Vehicle Charging Communication Priority for Multi-Standard Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles capable of external charging according to multiple standards face challenges in selecting a suitable communication scheme, which can lead to the vehicle not leveraging the features provided by the charging equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method where the vehicle prioritizes charging standards based on predetermined priorities, starting with wireless communication schemes and then wired schemes, to establish a suitable communication connection with the charging equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vehicle supports multiple charging standards with different communication schemes, then the vehicle can charge at more charging stations, but the vehicle cannot automatically select the suitable communication scheme, leading to inability to leverage charging equipment features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with charging standardsVSAvoidautomatic communication scheme selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle performs a connection attempt process in advance by systematically trying different communication schemes (wireless first, then wired) before actual charging begins. This preliminary selection process ensures the suitable communication scheme is identified and established before charging starts, allowing the vehicle to leverage charging equipment features without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle changes communication parameters by attempting different communication schemes (wireless communication scheme first, then wired communication schemes in order of priority) based on predetermined priorities. This parameter switching approach enables the vehicle to adapt to different charging equipment types and automatically select the most suitable communication method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the vehicle attempts to establish communication using wireless communication scheme first, then the vehicle can achieve faster connection and leverage automatic charging features, but the wireless communication may not be available at all charging stations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication establishment speedVSAvoidcommunication connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle performs a preliminary attempt at wireless communication establishment before resorting to wired communication. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to take advantage of faster wireless connection and automatic charging features when available, while having a reliable fallback option ready if wireless communication fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication scheme selection is dynamic rather than static. The vehicle adapts its communication approach based on real-time conditions by first attempting wireless communication (for speed and automation) and automatically switching to wired communication (for reliability) if the wireless attempt fails, thus optimizing both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the vehicle uses wired communication scheme, then the communication can be established reliably, but the charging process requires manual plug insertion and authentication, reducing user convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication connection reliabilityVSAvoidcharging operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired communication system with a wireless communication system. By attempting wireless communication first, the vehicle eliminates the need for manual plug insertion and authentication processes associated with wired communication, thereby improving user convenience while maintaining reliability through fallback options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12280690B2Method and apparatus for controlling charging of vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A first charging standard adopts a Wi-Fi (BLE) communication, and defines automatic charging. A second charging standard adopts an Ethernet (IPoverCAN) communication and defines PnC. A third charging standard adopts a PLC communication and defines universal charging scheme. A fourth charging standard adopts a CAN communication and defines DC (direct-current) charging. A fifth charging standard adopts a CPLT communication and defines AC (alternating-current) charging. The method includes: performing a first connection attempt process in accordance with a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard that has the highest priority; and, when no communication is established by the first connection attempt process, performing a second connection attempt process in accordance with a communication scheme adopted by a charging standard that has the second highest priority. The charging standard adapting the wireless communication scheme has a higher priority than the charging standard adapting the wired communication scheme.