Vehicle Navigation System for Cross-Border Charging Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of traveling across multiple countries in Europe with an electrified vehicle is exacerbated by the diverse electricity standards and plug/socket types, which can hinder charging capabilities when routes span different countries.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a vehicle navigation system to compare the standard plug/socket type of the vehicle to those along the route, generating a warning signal for any differences and identifying required adaptors, allowing for automatic notification of the user about necessary charging configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrified vehicles use different plug/socket types for different countries, then charging compatibility across European countries is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple plug types
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle charging system is designed with a universal charging interface that can accommodate multiple plug/socket types through a single standardized connector, eliminating the need for multiple different plug types while maintaining charging compatibility across different European countries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adapter or converter mechanism that enables the vehicle's standard charging interface to compatible with various country-specific plug/socket types, serving as a mediator between the universal vehicle connector and diverse national standards
2Loss of information
If the vehicle navigation system provides detailed electrical outlet information along the route, then user preparedness for charging is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system extracts only the essential charging-related information (plug/socket types, outlet locations, availability) from the complete route data, presenting only the necessary details to users without overwhelming them with excessive information
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes and organizes charging station information along the planned route before the user needs it, automatically identifying and marking charging locations and compatibility information in advance, so users receive ready-to-use information without complex real-time processing
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, generating a warning signal to identify any electrical characteristics along a vehicle route that differs from a current vehicle electrical characteristic. An electrified vehicle system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery, an electric machine configured to receive electric power from the battery to drive vehicle wheels, and a system control that generates a warning signal to identify any electrical characteristics along a vehicle route that differ from a current vehicle electrical characteristic. In one example, the electrical characteristic comprises at least a type of plug and/or socket.