Vehicle Charging Service Control for Mobile Power Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The scarcity of accessible and mobile electric power supply points in urban areas, coupled with the inefficiencies and lack of security in existing charging infrastructure, limits the convenience, security, and reliability of charging portable electronic devices and electric transportation vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A system where vehicles equipped with computing units and charging supply means can be managed through a control unit to provide electric power to external devices, allowing users to request and reserve charging services via a telecommunications network, with vehicles being dynamically allocated based on user requirements and prioritizing proximity and available power capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed charging ports are installed in public locations, then electric power supply availability is improved, but space occupation on public roads increases and infrastructure cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power supply availabilityVSAvoidspace occupation on public roads
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed charging infrastructure into mobile charging units that can dynamically relocate to different positions. Vehicles equipped with charging supply means can move to areas with high charging demand, providing dynamic adaptability while minimizing permanent space occupation. The charging service transitions from static to dynamic, allowing optimal positioning based on real-time needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Vehicles serve dual purposes: their primary transportation function and their secondary function as mobile charging stations. By equipping vehicles with charging supply means, the same vehicle can perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for dedicated charging infrastructure and reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional charging ports are deployed, then electric power supply is provided, but security measures are lacking and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging service reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system incorporates self-monitoring and authentication capabilities. The control unit manages charging sessions, verifies user credentials, and automatically controls power delivery. This automated self-service approach eliminates manual intervention vulnerabilities and ensures consistent security protocols are followed for every charging transaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives status information from charging supply means and user devices, processes this information, and adjusts charging parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures abnormal conditions are detected and addressed promptly, enhancing system reliability and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If vehicles are equipped with charging supply means and managed through a control unit, then charging service availability and accessibility are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging service accessibilityVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple vehicles and charging sessions. It handles user requests, assigns charging vehicles, monitors charging status, and manages billing. This centralized intermediary absorbs the system complexity, allowing individual vehicles to remain relatively simple while achieving sophisticated overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3868596B1System for managing an electric charging service in a vehicle and vehicle supplying an electric charging service
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SEAT SA
  • EP3868596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3868596B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention concerns a system for managing an electric charging service in a vehicle and a vehicle, wherein the system for managing an electric charging service comprises: a control unit, configured to transmit control signals to a computing unit of a vehicle and to a portable electronic device by means of a telecommunications network and, wherein the vehicle comprises; at least one charging supply means in communication with the computing unit of the vehicle and wherein the control unit is configured to receive a charging service request of a user from a portable electronic device, determine a candidate vehicle to offer the charging service, assign the candidate vehicle to the request, pair the computing unit of the assigned vehicle and the portable electronic device and generate and send an activation signal of the at least one charging supply means to the computing unit of the assigned vehicle.