Modular docking and energy management system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a modular system for energy management and distribution and for interfacing personal electric vehicles, such as electric scooters and bicycles. The system includes one or more core devices having a polygonal frame. Edges of each frame are provided with universal ports configured to couple with various external modules, including docking modules for different types of vehicles, to meet their installation space requirements. The core device has its internal battery modules that are coupled to a power supply grid and implement a smart charging protocol to store energy in an optimal manner and release energy from their battery modules to connected external modules. Therefore, the system provides a multifunctional solution, and can meet the complex requirements of the urban environment, whether in the aspect of high-efficiency and high-adaptability physical storage or in the aspect of variable power requirements.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 17 / 669,996, filed on February 11, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of public docking and energy storage and distribution systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to modular docking, charging and intelligent energy management systems. Background Art

[0004] The use of personal electric vehicles is becoming more common, and because light electric vehicles such as electric scooters and bicycles provide an energy-efficient and convenient mode of transportation in crowded environments such as large cities, this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

[0005] As usage increases, storing these vehicles has become a growing logistical problem, along with providing them with enough charging points. Each type of vehicle requires a large number of docking stations throughout the city to accommodate users in a practical way, but these docking stations are costly and space-intensive, requiring dedicated areas that take up expensive real estate.

[0006] One contributing factor to these issues is that current docking station solutions are rigid in design, as they can only accommodate certain makes or types of vehicles and require an appropriately shaped and sized area to be installed. A more universal docking station is needed that can adjust to fit the space in which it is installed and meet the storage needs of that space, docking different types of vehicles in a consistent and space-efficient manner.

[0007] A related issue is the complexity and inconsistency of urban grid power supply lines. Fluctuating energy prices and demand can easily lead to huge charging costs and, in emergency situations, can cause grid failures when demand and the resulting grid load are too high.

[0008] It is in this context that the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides a modular system for energy management and distribution and for docking personal electric vehicles such as electric scooters and bicycles. The system includes one or more core devices having a polygonal frame. The edges of each frame are equipped with universal ports that are configured to couple with various external modules (including docking modules for different types of vehicles) to meet the needs of its installation space. The core device has its own internal battery module coupled to the power grid and implements intelligent charging protocols to optimally store energy and release energy from its battery module to the connected external module. Therefore, the system provides a versatile solution to the complex needs of urban environments, both in terms of efficient and adaptable physical storage and in terms of changing power requirements.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a docking and energy management system is provided. The system includes: at least one core device, each core device of the system includes: a frame with a polygonal profile having a plurality of straight sides of equal length; a set of one or more anchor elements, the anchor elements configured to fix the frame to the ground; a battery module, the battery module is arranged in the frame and coupled to a power grid; a controller, the controller is coupled to the battery module and configured to control the charging of the battery module from the power grid and the distribution of energy stored in the battery module to one or more external modules; a plurality of ports, each port corresponding to a corresponding side of the frame, and configured to be firmly coupled to an external module through a universal coupling mechanism, thereby connecting the coupled external module to the battery module and the controller of the core device; and one or more protection panels, the protection panels are configured to be detachably coupled to the frame to protect unused ports.

[0011] The system also includes a plurality of external modules including at least one docking module configured to dock and charge the personal electric vehicle when coupled to a port of the core device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system includes a cluster of two or more core devices coupled to each other via connectors that facilitate energy exchange between the battery modules of the coupled core devices controlled by respective controllers.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more external devices to coordinate charging of their respective battery modules and energy distribution from the battery modules to the one or more external modules and / or balance grid loads.

[0014] Additionally, the controller may interface with the cloud network architecture to coordinate one or more operations of the external modules.

[0015] In some embodiments, one or more docking modules each include a motorized assembly, a locking mechanism, and at least one wheel sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to operate the docking module to perform an assisted docking operation in response to detection of the wheel sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more docking modules include a scooter docking module.

[0017] They may also include a bicycle docking module and / or an electric vehicle charging module.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more external modules include a display module that includes a touch screen interface and is configured to display one or more indicators or instructions received from the controller when coupled to a corresponding port of the core device.

