Flat EV Charging Cable With Payment Tracking and Trip-Safe Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems pose trip hazards, are cumbersome, and lack portability and monetization options, limiting their use in public and private settings, and are not accessible to scooters and e-bikes.
Innovation Solution
A flat, rollable, and portable electric vehicle charging cable with a built-in protective cover and a control device that includes a data storage component, detection component, and user interface, allowing for safe and convenient charging with monetization capabilities through a smartphone application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regular cable charger is used, then charging function is provided, but it creates trip hazards and is not safe for pedestrians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by covering the charging cable with a flexible protective cover that is flat rather than round. This flat cover eliminates the trip hazard while maintaining cable flexibility and charging functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between safety and trip hazard prevention.
2Ease of operation
If traditional EV mobile cable connectors are used, then charging is enabled, but they are cumbersome to set up and not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable cover, control device, and charging cable into a single integrated portable unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate setup components, making the system convenient to deploy and store while maintaining full charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device mounted on the cable provides automated functions including charge level detection, usage history tracking, and payment processing through a smartphone application. This self-service capability reduces setup complexity and user burden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional charging systems are used, then charging is provided, but they lack monetization capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating not only charging capabilities but also monetization features including usage tracking, payment processing, and host compensation mechanisms. This allows the same system to serve both charging and commercial purposes without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device includes a data storage component that tracks usage history and a detection component that monitors charge levels. This feedback mechanism enables automated payment processing and host compensation, adding monetization capability while managing system complexity through digital automation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If curb charging stations are installed, then charging locations are provided, but they are expensive to install and require sidewalk openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a portable, removable cable-based charging system that requires no permanent installation or sidewalk openings. The flat covered cable can be temporarily deployed in various locations and easily removed, providing charging access without the high installation costs and infrastructure changes required by traditional curb charging stations.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging cable includes a cover encompassing one or more electrically conductive cables having a first end and a second end; a first coupler that couples the first end to a vehicle charging port; a second coupler that couples the second end to the external power supply; and a control device mounted to the electrically conductive cables. The control device includes a data storage component that stores a usage history; a detection component that detects the vehicle charge level and updates the usage history; and a user interface. A method of electric vehicle charging includes providing a smartphone application electronically connected to the control device; detecting a charge level of the electric vehicle; storing a usage history based on the detected charge level; charging the electric vehicle; and collecting payment by the smartphone application.