Multi-Space Parking Metering for EV Charging Space Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of infrastructure for conveniently charging electric vehicles (EVs) hinders their wide adoption, primarily due to the high cost of providing charging infrastructure and the need for new physical locations with electric service.
Innovation Solution
The integration of EV charging and billing into existing parking meter systems, specifically using multi-space parking technology, allows for the designation and payment of EV charging spaces within existing infrastructure, reducing the need for new infrastructure and enabling efficient charging solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new charging infrastructure is built for electric vehicles, then charging capability is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing parking meters to serve dual purposes: traditional parking fee collection and EV charging payment processing. The parking meter system is adapted to identify EV charging spaces and process charging payments, eliminating the need for separate charging infrastructure while providing charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges EV charging payment functionality with existing parking meter infrastructure. By combining charging space identification, payment processing, and infrastructure utilization into a single integrated system, the solution avoids the high costs of building separate charging infrastructure while maintaining charging capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If multi-space parking technology is used, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but space differentiation capability must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different functionalities to different parking spaces within the same multi-space system. Ordinary spaces handle traditional parking, while EV charging spaces are specially identified and equipped with charging outlets and integrated payment processing. This localized differentiation enables precise space identification and appropriate service delivery without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for parking lot metering. The present invention allows multi-space meters to separately manage and control premium parking spaces, such as those for charging electric vehicles or those which supply electric power for engine block heaters in both pay-by-space and pay-an-display systems. Such premium spaces can be managed together over large areas (e.g., a city or region), or may be managed over smaller areas (e.g., the domain of an individual kiosk), or individually per parking space. Management includes pricing, time limits, hours, seasons of operation, and restrictions by vehicle type, and alternative pricing and restrictions for non-premium hours.