[0019] In some embodiments, one or more external modules include a charger module including a plurality of charging stations for electric vehicle fuel cells to facilitate exchanging depleted fuel cells for charged fuel cells, each charging station including a locking mechanism operated by the core device controller.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to monitor any external modules coupled to the port for status, errors, and battery charge of the charging or docking device.

[0021] In some embodiments, each core unit further comprises a removable top cover.

[0022] Additionally, each core unit may further include a utility compartment disposed within the frame beneath the top cover, the utility compartment being configured to house personal vehicle repair products and accessories.

[0023] In such an embodiment, the utility compartment may be mounted on a motorized assembly controlled by the core unit controller, the controller being configured to operate the actuator to lift the utility compartment upward toward the top of the frame in response to detecting that the top cover has been removed.

[0024] In some embodiments, one or more protective panels are provided with a decorative design.

[0025] In some embodiments, the polygonal outline is one of a hexagonal outline, a triangular outline, or a square outline. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 An isometric view of an example configuration of the core devices of the disclosed system is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 An isometric view of an example core unit is shown with the exterior protective panels removed and the utility compartment lifted by the motorized assembly.

[0029] Figure 3 An isometric view of an example core device is shown with a scooter docking module installed in one of its ports.

[0030] Figure 4 An isometric view of an example core device is shown with a bicycle docking module installed in one of its ports.

[0031] Figure 5 An isometric view of a pair of example core devices coupled together by a set of connectors is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A coupled core device, wherein a protective panel of the core device is removed.

[0033] Figure 7 An alternative configuration is shown in which a pair of core devices are connected by adjacent edges.

[0034] Figure 8 An isometric view of an example core device is shown with a scooter module and a bicycle module installed in adjacent ports.

[0035] Fig. 9 An isometric view of a group of three core devices coupled together in a cluster is shown, with a pair of adjacent core devices having display modules mounted on their ports and a third core device having a group of bicycle modules mounted on its ports.

[0036] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to denote the same elements. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above drawings are examples, and other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements / functions may be provided and implemented without departing from the features and characteristics of the invention described in the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the present invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents; it is limited only by the claims.

[0038] In order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, many specific details are set forth in the following description. However, the present invention can be implemented according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the sake of clarity, technical materials known in the technical field related to the present invention are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily making the present invention unclear.

[0039] definition:

[0040] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more related listed items. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural and singular forms. It should be further understood that when the terms "including" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, the presence of the features, steps, operations, elements and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups is not excluded.

[0041] The terms "about" and "approximately" generally indicate an acceptable degree of error or variation in a measured quantity, taking into account the nature or precision of the measurement. Typical, exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20 percent (%), preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range of values. Unless otherwise stated, the numerical values ​​given in this specification are approximate, meaning that the term "about" or "approximately" can be inferred when not explicitly stated.

[0042] It should be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as "on another feature or element", it can be directly located on another feature or element, or there can be intermediate features and / or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly on another feature or element", there are no intermediate features or elements. It should also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to another feature or element, or there can be intermediate features or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. Although described or shown for one embodiment, the features and elements described or shown in this way can be applied to other embodiments.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as “under,” “beneath,” “over,” “above,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature when the device is facing upward.

[0045] The terms "first," "second," etc. are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, the first feature or element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature or element, and similarly, the second feature or element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0046] The present disclosure provides a novel design for a personal electric vehicle docking station that utilizes polygonal supersymmetry and universal modular port connections to dock and charge vehicles in a space-saving and environmentally adaptable manner. The inclusion of internal battery modules for intelligent charging and power distribution also enables the station to act as a grid balancing system and promote more cost-effective energy use. The intelligent controller that regulates charging and power distribution can also communicate with a cloud network architecture to implement various operations that control external modules connected to the core device.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , showing first and second isometric views of an example configuration of a core device 100 of the disclosed system. Figure 1 The device 100 is shown with a protective panel 104 installed, and Figure 2 Shown with protective panel removed.

