Butt joint module of two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a docking module for a two-wheeled personal vehicle that is capable of performing an auxiliary docking protocol to automatically lift the vehicle to a vertical position during docking to provide more space-saving storage. The vehicles docked in this way are safely stored until needed, and then can be disdocked in a similar auxiliary way. The docking module accomplishes this using a motorized assembly that lifts the front wheel clip from the ground in response to a wheel sensor trigger. The lifting continues until the same wheel sensor detects the approach of the rear wheels of the vehicle, at which time the vehicle is locked in place. The user does not need to lift, and the docking modular design allows installation on various anchor points.

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 generally relates to docking systems for light vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a docking module configured to execute an assisted docking protocol to store a light vehicle in a substantially vertical position. 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, storage of these vehicles has become a growing logistical problem. Currently available docking station solutions typically involve long rows of racks to which two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and scooters can be locked so that they are adjacent and parallel to each other. This solution is not particularly space efficient as the vehicles dock in a horizontal position and are longer than they are tall. Furthermore, these prior art docking systems have limited adaptability as each rack must be individually anchored to prevent theft.

[0006] There is a need for more space efficient methods of docking lightweight personal vehicles that store the vehicles in a vertical position while still allowing them to be easily docked and undocked without requiring the user to perform heavy vehicle lifting themselves.

[0007] Furthermore, what is needed is a docking solution that can be coupled to an anchor point in a versatile and modular manner.

[0008] It is against this background that the present invention is provided. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides a docking module for a two-wheeled personal vehicle that is capable of executing an assisted docking protocol to automatically lift the vehicle to a vertical position during the docking process, thereby providing more space-efficient storage. A vehicle docked in this manner is securely stored until needed, and can then be undocked in a similar assisted manner. The docking module accomplishes this using a motorized assembly that raises the front wheel clamps from the ground in response to a wheel sensor trigger. Lifting continues until the same wheel sensor detects the approach of the vehicle's rear wheels, at which point the vehicle is locked in place. No lifting is required by the user, and the modular design of the dock allows for installation on a variety of anchor points.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a docking module for a two-wheeled personal vehicle is provided, the module comprising: a protective shell; a motorized assembly disposed within the shell; a transmitter having a vertical track disposed on a first side of the shell and coupled to the motorized assembly; a front wheel clamp mounted on the outside of the transmitter; and a wheel sensor located at the bottom of the first side of the shell.

[0011] The docking module also includes a controller coupled to the wheel sensor, the front wheel clamp and the motorized assembly and configured to implement an assisted docking process in response to detection by the wheel sensor, causing the front wheel clamp to lock onto the front wheel of the vehicle and to lift the vehicle to a vertical position by lifting the front wheel clamp upward along the conveyor until a second detection by the wheel sensor indicates that the rear wheel is close to the bottom of the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the docking module further comprises a charging port or cable coupled to the controller, and the controller is further configured to direct power to the charging port or cable after the assisted docking process is completed.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wheel clamp includes a linear actuator for applying a predetermined holding force to the front wheel along the horizontal direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wheel clamp further includes an arrangement of three bars configured to surround the scooter front wheel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wheel clamp includes a horizontally oriented rod mounted to a first cleat and configured to move horizontally, and mounted to a second cleat configured to interlock with the rod and the first cleat after the rod is horizontally inserted into a spoke of a bicycle wheel.

[0016] The wheel clamp may also include an inductive / capacitive sensor coupled to the controller, and the controller is further configured to stop movement of the cleat in response to detection from the inductive / capacitive sensor indicating that a wheel spoke is blocking the rod.

[0017] In some embodiments, the docking module further comprises a ramp at the bottom of the first side of the housing for assisting a user in placing the front wheels of the vehicle in a position locked by the front wheel clamps.

[0018] In some embodiments, the docking module also includes a locking mechanism coupled to the controller and located in the middle of the shell, and the controller is configured to operate the locking mechanism to clamp the body of the docked vehicle after the wheel sensor detects it for the second time to provide support and anti-theft protection.

[0019] In such an embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a pair of motorized clamping elements projecting from either side of the first side of the housing, and the clamping elements may be configured to be retracted into the housing when not in use.

