A user activated charging station

Abstract

There is provided a user-activated charging station. The user-activated charging station comprises at least one power outlet configured to communicate with a power source; at least one relay that moves between a closed position, which enables power supply from the power source to the power outlet, and an open position, which prevents power supply from the power source to the power outlet; an identification marker configured to provide information identifying the power outlet; and a central management system configured to move the at least one relay from the open position to the closed position in response to receiving predetermined data related to the user and the power outlet.

Description

[0001] Title - A USER ACTIVATED CHARGING STATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a user activated charging station.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Public venues such as airports, bars, hospitals, and libraries often face significant financial losses due to the high electricity costs associated with open access to power outlets. Current solutions either lack the ability to monetize electricity usage effectively or are not tailored for sporadic, small-scale use, which is the typical requirement of venue customers. Our invention addresses these specific issues by providing a user-activated charging station that allows venues to recover costs associated with supplying electricity.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a system which enables venues to efficiently and effectively recuperate the costs associated with supplying electricity to consumers.

[0007] PRIOR ART

[0008] Unlike the wireless battery charging system described in US20230023108, our invention provides a physical user-activated charging station with various types of power outlets (three-pin socket, USB-C, USB-A). The unique relay mechanism, controlled by a central management system, ensures efficient and secure power supply management. Additionally, the use of QR codes for identification and hall effect sensors for power monitoring distinguishes our invention from the intelligent sharing socket system in CN112133036 and the APP-based electricity purchasing platform in CN 114500723.

[0009] US20230023108 discloses a system application for wireless battery charging. The system application comprises: a computer implemented wireless charging application having a plurality of interfaces; a user device having a battery and an installed said wireless charging application for purchasing a battery charge; a communication network; a server having an electronic device database, a payment database, a customer database, and a charging device database; a wireless charging source having a wireless charging module and a charging controller for wireless charging of said user device. Said user device purchases a quantity of battery charge from said wireless charging application; and further wherein said quantity of battery charge transmitted through said communication network to said user device.

[0010] CN1 14500723 discloses a cell-phone APP and a service management platform which are communicated in two directions. The mobile phone APP and a mobile phone battery establish a charging compatible mode. The mobile phone APP comprises a user module, a setting module, a sharing module, an electric quantity display module, an electric storage module, an electric purchasing module and an electric cable module. The user module, the sharing module, the electric quantity display module, the electric storage module, the electric purchasing module and the electric cable module are all connected with the setting module. The service management platform comprises a power supply service provider, third-party social software and third-party payment software. The power supply service provider and the third-party payment software establish association service with the electricity purchasing module and are used for establishing an APP electricity purchasing framework, and the third-party social software establishes association with the electricity purchasing module and is used for asking for electricity quantity to friends by means of a friend list of the third-party social software.

[0011] CN1 12133036 discloses an intelligent sharing socket comprising a socket body, wherein the socket body is controlled by a control system, and the control system comprises an MCU (microprogrammed control unit) and a power management module, an electric energy metering management module, a switch control module, an LED (light-emitting diode) indication control module, a clock management module, a BLE (Low energy) communication module and a WIFI (Wireless Fidelity) communication module which are respectively in communication connection with the MCU; the LED indication control module, the switch control module, the electric energy metering management module, the BLE communication module and the WIFI communication module are also respectively in communication connection with the power management module; the BLE communication module and the WIFI communication module are both connected with two-dimensional code modules, and the two-dimensional code modules are associated with corresponding APPs or applets or other user terminals with payment functions; the user enters into corresponding APP or applet or other user terminal that has the function of paying through scanning the two-dimensional code module, communicates with MCU through BLE communication module and WIFI communication module to control power management module and carry out timing or put through socket power with charging.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a user-activated charging station designed to address the high electricity costs faced by public venues by allowing them to monetize electricity usage. Unlike existing technologies, our invention is tailored for sporadic, small-scale use, effectively meeting the needs of venue customers. Key features of our invention include an advanced relay mechanism controlled by a central management system, QR code identification for enhanced security and usability, an intuitive user activation process, and real-time monitoring with hall effect sensors. Additionally, the charging station supports a wide range of power outlets and is designed for ease of installation and environmental sustainability.