[0048] As can be seen, the core device 100 includes a frame 102 having a polygonal profile or cross-section, in this case a hexagon. This can also be more compact, using a triangle or square, or extended to a multi-sided polygon. Each side of the polygon includes an identical port that is configured to receive an external module and is covered by a removable protective panel 104 when not in use. The protective panel 104 can include a design such as an advertising design. In this embodiment, the top of the core device 100 also includes a removable cover 106. The frame 102 of the core device 100 is anchored to the ground by a set of anchoring elements 108 to prevent theft.

[0049] Internally, the core device 100 includes a battery module 110. The battery module is coupled to a power grid and is configured to draw power therefrom, store power for distribution to external modules connected to ports, and in an emergency can return power to the grid for load balancing. A controller 112 is coupled to the battery module 110. The controller is a processing device that monitors and controls the charging and energy distribution of the battery module to the external modules, while also controlling the external modules and collecting their operating data. The controller 112 is wirelessly enabled and can communicate with user devices and other core modules through a cloud network architecture to implement various functions.

[0050] In this embodiment, the core device 100 also includes a utility chamber 114. The utility chamber is located below the removable lid 106 and includes a hollow space 116 for storing various accessories and products (e.g., vehicle maintenance and cleaning products / tools). The utility chamber 114 is mounted on a set of motorized actuators 118 operated by the controller 112. The controller can be configured to receive commands through a cloud network or detect whether the lid 106 has been opened, and in response, cause the actuators 118 to lift the utility chamber 114 from the core device 100, as shown, to facilitate access to the stored products.

[0051] A key advantage of the disclosed system is that each port / edge of the core module 100 is equipped with a universal docking device that can securely couple external modules to the controller 112 and battery module 110 as the environment requires.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , shows an isometric view of an example core device 100 with a scooter docking module 120 installed in one of its ports and a bicycle docking module 128 installed in one of its ports. A scooter 200 and a bicycle 300 are installed in their respective docking modules. It is very advantageous to be able to dock different types of vehicles on the same core device as needed.

[0053] In each case, the protective panel of the port has been removed and the module 120 / 128 has been locked into place at the port, enabling it to access the power distributed by the battery module 110 and allowing the controller 112 to control and monitor its operation.

[0054] For a docking module as shown, the external module will typically include a front wheel clamp 126, a locking mechanism 122, and a rear wheel clamp 124. The module will also include a motorized assembly, powered by the module's connection to the battery module and controlled by the controller, which, together with the clamps and locking mechanism, facilitates an assisted docking process to lift the docked personal electric vehicle into a vertical position as shown. This creates a more space-efficient storage arrangement for the docked vehicle than prior art solutions and does not require the user to lift the vehicle using their own strength. To assist in achieving this, the docking module may include wheel sensors to detect when the front wheels of a horizontal vehicle to be docked are in place, causing the controller to begin the assisted docking process of clamping the front wheels and lifting them via the motorized assembly.

[0055] The above operations may be controlled by the user interacting with the application or platform through a cloud network to reserve a space at the docking station and enter or scan a code on the station or its user device.

[0056] As mentioned above, a key advantage of the disclosed modular docking system is its versatility. Some spaces may require a large amount of vehicle space or other modular functions, as described below. To facilitate this, multiple core devices 100 may be coupled together, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0057] The core devices are coupled together from edge to edge by connectors such as upper connector 132 and lower connector 134. This type of modular connection allows clusters of core devices 100 to be positioned to fit into a small space, but can be extended in any direction as needed.

[0058] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , showing two example configurations of the connected core device 100, wherein the protective panel 104 is removed. It can be seen that the core device can have a separate frame 102 and is connected only by the connection 136, such as Figure 6 Alternatively, they may have frames 102 connected along a shared edge, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0059] Connections 136 couple the battery modules 110 of the various core devices to each other, allowing power to be freely distributed back and forth between them as the energy demands on their respective external modules change. These power exchanges will be controlled by controllers 112, and in the case of a cluster of core devices coordinating with each other, one controller 112 may operate as a "master controller" while the remaining controllers of the core devices in the cluster operate as "slave controllers."

[0060] refer to Figure 8, shows an isometric view of an example core device 100 having two distinct modules, a scooter docking module 120 and a bicycle docking module 128, connected to adjacent ports.

[0061] It can be seen that once the vehicle is docked, the storage provided by the core device 100 takes up only an absolutely minimal physical space footprint, allowing it to be installed in various areas of a crowded urban environment, which is not possible with prior art solutions.