[0020] In some embodiments, a coupling mechanism is included, the coupling mechanism having a bracket and a power port, the coupling mechanism being disposed on an opposing second side of the housing to couple the module to the anchoring device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the motorized assembly includes a lead screw coupled to the motor to prevent unintended backward movement of the conveyor in the event of a power failure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the front wheel clamp is coupled to the transmitter via a rotatable joint to accommodate changes in orientation of the vehicle's front wheels during the assisted docking process.

[0023] The rotatable joint may include a rotatable support bearing coupled to a pair of inner rails of the motorized assembly.

[0024] In some embodiments, a rear wheel clamp is included that is coupled to the controller and located at the bottom of the housing.

[0025] In such an embodiment, the controller may be further configured to close the rear wheel clamp around the rear wheel of the docked vehicle in response to the second wheel sensor detection.

[0026] In some embodiments, the motorized assembly includes one or more weight or force sensors configured to detect current strain exerted on the motorized assembly by the docked or docking vehicle, and wherein the controller is configured to terminate the docking protocol in response to detecting strain above a predetermined threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 An isometric perspective view of a first example configuration of a docking module according to the present disclosure is shown with a scooter with its front wheel proximate to a front wheel clamp at the beginning of an assisted docking process.

[0029] Figure 2 An isometric perspective view of a first example docking module is shown with the scooter having completed the assisted docking process and stored in a vertical position. The docking module is shown with the outer shell removed.

[0030] Figure 3 An isometric perspective view of a second example configuration of a docking module according to the present disclosure is shown with a bicycle vehicle with its front wheel proximate to a front wheel clamp at the start of an assisted docking process. The docking module is shown with the outer housing removed.

[0031] Figure 4 An isometric perspective view of a second example docking module is shown with a bicycle having completed the assisted docking process and stored in a vertical position. The docking module is shown with the outer housing removed.

[0032] Figure 5 A close-up view of a first example configuration of a front wheel clamp is shown engaged on a scooter wheel.

[0033] Figure 6 A close-up view of a second example configuration of a front wheel clamp is shown engaged on a bicycle wheel.

[0034] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to denote the same elements. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate 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

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] definition:

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The present disclosure provides a novel design of a docking station for a two-wheeled light vehicle. Two embodiments are described, one for docking scooters and one for docking bicycles, but the principles applied in both are the same - the ability to perform an assisted docking sequence by means of a motorized assembly to lift the two-wheeled vehicle into a vertical position for storage in a more space-efficient manner, and the use of wheel sensors to trigger the start and end of the assisted docking process. The two modules are also designed to fit into and interface with a core anchoring device, which is the subject of a co-pending patent application.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 , shows an isometric perspective view of a first example configuration of a docking module 100 for a scooter 200, wherein the front wheel 202 of the scooter 200 is proximate to the front wheel clamp 106 of the docking module 100 at the beginning of the assisted docking process.

[0046] As can be seen, the module 100 has an outer protective housing 102 with a conveyor mechanism 104 that spans the entire height of the module on one side from bottom to top. A front wheel clamp 106 is mounted on the conveyor 104 and can move up and down along its length when moved by an internal motorized assembly. In this embodiment, the bottom of the housing has a ramp 108 that allows the scooter front wheel 202 to easily roll into position in preparation for docking.

[0047] A wheel sensor 116 is mounted on the ramp, which may be a pressure sensor or any other type of sensor suitable for detecting the presence or proximity of a wheel. When a wheel is detected in place, the controller of the docking module 100 causes the front wheel clamp 106 to close around the pedal wheel and begins to lift the clamp up along the conveyor belt 104, lifting the front wheel with it as the assisted docking process begins.

[0048] The height at which the front wheel 202 should be lifted on the docking module 100 will vary depending on the size and brand of the scooter. Therefore, rather than stopping at a predetermined height, the controller is configured to continue lifting the wheel until the rear wheel triggers the wheel sensor that remains at ground level for a second time. This indicates that the docked scooter has reached a vertical position, and the controller stops the motorized assembly from further lifting the front wheel.

[0049] To make the docking of the scooter more secure and prevent theft, the module of this embodiment is also provided with a pair of clamping arms 110 and 112 at half of its height. The clamping arms are connected to the housing by electric hinge joints 122 on both sides. Once the second wheel sensor trigger is detected, the controller operates a separate motor to close these arms around the body of the scooter, locking it in place until the undocking sequence is initiated.

