Smart Charging Cord Controller for EV Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems lack secure and efficient methods to restrict power and data transmission to unauthorized vehicles, compromising the integrity and security of electric vehicle supply equipment as the prevalence of electric vehicles increases.
Innovation Solution
A programmable smart charging cord with a controller that selectively enables or restricts power and data transmission based on user-generated inputs, authenticating authorized devices and preventing malicious activity, using a mobile application to configure permissions and track the cord's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric vehicle supply equipment is made accessible to multiple users, then productivity and usage efficiency improve, but security and control over power/data transmission deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different access levels and permission sets for different users. Administrator users receive full access rights including ability to configure charging parameters and view detailed data, while standard users receive limited access restricted to basic charging functions. This local differentiation of access quality resolves the contradiction by allowing high utilization through multiple users while maintaining security through customized permission levels for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts access rights and functional availability based on user authentication and session state. The charging equipment transitions between different operational modes (locked/unlocked, full functionality/limited functionality) depending on the authenticated user type. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to serve multiple users productively while maintaining security by actively controlling what each user can access at any given time.
2Reliability
If access control restrictions are implemented to prevent unauthorized use, then security improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to authentication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and authorization checks in advance before allowing charging operations. Users must log in and be verified as authorized before the charging equipment becomes accessible. This preliminary security action resolves the contradiction by establishing security controls upfront, allowing the system to then operate smoothly without repeated interruptions during the actual charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to be user-friendly and self-explanatory, guiding users through the login process and automatically managing session states. The system handles verification, token generation, and session management automatically once initial authentication is complete. This self-service approach maintains security while minimizing the operational burden on users.
3Ease of operation
If full functionality is provided to all users, then ease of operation improves, but loss of information increases due to potential data breaches from unauthorized vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements data access control where different user types can view and interact with different subsets of system information. Administrator users can access sensitive data including detailed charging logs, system configuration, and diagnostic information. Standard users are restricted to viewing only their own charging history and basic status information. This local differentiation of data access quality resolves the contradiction by providing full functionality to authorized users while protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an authentication intermediary layer that mediates between users and the charging equipment's data and functions. This intermediary verifies user credentials, determines appropriate access levels, and filters information transmission accordingly. The intermediary protects against data breaches by ensuring that only authenticated users receive data appropriate to their authorization level, while still providing full functionality to those who are properly authorized.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional cord that can be used in connection with one or more user devices specified by a user associated with the cord. The user may program the multi-functional cord to enable the multi-functional cord to operate in a particular manner when associated with a first user device and may preclude the multi-functional cord from operating when associated with a second user device. The multi-functional cord may also, or alternatively, be pre-programmed to work with a particular user device, such as, in a non-limiting example, when the multi-functional cord is sold with the user device. Certain aspects of the present disclosure provided may be implemented within electric vehicle charging systems and electric vehicle supply equipment comprising wired and wireless power and data interfaces.