ECV Control Unit for Collision Prevention and Direct Rental
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) do not provide commercial benefits to venue operators beyond rental fees and lack advanced features for improved user experience and safety.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a control and communications unit (CCU) with sensors, cameras, and user interface to enhance safety, functionality, and enable direct rental transactions, along with features like adjustable seating, storage options, and integrated communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ECV design is used, then the vehicle is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks commercial benefits and advanced safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls motor operation, processes sensor data for obstacle detection, manages communication with venue systems, and handles user interface interactions. This multi-functionality integrates previously separate systems into a single centralized controller, improving safety and commercial capabilities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between various subsystems (motor, sensors, communication modules, user interface) and the venue operator's system. It mediates data flow and control signals, enabling integrated operation and commercial benefit features while maintaining modular architecture that manages complexity.
2Productivity
If basic ECV functionality is provided, then the vehicle is cost-effective to operate, but it provides no additional commercial benefits to venue operators
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit enables multiple revenue-generating functions including direct rental transactions, usage tracking, and integration with venue management systems. These commercial features are integrated into the existing control architecture, generating additional income streams without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECV autonomously handles rental transactions, usage monitoring, and communication with venue systems through its integrated control unit. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention in commercial operations, generating revenue automatically while the vehicle is in use.
3Reliability
If no object detection system is integrated, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but safety and user experience are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The object detection sensors are integrated with the control unit, merging sensing and control functions into a unified system. The control unit directly processes sensor data and automatically adjusts motor operation to prevent collisions, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall complexity while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors detect objects, the control unit processes this information, and the motor operation is automatically adjusted in real-time. This closed-loop control provides active collision prevention while using standard control unit capabilities, managing complexity through software-based solutions.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
One embodiment of an electric convenience vehicle (ECV) may include a frame, a plurality of wheels configured to support and move the frame, a user support member supported by the frame, a steering mechanism disposed toward a front portion of the ECV, a motor configured to cause at least one wheel to be propelled forward, propelled backward, or to remain in a fixed position, a throttle, when activated in a first position, may cause the motor to propel the wheel(s) in a forward direction, when activated in a second position, may cause the motor to propel the wheel(s) in a reverse direction, and a control and communications unit (CCU) disposed in front of the user support member, and configured to control operations of the motor.