[0050] The controller may be housed along with any other control and power circuitry in the rear compartment 114. In some embodiments, the rear side of the docking module is configured to interface with an anchor device to utilize its power, and the controller of the docking module 100 is configured to interface with and receive instructions from the anchor device controller.

[0051] See also Figure 2 , shows an example docking module 100 of the first embodiment, wherein the scooter 200 has completed the assisted docking process and is in a vertical position.

[0052] The docking module 100 is shown with the outer housing removed to make the internal components of the motor assembly visible. In this embodiment, the assembly includes a motor 118 near the bottom of the module, which is coupled to a lead screw 120 that runs along the entire length of the module and is coupled to the wheel clamp 106. The wheel clamp 106 is in turn coupled to a pair of guide rails 126 so that when the lead screw 120 is turned by the motor 118, the wheel clamp 106 moves up or down along the conveyor belt in a straight line.

[0053] Using the lead screw 120 to move the wheel clamp 106 is advantageous because it prevents the wheel clamp 106 from falling out when the motor assembly is not powered, and does not require any power to maintain the vertical position of the docked scooter.

[0054] The wheel clamp of this embodiment utilizes a three pin system around the circumference of the scooter wheel with a first movable pin on one side, an articulated joint 124 in the middle and a second pin, and a third pin on the other side of the wheel. The wheel clamp 106 is mounted to a guide rail 126 by a set of bearings 128 that give the wheel clamp rotational freedom to accommodate rotation of the scooter wheel as it transitions from a horizontal position to a vertical position and vice versa.

[0055] A set of screws 130 on the rear side of the module 100 may be used to couple it to an anchoring device.

[0056] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , shows a similar perspective view of a second example configuration of a docking module 200 for docking a bicycle. Figure 3 A bicycle vehicle 400 is shown with its front wheel 402 positioned adjacent to the front wheel clamp 306 at the start of the assisted docking process. Figure 4 The bicycle is shown after the docking process is completed. In both figures the outer housing of the docking module 200 is shown removed.

[0057] The overall structure and function of the bicycle docking module is very similar to the scooter module, with a ramp 308 and a wheel sensor 316 for detecting the front wheel 402 approaching the ramp, a motor 318 and lead screw 320 for lifting the wheel clamp to the top of the module along a set of guides 326, and a pair of longer clamping arms 310 and 312 for securing the body of the docked bicycle. The rear of the module 200 also includes a control circuit box 314 and a set of screws 330 for interfacing with the anchoring device.

[0058] The structure of the wheel clamp is where the main difference in design lies, because the bicycle wheel is much larger and cannot be covered in a practical way, so the wheel clamp of the second embodiment uses a pair of locking plates instead. A movable locking plate 334 has a pin therein, and the pin can be moved horizontally to insert the pin into the spoke of the bicycle wheel 402, and a static locking plate 336, which receives the pin and cooperates with the movable plate 334 to clamp the wheel therebetween.

[0059] The clamping process is initiated in response to a first detection by the wheel sensor 316. The wheel clamp may include a capacitive or inductive sensor for detecting when the spokes of the bicycle wheel block the pin 334.

[0060] Since bicycles are usually heavier than scooters, the bicycle docking module 300 is also provided with a rear wheel clamp 332 coupled to the ramp 308. The rear wheel clamp also includes a pair of plates that can be operated by the controller to close on the rear wheel 404 of the bicycle in response to the second detection of the wheel sensor 316.

[0061] Returning to the scooter module of the first embodiment, Figure 5 A suitable construction for a scooter wheel clamp is shown in more detail.

[0062] Since scooter wheels come in a variety of sizes, the clamp needs to be able to adjust the position of the three pins to match the scooter currently being docked, and then apply the appropriate clamping pressure. This is accomplished by having one pin 136 that can be moved by changing the angle of the articulated joint 124 to which the second pin is mounted. The movable pin 136 is then pulled in, pushing the front of the wheel 202 upward against the third pin 134. The force applied by the clamp is driven by the linear actuator 132, which can be adjusted by the limit switch 138.

