E-Bike Charging Rack With Integrated Anti-Theft Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for securing and charging electric two-wheelers lack effective theft protection and convenient operation, as they often require operators to navigate between vehicles to access charging stations and do not manage multiple devices efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a control panel and multiple devices with a safety device that secures two-wheelers using an elongated element, which can be easily managed centrally for locking and unlocking, and includes electronic locking and personalized access via identification transmitters, ensuring secure and convenient parking and charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple parking devices are arranged next to each other, then the quantity of vehicles that can be secured increases, but operators have to squeeze between vehicles to access charging stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of parking devicesVSAvoidaccessibility to charging station
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the charging station, the securing mechanism with locking device, and the control panel are merged into one device. This eliminates the need for separate charging stations and securing mechanisms, allowing operators to access both functions from a single location without navigating between vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each parking device serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides structural support for leaning two-wheelers, offers charging capabilities through integrated charging stations, provides security through the securing mechanism with locking device, and enables device selection and monitoring through the control panel. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a long securing device is used to pass through both wheels, then theft protection improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft protectionVSAvoidsecuring device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is divided into distinct functional segments: the elongated securing element that passes through both wheels for theft protection, and the separate locking device that secures the elongated element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the elongated element focuses on theft prevention while the locking device handles the complexity of securing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the elongated securing element. Instead of requiring operators to directly manipulate a complex long securing device, the locking device serves as a simplified interface that controls the securing element's engagement and disengagement, reducing operational complexity while maintaining strong theft protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If electronic locking with identification transmitters is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking and unlocking processVSAvoidelectronic control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic locking system with identification transmitters enables self-service operation: operators simply present their identification transmitter to the control panel, which automatically authenticates and activates the locking mechanism without requiring manual code entry or complex interactions. The system serves itself by automatically managing authentication, locking, and unlocking processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an electronic control system. Instead of requiring operators to manually manipulate mechanical locks or enter codes, the electronic system with identification transmitters automates the locking process, substituting mechanical and manual operations with electronic authentication and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the securing device is permanently fixed in the device, then theft protection improves, but ease of operation worsens due to limited accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring device stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility of securing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device implements dynamic positioning: the elongated securing element is permanently fixed at one end to ensure stability and prevent theft, while the other end can be pulled out and retracted as needed. This dynamic design allows the securing element to transition between a retracted state (when not in use) and an extended state (when securing a vehicle), combining permanent fixation with operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4043274B1System for securing and charging electrically operated two-wheeled vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters and the like and method with this system
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 HB REAVIS GERMANY GMBH
  • EP4043274B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4043274B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4043274B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for securing and charging electrically powered two-wheeled vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and the like, comprising a plurality of devices, each with at least one leaning area against which the two-wheeled vehicle can be leaned while in use, and with at least one charging port on each device for charging the two-wheeled vehicle's battery. A locking device is provided, which is permanently attached to the device and can secure the two-wheeled vehicle against theft. The locking device is arranged as an elongated element within the device when not in use, with one end of the locking device being extendable for securing the two-wheeled vehicle and the other end of the locking device being permanently fixed within the device.A locking element is provided into which one end of the locking device can be inserted and secured after the locking device has been passed through or around the two-wheeler or individual elements of the two-wheeler, wherein the locking element has a release position in which one end of the locking device can be inserted into and/or removed from the locking element, and a locking position in which one end of the locking device is secured against removal in the locking element, and wherein the locking element can be electronically locked and/or unlocked, and wherein a common control panel is provided to manage the plurality of devices together.The invention proposes that a single device be assigned to an operator via the control panel and be freely switchable and personalizable for that operator, that the locking element of this device is moved into its release position, and that when the element is inserted into the locking element, it actuates a switch, thereby bringing the locking element into its secured position. Furthermore, the invention proposes a method using this system.