[0014] The present invention provides a user activated charging station comprising:

[0015] • at least one power outlet configured in use to be in communication with a power source;

[0016] • at least one relay moveable between a closed position enabling power to be supplied from the power source to the power outlet, and an open position preventing power from being supplied from the power source to the power outlet; • at least one identification marker configured in use to provide information relating to the identity of the at least one power outlet; and

[0017] • a central management system configured in use to move the at least one relay from the open position to the closed position in response to receiving predetermined data relating to the user and the respective power outlet.

[0018] The system of the present invention may be installed on standard electrical outlets minimising installation costs. The system of the present invention ensures that power is not supplied to an identified power outlet unless the central management system has received data notifying the system that the user has paid for access to the power outlet.

[0019] The system therefore allows venues, such as hospitals, airports, bars and libraries, to monetise electricity usage by consumers.

[0020] The central management system is preferably configured in use to move the (or each) relay in response to receiving predetermined data selected from: user identification data; payment data; identification marker data, and any combination thereof.

[0021] The identification marker is preferably a QR code.

[0022] Each power socket is preferably identified using a different identification marker. The at least one identification marker is preferably configured in use to provide location data relating to the power outlet.

[0023] The central management system is preferably configured in use to be in communication with a mobile app, and to receive the predetermined data from the mobile app.

[0024] The user activated charging station preferably further comprises a visual indicator configured in use to provide one or more visual indications relating to the status of the power outlet. The visual indicator preferably comprises LEDs.

[0025] The power outlet preferably comprises one or more of: three pin socket, USB-C, USB-A, or any combination thereof.

[0026] The station preferably comprises more than one power outlet.

[0027] In one embodiment, the station comprises a plurality of relays. Each relay is preferably configured to move between open and closed positions to provide or prevent power supply to corresponding power socket(s).

[0028] The central management system is preferably configured in use to independently control one or more, preferably each, of the plurality of relays.

[0029] The station may further comprise at least one hall effect sensor configured in use to be in communication with a corresponding power outlet to determine the power supplied thereto.

[0030] Each hall effect sensor is preferably in communication with a respective power outlet.

[0031] The hall effect sensor enables venues to monitor power usage and to optimise power usage where required.

[0032] The central management system is preferably configured in use to receive predetermined data from a mobile app.

[0033] In use, a consumer may download the mobile app, input data relating to the identification marker (for example by scanning the relevant QR code or inputting a reference number), and top up the account with funds. The central management system is preferably configured in use to receive data relating to: user identification, power outlet identification, payment received from the user.

[0034] On activation of the power outlet by the central management system, the visual indication (for example LED) provides visual reassurance to the user that charging is in progress.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0037] Figure 1 - Shows a schematic illustration of a perspective front view of a user- activated charging station in a single-gang configuration, showing the power outlets, QR code, and visual indicators (LEDs).

[0038] Figure 2 - Shows a schematic illustration of a perspective rear view of the user- activated charging station of Figure 1 , illustrating the internal components including the relay mechanism and hall effect sensors.

[0039] Figure 3 - Shows A schematic illustration of a perspective front view of a user- activated charging station in a double-gang configuration, showing additional power outlets and QR codes.

[0040] Figure 4 - Shows a schematic illustration of a perspective rear view of the user- activated charging station of Figure 3, illustrating the expanded internal components for the double-gang configuration.

[0041] Figure 5 - Shows An exploded front view of the user-activated charging station of Figure 1 , showing the assembly of various components including the relay, QR code, and LEDs. Figure 6 - Shows an exploded rear view of the user-activated charging station of Figure 1 , detailing the placement of the hall effect sensors and the central management system connection.

[0042] Figure 7 - Shows an exploded front view of the user-activated charging station of Figure 3, showing the assembly for the double-gang configuration with multiple relays and power outlets.

[0043] Figure 8 - Shows an exploded rear view of the user-activated charging station of Figure 3, illustrating the expanded internal layout with multiple hall effect sensors and the central management system.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0045] With reference to the Figures, the user activated charging station 1 comprises a plurality of power outlet 2 configured in use to be in communication with a power source. Figures 1 , 2, 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment comprising a single-gang configuration. Figures 3, 4, 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment comprising a doublegang configuration.

