Apparatus, method and article for physical security of power storage devices in vehicles

• US 9,908,506 B2
• Filed: 01/29/2016
• Issued: 03/06/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gogoro Inc.
• Original Assignee: Gogoro Inc.
• Inventors: Taylor, Matthew Whiting, Wu, Yi-Tsung, Luke, Hok-Sum Horace, Hung, Huang-Cheng
• Primary Examiner(s): BUTLER, RODNEY ALLEN
• Application Number:
  US15/011,053
• Publication Number:
  US 20160145903A1
• Time in Patent Office: 767 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/00 Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of vehicles circuit arrangements for charging batteries H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/003 to auxiliary motors, e.g. for pumps, compressors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/02 to electric heating circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/14 to electric lighting circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2045 for optimising the use of energy
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/12 Bikes
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/24 Personal mobility vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/12 Buck converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/14 Boost converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/30 AC to DC converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/14 Synchronous machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/16 DC brushless machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/46 Wheel motors, i.e. motor connected to only one wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/12 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/14 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/26 Vehicle weight
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/421 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/423 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/427 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/429 Current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/525 : Temperature of converter or components thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/545 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/622 : by satellite navigation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/642 : Slope of road
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/645 : Type of road
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/662 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/70 : Interactions with external data bases, e.g. traffic centres
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/10 : by alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 : by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/18 : by enquiring driving style
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/20 : by driver identification
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/22 : by presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/44 : by parameter estimation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/52 : drive range estimation, e.g. of estimation of available travel distance
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/34 : of parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/46 : Heat pumps, e.g. for cabin heating
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/003 : relating to inverters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0046 : relating to electric energy storage systems, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0061 : relating to electrical machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0069 : relating to the isolation, e.g. ground fault or leak current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/12 : Recording operating variables ; Monitoring of operating variables
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/40 : using propulsion power supplied by capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/51 : characterised by AC-motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/60 : using power supplied by batteries in combination with fuel cells B60L50/75
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/64 : Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/66 : Arrangements of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/11 : DC charging controlled by the charging station, e.g. mode 4
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/14 : Conductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/305 : Communication interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/65 : involving identification of vehicles or their battery types
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/665 : Methods related to measuring, billing or payment
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/68 : Off-site monitoring or control, e.g. remote control
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/80 : Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 55/00 : Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network, i.e. vehicle-to-grid [V2G] arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/10 : for monitoring or controlling batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/16 : responding to battery ageing, e.g. to the number of charging cycles or the state of health [SoH]
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/21 : having the same nominal voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/26 : by cooling
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/06 : for vehicles propelled by ac motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/14 : for vehicles propelled by ac motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/22 : Dynamic electric resistor braking, combined with dynamic electric regenerative braking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 : operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0001 : with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof for vehicles E05B81/04
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/04 : Electrical electrical circuits E05B81/54
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/56 : Control of actuators
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3476 : using point of interest [POI] information, e.g. a route passing visible POIs
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3682 : output of POI information on a road map G01C21/3614, G01C21/3685 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/05 : Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/15048 : Microprocessor
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/15053 : Microcontroller
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 1/66 : Regulating electric power
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0608 : Saving storage space on storage systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0638 : Organizing or formatting or addressing of data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0671 : In-line storage system
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 : Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0253 : During e-commerce, i.e. online transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0259 : based on store location
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0261 : based on user location
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 : Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0639 : Item locations
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 : with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/00 : Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0858 : wherein the data carrier is removable
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 : operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 15/003 : for electricity
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 15/005 : dispensed for the electrical charging of vehicles electrical charging as such, B60L50/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 15/006 : dispensed for the electrical charging of other devices than vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0042 : for hiring of objects
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/12 : comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 : Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 : Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4257 : Smart batteries, e.g. electronic circuits inside the housing of the cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/441 : for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/482 : for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2010/4271 : Battery management systems including electronic circuits, e.g. control of current or voltage to keep battery in healthy state, cell balancing
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2010/4278 : Systems for data transfer from batteries, e.g. transfer of battery parameters to a controller, data transferred between battery controller and main controller
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/20 : Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 : Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 11/00 : Circuit arrangements for providing service supply to auxiliaries of stations in which electric power is generated, distributed or converted
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 4/00 : Circuit arrangements for mains or distribution networks not specified as ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 : Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 : Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00045 : Authentication, i.e. circuits for checking compatibility between one component, e.g. a battery or a battery charger, and another component, e.g. a power source
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 : acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 : concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/007 : Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/00 : Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 : Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/92 : Energy efficient charging or discharging systems for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors specially adapted for vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 : Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/167 : Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for supporting the interoperability of electric or hybrid vehicles, i.e. smartgrids as interface for battery charging of electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 10/126 : the energy generation units being or involving electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV], i.e. power aggregation of EV or HEV, vehicle to grid arrangements [V2G]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 30/12 : Remote or cooperative charging
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 30/14 : Details associated with the interoperability, e.g. vehicle recognition, authentication, identification or billing
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/10 : Energy trading, including energy flowing from end-user application to grid
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/14 : Marketing, i.e. market research and analysis, surveying, promotions, advertising, buyer profiling, customer management or rewards
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7062 : Electrical type [e.g., solenoid]

Abstract

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.

