EV-to-EV Energy Transfer Interface for Stranded Battery Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of plug-in electric vehicles without adequate charging infrastructure poses a risk of vehicles becoming stranded due to depleted batteries, necessitating a solution for energy transfer between vehicles to reach the next charging point.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that connects two electric vehicles, utilizing a power conversion manager and multiconductor cables to facilitate energy transfer between vehicles, adhering to standardized communication protocols and managing energy flow safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a charging infrastructure is expanded to match the number of plug-in electric vehicles, then vehicles can be charged reliably, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure scale

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary energy transfer apparatus that acts as a mediator between donor and recipient electric vehicles. This apparatus includes a power conversion manager and multiconductor cables that facilitate controlled energy transfer without requiring extensive charging infrastructure. The intermediary device enables stranded vehicles to receive energy from nearby donor vehicles, effectively resolving the charging availability problem while avoiding the need to expand infrastructure scale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If energy transfer apparatus is introduced to enable vehicle-to-vehicle charging, then stranded vehicles can reach charging points, but the device complexity and safety management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle mobilityVSAvoidpower conversion management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion manager is designed as a universal control device that handles multiple functions: establishing communication protocols with both donor and recipient vehicles, sensing voltage and current levels, managing bidirectional energy flow, and ensuring safe operation limits. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive control over the energy transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates voltage and current sensing capabilities that continuously monitor the energy transfer process. The power conversion manager uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust power flow, prevent unsafe conditions, and ensure that both donor and recipient vehicles operate within safe parameters. This closed-loop control simplifies safety management by automatically responding to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized connectors are used for vehicle-to-vehicle energy transfer, then compatibility is improved, but the connector design must accommodate multiple functions increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidconnector configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design integrates multiple functions into a single standardized interface: high-voltage power transfer conductors, low-voltage communication signals, and grounding paths. This universal connector configuration allows the same interface to handle both energy transfer and communication protocols, improving compatibility between different vehicles while consolidating what could otherwise require separate connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables stranded electric vehicles to receive sufficient charge to reach the nearest charging point, ensuring safe and controlled energy transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a multiconductor cables to establish a low resistance path from each vehicle via connectors to the power conversion manager

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The power conversion manager will incorporate voltage and current sensing to manage the transfer of energy within safe limits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage sensing: Ohmmeter

Data Source

PatentUS20260001420A1Apparatus for electric vehicle to electric vehicle short duration energy transfer

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 RILEY RICHARD A

AI summary

The apparatus is a hardware device so plug-in type electric vehicle owners/operators can help other plug-in type electric vehicles owners/operators during times when the plug-in type electric vehicle has depleted battery charge and is no longer self-power motive. A similar use case is how jumper cables are used by internal combustion engine owner/operators help other internal combustion engine owner/operators starter batteries to start an engine.