Roaming Power Distribution System with Secure Invoicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical power charging networks fail to accurately invoice non-owner users for power usage, leading to reluctance from businesses to provide charging points, hindering widespread adoption of electric device and vehicle charging.

Innovation Solution

A system for distributing electrical power in 'roaming' that includes a device with a microprocessor-controlled power socket and communication means for secure, prepaid 'pay per use' services, allowing users to access third-party power supplies without altering existing market regulations, using Bluetooth or NFC for secure transactions and limiting power usage based on purchased conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If businesses provide power sockets for public use, then charging accessibility is improved, but cost allocation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging accessibilityVSAvoidcost allocation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication system as an intermediary between the power socket and the charging device. This intermediary enables identification of the charging device, measurement of power consumption, and automatic billing through mobile communication modules, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing public access and ensuring accurate cost allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If power sockets are made easily accessible, then charging convenience is improved, but unauthorized or un billed usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidbilling reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power consumption is measured in real-time, communicated to the user's mobile device, and billed automatically. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that convenient public access does not compromise billing reliability, as each user is charged for their actual consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If existing power distribution systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but roaming charging capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidroaming charging capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances existing power sockets with multi-functional capabilities including identification modules, communication modules, and measurement modules. These additions enable the simple power distribution system to provide roaming charging capability while maintaining backward compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3311458B1System for distributing electrical power in mobility
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 ENG INGEGNERIA INFORMATICA
  • EP3311458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3311458B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3311458B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system (100) for distributing electrical power in roaming, comprising: - at least one device (1) for supplying electrical power in roaming provided with means (2) for connection to a source of electrical power (E) and a power socket (3) for supplying the electrical power, means (6) for interrupting electrical continuity, communication means (7) for allowing the communication with at least one external electronic device (300) and one or more sequences of computer instructions (S1) adapted to switch the interruption means (6) so as to allow the supply of electrical power following a control signal (C) sent by the external electronic device (300); - a management computer apparatus (200) provided with a database (DB) which includes information regarding users in roaming and provided with one or more sequences of computer instructions (S2) configured to send information (I) regarding a specific user to the aforementioned external electronic device (300); - such electronic device (300), for example a smartphone or tablet, owned by a user, configured to establish a first communication channel with such supply device (1) and with such management computer apparatus (200) so as to identify the supply device (1) and send both the control signal (C) and the information (I) received from the management computer apparatus (200) for starting the supply of electrical power thereto.