[0046] The power outlets 2 comprise a standard socket (for example a three pin socket), a USB-C, and a USB-A. It is however to be understood that the power outlet 2 may comprise any suitable power outlet.

[0047] The station 1 comprises at least one relay (not shown) moveable between a closed position enabling power to be supplied from the power source to the power outlet, and an open position preventing power from being supplied from the power source to the power outlet.

[0048] Each outlet 2 further comprises a corresponding identification marker 5 configured in use to provide information relating to the identity of the power outlet 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the identification marker 4 is a QR code. It is to be understood that the identification marker 5 may comprise a number. The identification marker 5 provide location data for the power socket 2.

[0049] The station 1 further comprises a central management system configured in use to move the at least one relay from the open position to the closed position in response to receiving predetermined data relating to the user and power outlet 2. The central management system is configured in use to be in communication with a mobile app, and to receive the predetermined data from the mobile app.

[0050] The station 1 further comprises a visual indicator 6 configured in use to provide one or more visual indications relating to the status of the corresponding power outlet 2. The visual indicator 6 comprises LEDs located adjacent the power outlet 2.

[0051] The central management system is configured in use to move the relay in response to receiving predetermined data selected from: user identification data; payment data; identification marker data, and any combination thereof.

[0052] The station 1 comprises a plurality of relays, in which each relay is configured to move between open and closed positions to provide or prevent power supply to corresponding power socket(s). The central management system is configured in use to independently control one or more, preferably each, of the plurality of relays.

[0053] The station 1 further comprises at least one hall effect sensor configured in use to be in communication with a corresponding power outlet to determine the power supplied thereto. Each hall effect sensor is in communication with a respective power outlet.

[0054] In use, a consumer downloads the mobile app and creates an account. The consumer inputs the identification marker, for example by scanning the QR code. The consumer then selects the appropriate timing charge and transfers funds. User identification data, funds received, and the identification marker data is sent to the central management station 1 which ensures the corresponding relay is moved to the closed position to enable power to be supplied to the power outlet 2. During supply, the hall effect sensor can monitor the energy being used and transmit this data to the central management station 1.

[0055] The station of the present invention can be quickly installed at existing electricity outlets providing for minimal installation costs whilst providing for increase in savings for the venue by monetising energy usage.

[0056] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A user-activated charging station comprising: a) at least one power outlet configured to communicate with a power source; b) at least one relay that moves between a closed position, which enables power supply from the power source to the power outlet, and an open position, which prevents power supply from the power source to the power outlet; c) an identification marker configured to provide information identifying the power outlet; and a central management system configured to move the at least one relay from the open position to the closed position in response to receiving predetermined data related to the user and the power outlet.

2. A user activated charging station as claimed in claim 1 , in which the central management system is configured in use to move the relay in response to receiving predetermined data selected from: user identification data; payment data; identification marker data, and any combination thereof.

3. A user activated charging station as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the identification marker is a QR code.

4. A user activated charging station as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the identification marker is configured in use to provide location data relating to the power outlet.

5. A user activated charging station as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the central management system is configured in use to be in communication with a mobile app, and to receive the predetermined data from the mobile app.

6. A user activated charging station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a visual indicator configured in use to provide one or more visual indications relating to the status of the power outlet.

7. A user activated charging station as claimed in claim 6, in which the visual indicator comprises LEDs.

8. A user activated charging station as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the power outlet comprises one or more of: three pin socket, USB-C, USB-A, or any combination thereof.

9. A user activated charging station as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the station comprises more than one power outlet.

10. A user activated charging station as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the station comprises more than one power outlet.11 . A user activated charging station as claimed in claim 9, in which the station comprises a plurality of relays, in which each relay is configured to move between open and closed positions to provide or prevent power supply to corresponding power socket(s).

12. A user activated charging station as claimed in claim 10, in which the central management system is configured in use to independently control one or more, preferably each, of the plurality of relays.

13. A user activated charging station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one hall effect sensor configured in use to be in communication with a corresponding power outlet to determine the power supplied thereto.

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