Electric Vehicle Power Transfer for Parking Meter Payment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for paying for parking are cumbersome, requiring cash, credit cards, or mobile applications, and are impractical for electric vehicles without a means to provide alternative payment options.
Innovation Solution
A device integrated with an electric vehicle that communicates with a parking meter to determine and offer payment options based on vehicle power information, allowing the electric vehicle to pay for parking by providing power to the meter, using machine learning models to assess feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional payment methods (cash, credit cards, mobile applications) are used for parking, then payment can be made, but the process is cumbersome and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The electric vehicle's battery system automatically performs the payment function by providing power to the parking meter. The vehicle itself serves as the payment device, eliminating the need for separate payment methods and human intervention. The battery management system autonomously determines when and how much power to transfer to complete the parking payment.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system performs multiple functions: it provides power to the vehicle's motor and simultaneously serves as a payment instrument for parking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate payment devices and simplifies the overall payment ecosystem by making the vehicle's existing power system serve dual purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles are equipped with battery power, then they can operate autonomously, but they lack a means to pay for parking
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of power transfer by controlling the rate and amount of energy discharged from the battery to the parking meter. The battery management system adjusts discharge parameters to ensure sufficient power remains for vehicle operation while transferring enough energy to cover parking fees, effectively converting a portion of stored energy into payment currency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts what would be wasted energy (battery power that would otherwise sit unused during parking) into a beneficial payment mechanism. Instead of simply dissipating energy or requiring separate payment methods, the vehicle utilizes its battery power to both pay for parking and potentially recharge the parking meter infrastructure, creating a symbiotic energy exchange.
3Extent of automation
If the electric vehicle provides power to the parking meter, then payment is automated, but the vehicle must manage its own power levels and charging needs
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system continuously monitors the vehicle's state of charge, power consumption rates, and remaining trip requirements. It uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about how much power to transfer to the parking meter, ensuring that the vehicle maintains sufficient charge for its journey while completing the payment transaction. The system adjusts power transfer based on ongoing monitoring of battery parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the vehicle's battery status before initiating power transfer to the parking meter. It calculates the minimum acceptable charge level and determines the safe amount of power that can be discharged for payment purposes. This preliminary action prevents the vehicle from entering a low-power state that would compromise its ability to complete its journey.
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 efficient and automated payment for parking using electrical power from the vehicle, reducing human intervention and eliminating the need for cash or specific payment methods, while optimizing payment based on vehicle capabilities and location.
Implementation Method 1
an electric vehicle to pay for parking with electrical power from a rechargeable power source or power generating element of the electric vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A device communicates with a parking meter associated with a parking space to be used for parking by an electric vehicle, where the electric vehicle is associated with the device. The device receives vehicle power information, vehicle profile information, and vehicle location information, and determines parking payment options based on the vehicle power information, the vehicle profile information, and the vehicle location information. The device receives a selection of a particular parking payment option of the parking payment options, where the particular parking payment option includes an option to pay for parking by providing power to the parking meter from the electric vehicle. The device causes the electric vehicle to connect to the parking meter based on the particular parking payment option, and causes the electric vehicle to provide power to the parking meter based on the particular parking payment option.