Swappable Battery Authentication for Safe EV Fleet Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries face downtime during charging, and the use of removable batteries can lead to safety and efficiency issues due to potential misuse of unauthorized or third-party batteries, which may not meet the designed specifications, posing risks and inefficiencies, especially in fleet operations where large-scale charging infrastructure is not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A battery network management system that includes swappable batteries authenticated by an authentication system, ensuring only authorized batteries are charged and used in vehicles, utilizing a blockchain-based distributed ledger for secure and transparent tracking, and integrating with charging stations and vehicles to verify battery authenticity and charging history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If removable batteries are used to reduce charging downtime, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to safety and quality control issues with third-party batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication system as an intermediary between the battery, charging station, and vehicle. This system verifies battery authenticity through cryptographic authentication, ensuring only authorized batteries can be charged or installed, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling removable battery operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication system continuously verifies battery status, charging history, and compatibility information. This feedback loop ensures that only authenticated batteries receive charging services or vehicle installation approval, resolving the contradiction between removable battery convenience and safety control
2Reliability
If authentication systems are implemented to ensure battery safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication logic into a separate, modular authentication system that operates independently from the battery and vehicle systems. This extraction reduces complexity within individual components while maintaining comprehensive safety control through the dedicated authentication module
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic copies (digital signatures and authentication tokens) to verify battery identity and authenticity without requiring physical inspection or complex verification procedures. This copying mechanism simplifies the authentication process while ensuring reliable safety control
Data Source
AI summary
A battery network management system (1) for swappable batteries (5) used in vehicles (9), the system (1) comprising: at least one swappable battery (5) to discharge electrical power to drive a vehicle (9); and a charging station (3) to receive the swappable battery (5). The charging station (3) charges the swappable battery (5) based on a first condition that the swappable battery (5) is authenticated by an authentication system (7); and a first code (8) is associated with the swappable battery (5) to attest the swappable battery (5) was charged by the charging station (3) based on the first condition. The at least one swappable battery (5) discharges electrical power to drive a vehicle (9) based on a second condition that: the swappable battery (5) is received in the vehicle (9) that is authenticated by the authentication system (7); and the authentication system (7) authenticates the first code (8).