Fuel Cell Power Supply Restriction After Working Machine Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing electric power supply to vehicles and equipment lack efficient mechanisms for restricting power usage based on ownership verification and payment status, leading to delayed fee collection and improper equipment shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that acquires restriction requests via a communication network to manage electric power supply to vehicles and equipment, including fuel cells, by detecting end-of-use scenarios and sending signals to restrict power supply through various means such as stopping power reception, setting lower power outputs, or prohibiting fuel cell activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the function of equipment is stopped only at timing at which the storage cell or the like is replaced, then the equipment can be used continuously during operation, but it is not possible for an owner of the storage cell or the like to promptly collect a fee
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus sends a restriction request to the electric power supply apparatus before the actual need for fee collection arises. By preliminarily establishing the restriction mechanism and monitoring payment status continuously, the system can promptly restrict power supply when payment is not received, without waiting for storage cell replacement timing. This resolves the contradiction by enabling timely fee collection while maintaining equipment availability during normal operation through continuous monitoring rather than periodic checks.
2Productivity
If all or a part of functions of the peripheral equipment or the like is stopped via a network in a case where a fee according to a use amount of the peripheral equipment or the like is not paid, then fee collection can be enforced, but even in a case where a user uses the peripheral equipment or the like, the function of the peripheral equipment or the like is forcedly stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus continuously monitors payment status through feedback from the electric power supply apparatus and only restricts power supply when payment is not received. The system establishes a feedback loop where payment information is continuously checked, and restriction decisions are made based on actual payment status rather than predetermined schedules. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring power supply is maintained during normal use with proper payment while enabling effective fee collection through automated restriction when payment is not received.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply restriction is made dynamic rather than static. The control apparatus adjusts the power supply status based on real-time payment information received from the electric power supply apparatus. When payment is received, power supply is maintained; when payment is not received, power supply is restricted. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to actual payment conditions rather than applying fixed restrictions.
3Productivity
If the control apparatus restricts power supply by stopping power reception or setting lower power outputs, then fee collection can be facilitated, but the device complexity increases due to multiple restriction methods
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle various restriction methods through a single integrated system. The control apparatus can send restriction requests that result in different outcomes (stopping power reception, setting lower power outputs, prohibiting fuel cell activation) based on the response from the electric power supply apparatus and specific operational conditions. This universal design resolves the contradiction by implementing multiple restriction capabilities within a single control framework rather than requiring separate systems for each restriction method.
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
Enables timely and controlled power restriction based on ownership verification and payment status, ensuring convenient, safe, and efficient management of electric power supply, preventing misuse and facilitating fee collection.
Implementation Method 1
The electric power supply apparatus is provided with a fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus controls an electric power supply apparatus configured to supply electric power to a working machine. The electric power supply apparatus is provided with a fuel cell. The control apparatus is provided with a restriction request acquisition unit configured to acquire a restriction request for requesting restriction of the supply of the electric power via a communication network, and a restriction unit configured to restrict the supply of the electric power in a case where the restriction request acquisition unit acquires the restriction request. The control apparatus may be provided with an end detection unit configured to detect end of use of the working machine. The restriction unit may decide to start the restriction in a case where, after the restriction request acquisition unit acquires the restriction request, the end detection unit detects the end of the use of the working machine.