Vehicle Charging System Indicating Device for Battery State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles face difficulty in choosing between quick and normal chargers due to the invisible remaining capacity of the vehicle's battery, leading to uncertainty in selecting the appropriate charging mode.
Innovation Solution
A charging system that includes a charging device capable of operating in two modes (first and second charging modes) and an indicating device that informs the user of the appropriate mode based on the battery's state, allowing selection of suitable power sources and charging connections, such as commercial power or a power storage device, to optimize charging efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user chooses between quick charger and normal charger without information on battery state, then the charging process can proceed, but the user cannot make an informed decision leading to reduced convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicating device as an intermediary between the battery management system and the user. This device visually displays the battery's state of charge and recommends appropriate charging modes, bridging the information gap without requiring direct access to complex battery data by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring battery parameters (charge level, temperature, health) and providing real-time information to the user through the indicating device. This feedback loop enables users to make informed decisions about charging mode selection based on current battery conditions.
2Productivity
If high power charging is used regardless of battery state, then charging speed is improved, but battery safety and longevity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic charging mode selection that adapts to real-time battery conditions. The system adjusts the charging power level based on factors such as battery charge level, temperature, and health status, transitioning between normal and quick charging modes as conditions change, rather than using a fixed high-power approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (charging power, current, voltage) based on battery state. The indicating device provides recommendations that reflect optimal parameter settings for different battery conditions, ensuring high power is used only when safe and appropriate for maximizing charging speed without compromising reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the system provides detailed battery state information and charging recommendations, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating device performs multiple functions within a single component: it displays battery charge level, indicates temperature status, provides charging mode recommendations, and guides connection selection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems for each function while improving user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a first inlet to be connected to a commercial power source, a second inlet to be connected to a battery of an HEMS (Home Energy Management System) which supplies electric power greater than electric power supplied by the commercial power source, and an ECU. The ECU indicates one of the first inlet and the second inlet to a user in accordance with a state of a battery of the vehicle.