Power Supply Apparatus for Secure EV Charging via Activation Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems require significant facility investment and often fail to accurately charge users for electricity usage, leading to inefficiencies and user complaints, especially in public facilities like apartment buildings and parking spaces.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus and system that modifies or replaces existing electricity facilities with a power supply apparatus including a power outlet unit, a power control unit, and a user interface unit, which uses a central control center to generate and manage one-time power activation codes for secure and accurate electricity billing via mobile devices, allowing pre-payment through ARS or web page access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional charging stations are deployed to charge electric vehicles, then power supply capability is improved, but facility investment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply apparatus is designed to be installed in existing power outlets and can serve multiple functions: charging electric vehicles, providing power to other electrical devices, and integrating with existing building electrical infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows limited facility investment to serve multiple purposes and users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to autonomously initiate charging sessions through mobile devices by obtaining power activation codes via ARS or web page access, eliminating the need for operators to manually manage each charging transaction. The apparatus automatically controls power supply based on pre-paid credentials.
2Measurement precision
If centralized charging management systems are implemented to accurately charge users, then billing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power activation code serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user's mobile device and the power supply apparatus. Users obtain codes through simple ARS calls or web page access, and the apparatus validates these codes to control power supply. This intermediary simplifies the interface while maintaining accurate billing through centralized code management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual billing and authentication processes with automated electronic verification of power activation codes. The centralized control center automatically manages code generation, validation, and billing calculations, substituting manual operational complexity with automated digital processes.
3Reliability
If secure authentication systems are implemented using one-time codes, then security against hacking is improved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses one-time power activation codes that are valid for single use or specific time periods. Each code is generated through ARS or web page access and can be used once to activate power supply. This periodic, single-use approach enhances security while maintaining ease of operation through automated code delivery to mobile devices.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing power outlets are modified to enable accurate billing, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply apparatus is designed to be installed within existing power outlet structures, nesting the charging functionality within the existing building infrastructure. This approach leverages existing electrical wiring and physical structures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated charging station installations and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a power supply apparatus for supplying power to an external electric device. The power supply apparatus includes: a power outlet unit, to which a power plug of the external electric device is coupled, to supply electricity to the external electric device; a power control unit controlling power supply from the power outlet unit to the external electric device; and a user interface unit connected to the power control unit to receive a power activation code from a user, wherein the power control unit supplies power from the power outlet unit to the external electric device during a usage period corresponding to the power activation code.