Electric Vehicle Security Device for Unauthorized Charging Disconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles are vulnerable to theft when unexpectedly disconnected from charging stations by unauthorized users, as existing security measures are inadequate to prevent unauthorized disconnections during the time-consuming charging process.

Innovation Solution

A security device with a processor and control module that generates and transmits a command signal to lock the vehicle's battery when an unexpected disconnection from the charging station occurs, preventing operation and ensuring the vehicle remains inoperable until authorized access is re-established.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electric vehicle is left unattended at the charging station, then the user can perform other tasks during charging, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to unauthorized disconnection and theft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidvehicle security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The security device is pre-configured with authorization credentials (RFID tag, biometric data, or PIN code) before charging begins. When disconnection is detected, the system automatically checks authorization status and activates the locking mechanism on the battery terminal, preventing unauthorized removal of the vehicle from the charging station

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The security device acts as an intermediary between the charging station and the electric vehicle. It monitors the charging connection status and mediates the locking/unlocking of the battery terminal based on authorization verification, providing a security layer that allows legitimate users to leave their vehicles while blocking unauthorized access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a security device is added to monitor disconnection and lock the battery, then vehicle theft is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle securityVSAvoidsecurity system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it monitors charging connection status, verifies user authorization, controls the locking mechanism, and communicates with both the charging station and vehicle systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security components while maintaining comprehensive protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The security device operates autonomously by automatically detecting disconnection events, verifying authorization credentials, and activating the battery terminal lock without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the security protocol, reducing operational complexity while maintaining robust security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2527214B1Apparatus and methods to disable an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2527214B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2527214B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2527214B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A security device (112) for use with an electric vehicle (102) is provided. The security device includes a processor (214) that is programmed to receive at least one signal representative of a disconnection between a charging station (104) and a battery within the electric vehicle. The processor is further programmed to generate a command signal based on the signal. Moreover, the security device includes a control module (120) that is coupled to the processor, wherein the security device is configured to receive the command signal. The control module is also configured to transmit a control signal to lock the battery to render the electric vehicle inoperable when the disconnection between the charging station and the battery is performed by an unauthorized user.