Unified EV Charging Interface System for Disparate Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The adoption of electric vehicles is hindered by user confusion and inaccessibility due to the complexity of navigating multiple disparate charging networks and stations, which requires cumbersome registration and payment processes.

Innovation Solution

A charging interface system that facilitates access to various charging networks by automatically identifying nearby stations, providing payment information, and pre-authorizing charging sessions, thus simplifying the interaction between electric vehicle drivers and multiple charging networks through a unified platform and mobile application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually navigate multiple disparate charging networks and complete registration and payment processes, then charging services can be accessed, but user complexity and time spent increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessing charging servicesVSAvoidtime spent on registration and authorization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying the charging network associated with a charging station and pre-providing payment information before the charging session begins. This eliminates the need for users to manually register or enter payment details at the time of charging, thereby reducing both operational complexity and time spent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system acts as an intermediary between the user, the charging station, and the charging network. It automatically handles network identification and payment processing, shielding users from the complexity of interacting with multiple disparate charging networks and their varying registration and payment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a unified charging interface system is implemented to simplify access, then ease of operation improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessing charging servicesVSAvoidcomplexity of charging interface system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a universal interface that can interact with multiple disparate charging networks through a single platform. By implementing multi-functionality to handle various network protocols and payment methods, the system simplifies user interaction while managing internal complexity through standardized processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If automatic network identification and payment provision are implemented, then charging speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging access speedVSAvoidcomplexity of automated systems

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs network identification and payment information provision in advance, before the actual charging process begins. This preliminary action enables immediate charging initiation, increasing access speed while containing complexity within the pre-processing phase rather than during the charging operation itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230249560A1Facilitating access to an electric vehicle charging network

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 RECARGO

AI summary

A system and method for facilitating access to an electric vehicle charging network includes pre-authorizing electric vehicles to charge at charging stations before providing payment information. In some embodiments, the system provides an interface via which an electric vehicle may access and/or be authorized to one of multiple, disparate charging networks that provide charging stations to electric vehicles.