Autonomous LEV Charging Kiosk for First-Mile Commute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ride-sharing and rental models are inadequate for addressing the first and last mile commute problem, as they often require users to travel to and from centralized hubs, leading to increased traffic congestion and lack of direct public transit options, and existing electric vehicle charging systems are not suited for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) with their smaller batteries and frequent recharging needs.
Innovation Solution
An interconnected network of autonomous battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) charging stations that allow for real-time self-guided exchange or rental of fully charged LEVs, with a locking system to ensure vehicles are not removed until sufficiently recharged, and a mobile app for users to reserve and locate vehicles, enabling charging away from home and at remote locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized hub rental models are used, then vehicle rental transactions can be completed, but users must travel to and from pickup locations adding to traffic congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized rental hub into multiple decentralized automated kiosks distributed throughout the service area. Each kiosk operates independently to handle vehicle transactions, eliminating the need for a single large centralized facility and reducing the traffic impact of users traveling to pickup locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated kiosk system enables users to complete vehicle rental and return transactions independently without staff assistance. Users interact with the kiosk through a user interface to select vehicles, complete payments, and receive access instructions, eliminating the need for staffed counters and reducing operational overhead.
2Ease of manufacture
If vehicles are distributed in parking lots throughout the area, then operating overhead costs are reduced, but vehicles are not accessible enough to address the first and last mile problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual vehicle retrieval from remote parking lots with an automated mechanical retrieval system. The kiosk contains a mechanical arm or conveyor mechanism that automatically retrieves vehicles from storage compartments within the kiosk structure and presents them to the user, eliminating the need for users to walk to distant parking areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal distribution of vehicles across large parking areas to vertical stacking within compact kiosk structures. Vehicles are stored in vertically arranged compartments within the kiosk, allowing multiple vehicles to be accommodated in a small footprint location convenient to users.
3Reliability
If standard car rental models are used, then licensed users can rent vehicles, but the process is complicated and requires travel to over-the-counter hubs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated electronic verification systems. The kiosk reads user identification and licensing information from digital sources, automatically verifies credentials against database records, and electronically authorizes rentals, eliminating the need for manual document checking and reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated kiosk system handles multiple functions in a single integrated unit: user authentication, vehicle selection, payment processing, vehicle retrieval, and return transactions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what previously required separate steps and locations into one convenient interaction point.
4Ease of operation
If direct route shuttles are used, then first and last mile commutes can be addressed, but traffic delays and waiting times occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to immediately retrieve vehicles from the kiosk without waiting for scheduled shuttle arrivals. The on-demand vehicle availability eliminates waiting time entirely, as users can access transportation the moment they need it, rather than waiting for fixed-schedule shuttles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to reserve vehicles in advance through the kiosk or mobile application. Reserved vehicles are prepared and held in the kiosk ready for immediate pickup, ensuring availability when users arrive and eliminating both waiting time and uncertainty about vehicle availability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a seamless, efficient, and congestion-reducing transportation option by ensuring vehicles are always fully charged, reducing the need for additional vehicles on the road and addressing the limitations of existing charging systems for LEVs, while offering a cost-effective and accessible commute solution.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery, configured to power the light electric vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for operating an interconnected network of autonomous battery powered electric vehicle (BEV) charging stations that maintain fully charged BEVs, for real-time self-guided exchange or rental with little down-time to a user. By locking or otherwise disabling low charge or uncharged vehicles until the vehicle charging is complete, users are assured they are getting a vehicle that has enough charge to get them to their destination. The user can view all available vehicles and their locations using a wireless mobile device on the system network and, with appropriate permissions, reserve and unlock any available vehicle via wireless networking. The locations in a ride share system of docking hubs with electrical power for re-charging BEVs is determined by the commute needs (particularly last mile commute needs) of users of the ride share system as they subscribe to the ride share program which utilizes the system.