Vehicle Communication Unit Protocol Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Older charging stations often fail to communicate effectively with newer electric vehicles due to differences in communication protocols, leading to errors and requiring manual plug insertion and removal to resume charging operations.

Innovation Solution

A communication unit that simulates plug insertion and removal by controlling a switch using a microcontroller and low-pass filter to manage signals, ensuring compatibility and automatic continuation of charging operations by mimicking the correct communication protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If newer electric vehicles use updated communication protocols, then communication efficiency and charging reliability are improved, but compatibility with older charging stations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging operation reliabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with older charging stations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's control unit and the charging station. It translates communication protocols, converting newer protocol signals into formats compatible with older charging stations, thereby maintaining compatibility while preserving the benefits of updated communication standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication unit dynamically changes communication parameters such as signal frequency, duty cycle, and voltage levels based on the detected charging station type. This allows the system to adapt its communication characteristics to match either older or newer protocol requirements, resolving the compatibility conflict

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual plug insertion and removal is required to resume charging operations, then compatibility with older charging stations is maintained, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with older charging stationsVSAvoidautomatic continuation of charging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit automatically detects communication failures with older charging stations and self-corrects by simulating plug insertion and removal sequences. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, as the system autonomously manages the reconnection process to resume charging operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of communication protocol compatibility before initiating charging. When incompatibility is detected, it proactively executes the simulated plug manipulation sequence in advance, preventing operational interruptions and ensuring seamless charging resumption without user action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If switch control is added to simulate plug insertion and removal, then automatic continuation of charging is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic plug manipulationVSAvoidswitch control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a protocol translator and as a switch control mechanism. By integrating the second switch control within the existing communication unit architecture, the system achieves automatic plug manipulation without adding separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the reliability and robustness of charging operations by automatically managing communication between older charging stations and newer vehicles, reducing errors and ensuring continuous charging without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

the control unit has a filter in order to control the second switch. This reduces the risk of unwanted switching of the second switch since this could result in the charging operation being aborted.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow-pass filter: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

the communication unit is designed to simulate a removal of the charging plug from the charging station and a subsequent new insertion of the charging plug into the charging station by turning off a second switch and then turning it on again

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentUS10940766B2Communication unit for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A communication unit or a vehicle has a control unit, a first connection, a second connection, a first switchable resistance bridge, a second switchable resistance bridge and a measuring apparatus for generating a measurement signal characterizing the voltage at the first resistance bridge. The first switchable resistance bridge and the second switchable resistance bridge are each provided between the first connection and the second connection and are connected in parallel with one another. The control unit has at least one first state and one second state, which first state corresponds to an active charging operation, and which second state occurs when the control unit in the first state receives an external abort signal via the first connection and the second connection. In the event of a change to the second state, the control unit turns off the first switch, turns off the second switch, and turns on the second switch.