Decentralized LMV Charging Vehicles for On-Demand Fleet Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current decentralized charging infrastructure for localized use vehicles (LMVs) is inefficient, as LMVs often go out of circulation for extended periods due to centralized charging methods, which are not cost-effective and require significant manual collection and distribution, leading to street clutter and increased transportation efforts.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing mobile devices with applications to locate and access decentralized charging vehicles, allowing LMVs to be charged on-demand by evaluating charge states, displaying available charging vehicles, and providing secure access to charging interfaces, either within or outside the vehicle, enabling continuous operation and reducing manual collection needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centralized charging methods are used, then charging can be performed, but LMVs go out of circulation for extended periods and require significant manual collection and distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcirculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charging infrastructure is segmented from centralized facilities to decentralized charging vehicles distributed throughout the service area. Each charging vehicle acts as an independent charging station, eliminating the need for centralized collection and distribution of LMVs for charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

LMVs can be charged on-demand at decentralized charging vehicles without requiring manual collection and distribution by operators. The system enables automated or self-service charging through mobile device applications that facilitate the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If centralized charging methods are used, then charging can be performed, but it requires significant manual collection and distribution efforts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging infrastructure is divided into multiple decentralized charging vehicles rather than one centralized facility. This segmentation distributes the operational burden and eliminates the need for complex manual collection and distribution logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automated charging processes through mobile applications, reducing the need for manual intervention in charging operations. Users can initiate, monitor, and manage charging through their mobile devices without requiring operational staff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If centralized charging methods are used, then charging can be performed, but it leads to street clutter and increased transportation efforts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidstreet clutter
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of concentrating charging operations at centralized facilities that create street clutter, the infrastructure is segmented into distributed charging vehicles. These vehicles can be positioned in designated areas or integrated into existing vehicle fleets, minimizing their visual and physical impact on street environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Charging vehicles serve multiple functions - they are both transportation vehicles and charging stations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated charging infrastructure that would contribute to street clutter, as existing vehicles are utilized for dual purposes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3770003B1Decentralized LMV charging infrastructure
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3770003B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3770003B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3770003B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

Systems, devices and methods are provided for decentralized charging of LMVs. At the conclusion of an active riding session, an available decentralized charging vehicle is displayed to a scooter with low battery charge, and access is provided to a charging interface of the decentralized charging vehicle so that the LMV may be coupled to the charging interface.