[0062] The docking module is not the only type of external module that can be installed in the core unit. In fact, the core unit 100 effectively provides a versatile power source for the public space that can efficiently power any type of operation. Because the power distribution is controlled by an intelligent controller that can be configured to draw power from the supply grid only at the optimal time and then distribute power from the battery module when grid power is expensive, it is possible to create modules to couple to the core and perform any type of powered operation more efficiently.

[0063] Another example of a type of module that may be utilized is a detachable display module that includes a touch screen interface and that is configured to display one or more indicators or instructions received from the controller when coupled to a corresponding port of the core device.

[0064] See also Fig. 9 , showing an isometric view of a group of three core devices 100 connected together in a cluster, with display modules 138 mounted on the ports of a pair of adjacent core devices 100, and a group of bicycle modules 128 mounted on the ports of the third core device 100, with a docked bicycle 300 mounted on the bicycle module 128.

[0065] This embodiment begins to show the true versatility of the disclosed system, which can be expanded in any direction to optimally utilize the space and functional modules can be installed as required.

[0066] The core device's controller may monitor various parameters associated with each connected external module, including the charging status of any docked device, any errors in its operation, etc.

[0067] Although not shown, another embodiment type of external module that may be installed in the core device is a charger module that includes a plurality of charging stations for electric vehicle fuel cells to facilitate replacement of charged fuel cells with depleted fuel cells, each charging station including a locking mechanism operated by the core device controller.

[0068] The controller described herein can be any suitable type of computer. The computer can be a single processor or a multi-processor machine. Therefore, the computer can include one or more processors, and therefore, the above-mentioned computer system can also include one or more processors. Examples of processors include sequential state machines, microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems on chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, programmable control boards (PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in the present disclosure.

[0069] In addition, the computer may include one or more memories. Therefore, the above-mentioned computer system may include one or more memories. The memory may include a memory storage device or an addressable storage medium, which may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a hard disk, a floppy disk, a laser disk player, a digital video disk, an optical disk, a videotape, an audiotape, a magnetic recording track, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory, an optical memory storage, a quantum mechanical storage device, an electronic network and / or other devices or technologies for storing electronic content (such as programs and data). Specifically, one or more memories may store computer executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to implement the procedures and techniques described herein. One or more processors may be operably associated with one or more memories so that computer executable instructions may be provided to one or more processors for execution. For example, one or more processors may be operably associated with one or more memories via one or more buses. Additionally, a computer may possess or be operatively associated with input devices (eg, a keyboard, keypad, controller, mouse, microphone, touch screen, sensors) and output devices (eg, a computer screen, printer, or speakers).

[0070] The computer may advantageously be equipped with a network communications device, such as a network interface card, modem, or other network connection device suitable for connecting to one or more networks.

[0071] The computer may advantageously include control logic, program logic, or other substrate configurations representing data and instructions that enable the computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner as described herein. Specifically, the computer program enables the control processor to execute and / or cause the execution of the features of the present disclosure when executed. The control logic may advantageously be implemented as one or more modules. The module may advantageously be configured to reside on a computer memory and execute on one or more processors. Modules include, but are not limited to, software or hardware components that perform certain tasks. Therefore, a module may include, for example, software components, processes, functions, subroutines, programs, properties, class components, task components, object-oriented software components, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcodes, circuits, data, and other components.

[0072] The control logic typically includes the manipulation of digital bits by a processor and the maintenance of those bits within a memory storage device residing in one or more memory storage devices. Such memory storage devices may impose a physical organization on a collection of stored data bits, which are typically stored by specific electrical or magnetic storage cells.

[0073] Control logic typically performs a series of computer-implemented steps. These steps typically require manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. Those skilled in the art typically refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, text, terms, numbers, files, etc. However, it should be remembered that these and some other terms should be associated with physical quantities suitable for computer operations and that these terms are merely conventional labels applied to physical quantities that exist within the computer and during computer operations based on the designed relationship between these physical quantities and the symbolic values ​​they represent.