[0063] As described above, the entire wheel clamp assembly has rotational freedom relative to the housing via bearing 128, allowing the scooter to transition smoothly between vertical and horizontal even when the front wheel is clamped.

[0064] Figure 6Also shown is a close-up of the front wheel clamp of the bicycle docking module 300, which is engaged with the bicycle front wheel 402. As shown, the pin 334 is inserted into the spoke 406. The bottom of the wheel engages the pressure sensor 316, thereby starting the assisted docking process by bringing the cleats together.

[0065] The controller 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive. Although the specific configuration of the docking module has been described in a specific manner with reference to the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to various solutions consistent with the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative methods of implementing the present invention.

[0071] 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. A docking module for a two-wheeled personal vehicle, the module comprising: Protective housing; a motorized assembly disposed within the housing; a conveyor having a vertical track disposed on a first side of the housing and coupled to the motorized assembly; a front wheel clamp mounted on the outside of the conveyor; a wheel sensor, the wheel sensor being located at the bottom of the first side of the housing; as well as a controller coupled to the wheel sensor, the front wheel clamp and the motorized assembly and configured to implement an auxiliary docking process in response to detection by the wheel sensor, causing the front wheel clamp to lock onto the front wheel of the vehicle and to lift the vehicle to a vertical position by lifting the front wheel clamp upward along the conveyor until a second detection by the wheel sensor indicates that the rear wheel is near the bottom of the housing.

2. The docking module of claim 1 , wherein the docking module further comprises a charging port or cable coupled to the controller, and the controller is further configured to direct power to the charging port or cable after the assisted docking process is completed. 3 . The docking module according to claim 1 , wherein the wheel clamp comprises a linear actuator for applying a predetermined holding force to the front wheel along the horizontal direction.

4. The docking module of claim 1, wherein the wheel clamp further comprises an arrangement of three bars configured to surround a scooter front wheel.

5. The docking module of claim 1 , wherein the wheel clamp comprises a horizontally oriented rod mounted to a first cleat and configured to move horizontally, and mounted to a second cleat, the second cleat being configured to interlock with the rod and the first cleat after the rod is horizontally inserted into a spoke of a bicycle wheel.

6. The docking module of claim 5, wherein the wheel clamp further comprises an inductive / capacitive sensor coupled to the controller, and the controller is further configured to stop movement of the clamp plate in response to detection from the inductive / capacitive sensor indicating that a wheel spoke is blocking the rod.

7. The docking module of claim 1, wherein the docking module further comprises a ramp located at a bottom of the first side of the housing for assisting a user in placing the front wheels of the vehicle in a position locked by the front wheel clamps.

8. The docking module according to claim 1, wherein the docking module further comprises a locking mechanism coupled to the controller and located in the middle of the housing, the controller being configured to operate the locking mechanism to clamp the body of the docked vehicle after the second detection by the wheel sensor to provide support and anti-theft protection.

9. The docking module of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pair of motorized clamping elements projecting from either side of the first side of the housing.

10. The docking module of claim 9, wherein the clamping element is configured to be retracted into the housing when not in use.

11. The docking module of claim 1 , further comprising a coupling mechanism having a bracket and a power port, the coupling mechanism being disposed on an opposing second side of the housing to couple the module to an anchoring device.

12. The docking module of claim 1, wherein the motorized assembly includes a lead screw coupled to a motor to prevent unintended rearward movement of the conveyor in the event of a power failure.

13. The docking module of claim 1, wherein the front wheel clamp is coupled to the conveyor via a rotatable joint to accommodate changes in orientation of the vehicle's front wheels during the assisted docking process.

14. The docking module of claim 13, wherein the rotatable joint comprises a rotatable support bearing coupled to a pair of inner rails of the motorized assembly.

15. The docking module of claim 1, further comprising a rear wheel clamp coupled to the controller and located at a bottom of the housing.

16. The docking module of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to close the rear wheel clamp around a rear wheel of a docked vehicle in response to the second wheel sensor detection.

17. A docking module according to claim 1, wherein the motorized component includes one or more weight or force sensors, the weight or force sensors being configured to detect current strain exerted on the motorized component by the docked or docking vehicle, and wherein the controller is configured to stop the docking protocol in response to detecting that the strain is above a predetermined threshold.

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