Modular EV System Using NFC for Safe Module Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle systems face challenges with reliable communication and operational safety, particularly in weather conditions, due to contact reliability issues and the risk of damage from incompatible batteries or chargers, especially in public charging stations where unauthorized interference can occur.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle system utilizing near-field communication (NFC) for bidirectional short-range communication between the electric vehicle's control device and the module control, combined with galvanic isolation and secure locking mechanisms to ensure safe and authorized connections, preventing damage and unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separable bus system is used for communication between the control device and module controller, then bidirectional communication is enabled, but contact reliability deteriorates in weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based bus system with a contactless communication system using electromagnetic coupling. This eliminates the physical contacts that are vulnerable to weather conditions while maintaining bidirectional communication between the control device and module controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism that transfers signals without direct electrical contact. This intermediary system allows communication while isolating the components from each other, preventing weather-related contact issues.
2Ease of operation
If easy module exchange is enabled for users, then ease of operation improves, but operational safety deteriorates due to risk of incompatible components
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary compatibility verification through contactless communication before allowing module connection or power transfer. This preliminary check ensures that only compatible modules can be exchanged, maintaining safety while enabling user-friendly module replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback regarding module compatibility through the contactless communication channel. The control device receives information about the module's specifications and compares them with compatibility requirements, giving the user feedback on whether the module can be safely connected.
3Ease of operation
If public charging stations are made freely accessible, then ease of operation improves, but operational safety deteriorates due to unauthorized interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses contactless electromagnetic coupling instead of physical contact for both power transfer and communication. This eliminates the need for users to manually connect or disconnect physical plugs, reducing unauthorized interference while maintaining easy accessibility through automatic recognition and secure coupling.
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
The solution provides reliable communication and enhanced operational safety by ensuring secure, weather-resistant connections and preventing damage from incompatible components, while also reducing the risk of unauthorized interference.
Implementation Method 1
A first NFC device is arranged on the interface side and a second NFC device on the connection element side, which are designed for short-range communication with one another in order to connect the control device (9) to the module control (23)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular vehicle system comprising an electric vehicle (2) and a module (16) connectable to the electric vehicle (2) via a plug connection, wherein the electric vehicle (2) comprises at least a power supply network (3) for supplying energy to an electric drive unit (6) of the electric vehicle (2), a control unit (9) for communication with the module (16), and an interface (15) connected to the power supply network (3) and the control unit (9) for connection with the module (16), which interface (15) forms a first element of the plug connection, wherein the module (16) comprises at least an electrical arrangement, a module controller (23) for communication with the control unit (9) of the electric vehicle (2), and a connection element (17) connected to the electrical arrangement and the module controller (23), which forms a second element of the plug connection.wherein the interface (15) of the electric vehicle (2) is detachably connectable to the connection element (17) of the module (16) in order to connect the electrical arrangement of the module (16) to the power supply network (3) of the electric vehicle (2), and wherein the interface (15) has a first NFC device (43) and the connection element (17) has a second NFC device (104), which are configured for short-range communication with each other in order to connect the control unit (9) of the electric vehicle (2) with the module control unit (23). The invention further relates to an electric vehicle and a module for such a modular system, as well as a method for connecting them.