Exterior Lighting Charge Indicator for Long-Distance EV Status Reading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in clearly indicating their charge status, especially when charging at public stations, making it difficult for users to determine if they are fully charged and whether it is safe to disconnect them for charging another vehicle, and this information is often unclear from a distance.
Innovation Solution
A charge indicator system using exterior lights, such as daytime running lights or position lights, that communicate with a battery management module to display the charge status through varying light intensity, color, and animation, including proximity sensors to adjust visibility based on user presence and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a small light near the windshield or dashboard indication is used to show charge status, then the charge indicator can be displayed inside the vehicle, but it becomes difficult to determine charge status from a distance and at public charging stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charge indicator function with existing exterior lighting elements (daytime running lights, position lights, turn signals) that are already visible from a distance. By merging the charge status indication with these external lights, the system eliminates the need for separate internal indicators while providing both distance visibility and charge status information through a unified lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior lighting elements serve multiple functions: they provide standard vehicle lighting (daytime running, positioning, turning) and simultaneously display charge status information through varied illumination patterns, colors, and intensities. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by using existing components for dual purposes without adding device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If existing exterior lighting is used to indicate charge status, then visibility from a distance is improved, but the lighting system must perform multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control module dynamically adjusts the exterior lighting characteristics (intensity, color, pattern, duration) based on the charge status and operational context. For example, different colors indicate different charge levels, varying intensities show charging vs. full status, and specific patterns distinguish between charging mode and vehicle-to-vehicle charging. This dynamic control enables clear communication of multiple states through a single adaptable lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different colors of light to indicate different charge statuses and operational modes. For instance, green may indicate full charge, yellow may indicate charging in progress, and red may indicate vehicle-to-vehicle charging mode. These color changes provide intuitive, easily distinguishable visual feedback that simplifies charge status reading while maintaining lighting system versatility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the charge indicator is visible only when the vehicle is in certain positions or conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but visibility and user awareness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charge indicator lighting operates periodically or intermittently based on detected user presence or specific triggering conditions. For example, the lights may illuminate when a user approaches the vehicle (detected via proximity sensors) or when the charging station initiates communication. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while ensuring charge status information is available whenever a user needs it, preventing information loss.
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
Provides a clear and visible indication of the electric vehicle's charge status from a distance, enhancing user convenience and safety by utilizing existing exterior lighting for multiple purposes, including indicating charging status, faults, and vehicle-to-vehicle charging scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The exterior light comprises a first set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting light during driving operation of the electric vehicle and a second set of LEDs for emitting light that indicates the charge status
Data Source
AI summary
Electric vehicles indicate charge levels in different ways. A lighting control module is communicatively is configured to illuminate an exterior light of an electric vehicle to indicate a charge status of a battery for the electric vehicle. The charge status is indicated based on varying an intensity of the exterior light, based on illuminating a subset of the exterior lights, and/or based on an animation. The display of the charge indicator varies based on a location of the vehicle, the presence of a person in proximity to the vehicle, and/or a charger connected to the vehicle.