems, then installation complexity is reduced, but automatic financial settlement cannot be included in utility bills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the private residence charging station with the utility billing system by integrating the charging terminal's financial settlement capability with the utility company's billing infrastructure. This allows charging costs at private residences to be automatically calculated and included in the consumer's monthly utility bill, eliminating the need for separate payment processing.
4Loss of information
If a comprehensive consumer information system is implemented for EV charging, then consumers gain better control and information, but system complexity and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal information system that serves multiple functions: providing charging station location data, displaying real-time charging status, enabling financial settlement tracking, and offering consumer profile management. This multi-functional system consolidates various information needs into a single integrated platform, reducing the need for separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for electric vehicle (EV) charging and graphic user interface for consumers, including consumer profiles and EV point of sale terminal profiles. Novel methods for consumer guidance and controls are provided coupled with graphic user interfaces for mobile applications, websites, and electric vehicle point of sale terminals.