Shared Bicycle Lock Communication with Power-Adaptive Heartbeat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shared bicycles with electronic locks and network functions face high power consumption, particularly due to frequent network module activation, which restricts their development, especially in areas with limited sunlight or overcast conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lock communication system that controls network module activity via an MQTT heartbeat protocol, switching to a power-saving mode when electricity is low, using a shared communication chip and antenna for short message communication to reduce power consumption, and incorporating a smart terminal with QR code information for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network module is activated frequently to maintain constant connection, then the network connectivity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network module switches between wake-up states and sleep states in periodic cycles. During wake-up states, the network module performs MQTT heartbeat packets to maintain connection; during sleep states, the network module remains inactive to conserve power. This periodic activation resolves the contradiction by maintaining network connectivity only when necessary rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the network module's operational state based on real-time power supply status. When power is sufficient, the network module maintains frequent communication; when power is low, the system transitions to power-saving mode with reduced network activity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to balance connectivity requirements with power consumption constraints.
2Reliability
If the MQTT heartbeat frequency is increased to maintain connection, then the network reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MQTT heartbeat is sent at periodic intervals during wake-up states rather than continuously. The system configures appropriate heartbeat intervals that maintain connection stability while avoiding excessive power consumption from too-frequent transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heartbeat frequency parameter dynamically based on power availability. When in power-saving mode, the heartbeat frequency is reduced or suspended; when power is sufficient, the heartbeat frequency increases to maintain connection stability. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between connection reliability and power consumption.
3Speed
If the network module is kept constantly connected, then the response speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network module periodically wakes up to check for messages and maintain connection, then returns to sleep state. This periodic operation reduces power consumption compared to constant connection while maintaining acceptable response speed for shared bicycle operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions during wake-up states by pre-fetching or pre-processing network messages before returning to sleep mode. This allows the system to handle multiple operations during brief active periods, maintaining response efficiency without requiring constant connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure may relate to shared bicycles, and in particular, relates to lock communication systems and methods for shared bicycles. The lock communication system may include a server and a lock controller disposed on a shared bicycle. The lock controller may include a main control module and a network module. The main control module may control a periodic heartbeat of the network module and maintain a constant connection between the network module and the server. The lock controller may further include a power supply and a short message module which are connected to the main control module. The main control module may obtain power from the power supply, and enter a power saving mode when the power left in the power supply is lower than a preset threshold, or otherwise enter a normal mode. The present disclosure may further relate to a lock communication method for a shared bicycle. According to the present disclosure, by designing lock communication systems and methods for a shared bicycle, a communication mode may be controlled on the basis of power in a power supply, and a network communication with a large power consumption may be replaced by a short message communication, thereby reducing power consumption.