[0074] It should be understood that manipulation in a computer generally refers to adding, comparing, moving, searching, etc., which are generally associated with manual operations performed by a human operator. It should be understood that the involvement of a human operator may not be necessary or even desirable. The operations described herein are machine operations performed in conjunction with a human operator or user interacting with one or more computers.

[0075] It should also be understood that the programs, modules, processes, methods, etc. described herein are exemplary implementations only, and are not related to or limited to any specific computer, device, or computer language. On the contrary, various types of general-purpose computing machines or devices can be used together with the programs constructed according to some teachings described herein. In some embodiments, very specific computers with specific functions may be required. Similarly, it may prove advantageous to construct a special device to perform the method steps described herein by a special-purpose computer system with hard-wired logic or a program stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., a read-only memory (ROM)).

[0076] In some embodiments, the features of the computer system can be implemented primarily using hardware, for example, using hardware components such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The implementation of hardware circuits will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. In yet another embodiment, the features of the computer system can be implemented using a combination of general purpose hardware and software.

[0077] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0078] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive. Although the specific configurations of the systems and methods have been described in a particular manner with reference to the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is applicable to various solutions consistent with the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways to implement the invention.

[0079] It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

1. Docking and energy management system, including: At least one core device, each core device of the system comprises: A frame having a polygonal outline with a plurality of straight sides of equal length; a set of one or more anchor elements configured to secure the frame to the ground; a battery module, the battery module being disposed within the frame and coupled to a grid power source; a controller coupled to the battery module and configured to control charging of the battery module from a power grid and distribution of energy stored in the battery module to one or more external modules; a plurality of ports, each port corresponding to a respective side of the frame and configured to be securely coupled to an external module via a universal coupling mechanism, thereby connecting the coupled external module to the battery module and controller of the core device; and one or more protective panels configured to be removably coupled to the frame to protect unused ports; as well as A plurality of external modules including at least one docking module configured to dock and charge a personal electric vehicle when coupled to a port of a core device.

2. A docking and energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the system includes a cluster of two or more core devices coupled to each other via a connector, wherein the connector facilitates energy exchange between the battery modules of the coupled core devices controlled by a corresponding controller.

3. A docking and energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more external devices to coordinate the charging of their respective battery modules and the distribution of energy from the battery modules to the one or more external modules and / or balance the grid load.

4. The docking and energy management system of claim 3, wherein the controller interfaces with a cloud network architecture to coordinate one or more operations of the external modules.

5. The docking and energy management system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more docking modules each include a motorized assembly, a locking mechanism, and at least one wheel sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to operate the docking module to perform an assisted docking operation in response to detection of the wheel sensor.

6. The docking and energy management system of claim 1, wherein the one or more docking modules comprises a scooter docking module.

7. The docking and energy management system of claim 1, wherein the one or more docking modules comprises a bicycle docking module.

8. The docking and energy management system of claim 1, wherein the one or more docking modules include an electric vehicle charging module.

9. A docking and energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more external modules include a display module, which includes a touch screen interface and is configured to display one or more indicators or instructions received from the controller when coupled to a corresponding port of the core device.

10. A docking and energy management system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more external modules include a charger module, which charger module includes a plurality of charging stations for electric vehicle fuel cells to facilitate exchanging exhausted fuel cells for charged fuel cells, each charging station including a locking mechanism operated by the core device controller.

11. The docking and energy management system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to monitor any external module coupled to the port for status, errors, and battery charge of the charging or docking device.

12. The docking and energy management system of claim 1, wherein each core device further comprises a removable top cover.

13. The docking and energy management system of claim 12, wherein each core unit further comprises a utility compartment disposed within said frame beneath said top cover, the utility compartment being configured to house personal vehicle maintenance products and accessories.

14. A docking and energy management system according to claim 13, wherein the utility compartment is mounted on a motorized assembly controlled by the core device controller, the controller being configured to operate the actuator to lift the utility compartment upward toward the top of the frame in response to detecting that the top cover has been removed.

15. The docking and energy management system of claim 1, wherein the one or more protective panels have a decorative design.

16. The docking and energy management system of claim 1, wherein the polygonal profile is one of a hexagonal profile, a triangular profile, or a square profile.

Images