Portable Energy Storage Return Pricing Based on Deterioration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of promoting the collection and use of fuel cell systems while minimizing deterioration is difficult due to the lack of effective management strategies when only a deposit is received at the time of sale.
Innovation Solution
A management system that considers the length of time since transfer and the deterioration state of portable energy storage equipment to determine the consideration for subsequent transfers, using units to obtain relevant information and evaluate values, and adjust payments based on these factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only a deposit is received at the time of sale of fuel cell system, then the manufacturer can simplify the transaction process, but the user cannot be effectively motivated to return the equipment or use it in a manner that suppresses deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the consideration amount variable rather than fixed. The consideration for equipment return is dynamically adjusted based on the actual deterioration state detected by the detection device. This allows the system to maintain simplicity in the return process while effectively motivating users through financial incentives that reflect the actual condition of the returned equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a detection device to monitor the deterioration state of the fuel cell system during the user's possession period. This feedback information about equipment condition is then used to determine the final consideration amount, creating a closed-loop system that connects user behavior with financial outcomes and enables effective motivation for proper equipment care and return.
2Ease of manufacture
If the consideration amount is fixed at the time of sale, then the transaction is straightforward, but the manufacturer cannot account for variations in equipment deterioration and usage duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a detection device and monitoring system before the equipment is returned. The deterioration state is continuously tracked during the user's possession period, and the consideration amount is predetermined based on expected deterioration patterns. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the equipment is returned, the manufacturer can quickly process the transaction with accurate compensation without losing any condition or usage data.
3Reliability
If the manufacturer wants to promote equipment collection and suppress deterioration, then a complex management system is needed, but this increases system complexity and operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated detection and evaluation system that continuously monitors equipment deterioration and automatically calculates the consideration amount. The detection device autonomously tracks equipment condition, and the system automatically determines compensation based on predefined criteria and actual measured deterioration. This automation eliminates the need for complex manual management processes while effectively promoting equipment collection and proper usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a consideration decision unit configured to decide, when the portable energy storage equipment transferred from one body to another body as a first transfer at a first timing is transferred from the other body or still another body which is different from the other body to the one body as a second transfer at a second timing, a consideration for the second transfer of the portable energy storage equipment at the second timing based on at least one of (i) a length of a period from the first timing to the second timing and (ii) a deterioration state of the portable energy storage equipment at the second timing.