Claims

1. A security system for a portable electrical energy storage device, comprising:

a controller; and

at least one communications device coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to;

receive information to authenticate a portable external device via the communication device, wherein the received information includes a time-sensitive code;

authenticate the portable external device at least partially based on the received information; and

in response to a positive result of the authentication, unlock a portable electrical energy storage device locking mechanism to allow the portable electrical energy storage device to be removed from a vehicle.

2. The security system of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to determine not to unlock the locking mechanism in response, to a negative result of the authentication.

3. The security system of claim 1 wherein the at least one controller is further configured to:

generate a challenge key associated with the time-sensitive code;

send the challenge key to the portable external device;

receive a response code;

generate an output from a private algorithm using a private key and the response code as input; and

compare the output from the private algorithm to the response code, and wherein the at least one controller is configured to unlocking the locking mechanism based at least on the comparison.

4. The security system of claim 1 wherein the system is integrated as part of the portable electrical energy storage device.

5. The security system of claim 1 wherein the portable external device is a smartphone.

6. The security system of claim 1, wherein the at least one communications device is configured to receive the information to authenticate the portable external device via a wireless signal and communicate the received information to the controller.

7. The security system of claim 2,

wherein the locking mechanism is electrically coupled to the controller;

and

wherein the system comprises a switch coupled to the locking mechanism and the controller, the switch configured to be activated by a control signal generated by the controller and wherein the controller is configured to;

send the control signal to the switch to unlock the locking mechanism in response to the positive result.

8. The security system of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to receive the information to authenticate the portable external device via a wireless signal transmitted from the portable external device, and wherein the wireless signal is not detectable outside a specified maximum range from the security system.

9. The security system of claim 1 wherein the time sensitive code for the authentication of the portable external device is transmitted by a wireless signal.

10. The security system of claim 1 further comprising a power interface electrically coupled to the controller and configured to be electrically coupled to the portable electrical energy storage device and the locking mechanism, wherein the power interface is further configured to be electrically coupled to an auxiliary power source.

19. The security system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to move laterally outwards from the portable electrical energy storage device to prevent the portable electrical energy storage device from being removed from the vehicle.

20. The security system of claim 19, wherein the vehicle includes a holder configured to accommodate the portable electrical energy storage device, and wherein the holder includes a sidewall having an opening, and wherein the locking mechanism includes a slidable bolt positioned in the opening when the portable electrical energy storage device is locked, and wherein unlocking the locking mechanism Includes moving the slidable bolt out from the opening.

11. A method of operating a portable electrical energy storage device security system, the method comprising:

receiving, by the system, information to authenticate a portable external device, wherein the received information includes a time-sensitive code; and

authenticate, by the system, the portable external device at least partially based on the received information;

making a determination, by the system, regarding unlocking a portable electrical energy storage device locking mechanism to allow a portable electrical energy storage device to be removed from being operably connected to a vehicle, based on a result of the authentication.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

sending a signal from a controller of the system to unlock the locking mechanism, if the result includes a positive result indicating that the authentication is passed; and

sending a signal from the controller of the system to lock the locking mechanism, if, after a defined period of time, the information to authenticate the portable external device no longer continues to be received via a communications device of the portable electrical energy storage device.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the system is integrated as part of the portable electrical energy storage device.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the system is coupled to the vehicle.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

comparing the time-sensitive code to one or more codes associated with the system;

unlocking the locking mechanism to allow the portable electrical energy storage device to be removed from the vehicle if the time-sensitive code matches one of the one or more codes.

16. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

generating a challenge key;

sending the challenge key to the portable external device;

receiving a response from the portable external device, the response including a response code;

generating an output from a private algorithm using a private key and the response code as input;

comparing the output from the private algorithm to the response code; and

unlocking the locking mechanism based at least on the comparison.

17. A portable electrical energy storage device, comprising:

a battery cell; and

a security system operably coupled to the cell, the security system configured to;

receive information to authenticate portable external device, wherein the received information includes a time-sensitive code;

authenticate the portable external device at least partially based on the received information; and

in response to a positive result of the authentication, allow the portable electrical energy storage device to be removed from a vehicle.

18. The portable electrical energy storage device of claim 17 wherein the security system comprises:

a controller; and

at least one communication module coupled to the controller; and

a power interface configured to be electrically coupled to the controller and to an auxiliary power source.