Vehicle Charging Control System for Power Shortfall Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles that can be charged using an external power source, the uncertainty about charging time extension due to various factors such as reduced charge power upper limits, output power limitations of the charging device, and power consumption by auxiliary devices leads to user dissatisfaction, as the user may mistake the extension for a system malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that calculates and stores information on the causal factors for charging time extension by comparing maximum supply power with actual charge power, and displays this information to the user when the shortfall exceeds a predefined threshold, allowing for retrospective identification of the factors contributing to the extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If charging is performed at maximum supply power, then charging speed is improved, but charging time may be extended due to various factors such as reduced charge power upper limits, output power limitations of the charging device, and power consumption by auxiliary devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the actual charge power and compares it with the maximum supply power to detect shortfalls. When a shortfall is detected, the system provides feedback by displaying information about the causal factor to the user, enabling real-time awareness of charging status and reasons for time extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device acts as an intermediary between the charging system and the user. It conveys information about charging status and causal factors for power shortfalls, bridging the gap between the complex charging process and user understanding.
2Reliability
If charging time extension occurs without clear information, then system reliability is maintained, but user understanding deteriorates leading to dissatisfaction and potential complaints
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the user through the display device, showing information about the current charging status and the causal factors for any power shortfalls. This keeps the user informed about why charging time is extended, maintaining trust in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves as an intermediary that translates complex charging parameters and causal factors into user-understandable information, ensuring the user comprehends the charging status and reasons for time extension without compromising system reliability.
3Loss of information
If detailed information about charging factors is displayed, then user understanding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device acts as an intermediary that presents information about causal factors in a user-friendly manner. It processes and displays only the essential information about charging status and reasons for time extension, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining user understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and displays only the relevant causal factors for charging time extension, separating this specific information from the overall complex charging control system. This allows detailed information to be provided without proportionally increasing the perceived device complexity for the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle that is chargeable using power from an external power source includes: a chargeable electric storage device (110); a charging device (200) that charges the electric storage device (110) by using the power from the external power source; and a control device (300) that, based on maximum supply power that is able to be supplied to the electric storage device (110) and based on actual charge power actually supplied to the electric storage device (110), calculates a shortfall with respect to charge power supplied to the electric storage device (110) in a case where charging is performed at the maximum supply power, and stores information relating to a causal factor for the shortfall.