Smart 240V Charging Socket With User Authorization and Metering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 240 Volt AC electricity outlets lack the functionality to manage and monitor energy usage, ensure safety through onboard diagnostics, and provide power only to authorized users, which is essential for efficient and secure electric vehicle charging.

Innovation Solution

A smart 240 Volt outlet is designed with an AC outlet socket, a wireless communication device for user authorization, a relay for energizing the socket, an energy conversion device, an energy measurement module, a processor for controlling the outlet and transmitting data, and software for data transmission under the OCPP standard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a standard 240 Volt outlet is used for AC charging, then the cost of charging infrastructure is reduced, but the outlet lacks the functionality to manage energy usage, monitor safety, and provide power only to authorized users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost of charging infrastructureVSAvoidfunctionality to manage energy usage, monitor safety, and authorize users

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms a simple outlet into a multi-functional smart outlet by integrating multiple components: a relay for controlled power delivery, an energy measurement module for monitoring consumption, a wireless communication device for user authorization, and a processor for coordinating these functions. This allows a single device to perform authorization, energy management, safety monitoring, and data transmission functions that would otherwise require separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a smart outlet as an intermediary device between the power grid and the electric vehicle. This intermediary contains a relay that acts as a controlled switch, an energy measurement module that monitors power flow, and communication devices that coordinate with both the vehicle and remote servers. The intermediary enables standard outlets to provide DC charging functionality while maintaining control and monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If DC charging stations are used for rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but the cost of infrastructure is significantly higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcost of charging infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters delivered to the vehicle by converting standard 240V AC power into DC power suitable for battery charging. The outlet includes circuitry that converts AC to DC and can adjust voltage and current parameters to optimize charging speed while remaining compatible with standard outlet infrastructure, thereby achieving faster charging without requiring specialized high-voltage DC infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If an smart outlet with authorization and monitoring features is implemented, then security and energy management are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and energy managementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the smart outlet into distinct functional modules: a relay component for power control, an energy measurement module for monitoring, a wireless communication device for authorization, and a processor for coordination. Each module performs a specific function, making the overall system more manageable despite the increased complexity. The segmentation allows for easier maintenance, troubleshooting, and potential upgrades of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 smart outlet effectively manages energy usage, ensures safety through diagnostics, and provides power only to authorized users, enhancing the efficiency and security of electric vehicle charging while reducing costs compared to DC charging stations.

Implementation Method 1

an energy conversion device for converting high-voltage AC to low voltage DC to power components of the smart outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Energy Conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a relay for energizing the outlet socket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250033514A1Smart power socket for vehicle charging

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 EVPAL CONNECT LLC

AI summary

A smart outlet is provided to allow charging of a vehicle using a standard 240 Volt socket provided with features that limit use to authorized users and collect and transmit billing information associated with a charging session for an authorized user following OCPP standard.