Route Search Device Optimizing EV Charging Cost and Time

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing route guidance systems prioritize charging via 'charging lanes' over 'charging spots' without considering the cost implications, leading to inefficient charging practices and lack of user-centric route selection options.

Innovation Solution

A route searching device and method that provides users with route information prioritizing charging via both 'charging lanes' and 'charging spots', allowing for optimal route selection based on cost and convenience by calculating and presenting charging plans for each option.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If charging via charging lane is prioritized, then travel time is reduced and convenience is improved, but charging cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel timeVSAvoidcharging cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of charging cost by offering multiple route options with different cost structures. Users can select between charging lanes (higher cost, faster charging) and charging spots (lower cost, requires stopping), thereby adjusting the cost parameter according to their needs while maintaining the time-saving benefit for those who choose charging lanes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The route guidance system dynamically adapts to user preferences by providing selectable route options. Users can dynamically choose between different charging strategies (charging lane priority vs. charging spot priority) based on their current needs for either time efficiency or cost efficiency, making the system flexible and adaptable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If charging via charging spot is prioritized, then charging cost is reduced, but travel time increases and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging costVSAvoidtravel time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of travel time by offering multiple route options with different time characteristics. Users can select between routes using charging spots (longer time, lower cost) and routes using charging lanes (shorter time, higher cost), thereby adjusting the time parameter according to their needs while maintaining the cost-saving benefit for those who choose charging spots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If only charging lane priority routes are provided, then user convenience is improved through automated charging, but user choice and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidroute selection option

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The route guidance device performs multiple functions by providing both charging lane priority routes and charging spot priority routes. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve different user needs (convenience-oriented vs. cost-oriented) within a single system, enhancing both user convenience and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts to user preferences by providing selectable route options. Users can dynamically choose between different charging strategies (charging lane priority vs. charging spot priority) based on their current needs for either time efficiency or cost efficiency, making the system flexible and adaptable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-generated harmful factors

If charging cost is minimized, then economic efficiency is improved, but charging convenience and travel efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging costVSAvoidcharging convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of charging convenience by offering multiple route options with different convenience characteristics. Users can select between routes using charging spots (lower convenience, lower cost) and routes using charging lanes (higher convenience, higher cost), thereby adjusting the convenience parameter according to their needs while maintaining the cost-saving benefit for those who prioritize economy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9835463B2Route searching device, terminal device, and route searching method

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 PIONEER SYST TECH

AI summary

When a route searching command is input, a control unit searches for a provisional route disregarding remaining energy. Next, a finding unit finds charging lanes and charging spots near the provisional route and a calculation unit calculates a charging lane traveling distance and a spot charging usage amount. Then, a searching unit searches for charging lane information, and the like, the first route that restrains charging up cost and uses charging lanes and searches for, on the basis of the spot charging usage amount, charging spot information, and the like, the second route that restrains charging up cost and uses charging spots. A generation unit generates information about the retrieved routes that includes charging up cost and the expected time required. which is presented by a presentation unit. Accordingly, it is possible to find routes including charging plans that use charging lanes and charging spots and to enhance user convenience.