Micromobility Charging Stand With Wired and Wireless Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micromobility devices such as electric kickboards often lack convenient charging facilities, leading to unattended devices on sidewalks, increased costs for rental services, and user concerns about theft and usability due to charging challenges.

Innovation Solution

A charging stand equipped with wireless and wired charging capabilities, powered by external sources and solar energy, featuring a power conversion device and control system that adapts voltage based on load characteristics, and includes display and priority management for efficient power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If micromobility devices are left unattended on sidewalks due to lack of charging facilities, then device availability increases, but city aesthetics deteriorate and pedestrian safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice availabilityVSAvoidcity aesthetics and pedestrian safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charging stand enables micromobility devices to charge themselves automatically when docked. The system detects device presence through sensors and initiates charging without user intervention, allowing devices to be left at charging stations rather than abandoned on sidewalks. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing convenient device availability while maintaining urban aesthetics and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements wireless charging technology that replaces traditional wired mechanical connections. The wireless power transfer system uses electromagnetic fields to charge devices inductively when docked at the charging stand, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and simplifying the docking process while maintaining device availability and urban cleanliness.

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

2Reliability

If rental service providers directly collect and recharge unattended devices, then device usability is maintained, but operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice usabilityVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The charging stand system allows micromobility devices to recharge automatically when docked, eliminating the need for rental service providers to manually collect and recharge devices. The system autonomously manages power distribution, device detection, and charging processes, maintaining device usability while dramatically reducing operational labor and energy management costs for service providers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The charging stand acts as an intermediary infrastructure between power sources and micromobility devices. It includes power conversion devices that transform input power into appropriate charging voltages, and control systems that manage power distribution to multiple devices simultaneously. This intermediary system enables automated charging without direct provider intervention, reducing operational costs while ensuring device reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If personal users charge their micromobility devices at home, then charging convenience is maintained, but theft risk and usability concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidtheft risk and usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging stand serves as a secure intermediary location for device charging, positioned in public or monitored areas. The system includes locking mechanisms and surveillance integration that protect devices from theft while providing charging functionality. Users can securely dock their devices at these intermediate locations rather than leaving them unattended on sidewalks or charging at home, resolving the contradiction between charging convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging stand provides multiple functions in one location: secure device storage, wireless and wired charging capabilities, device monitoring, and user authentication. This multi-functional infrastructure allows personal users to charge devices conveniently in secure public locations rather than at home, eliminating theft concerns while maintaining ease of operation through integrated user interfaces and automated processes.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If charging stands provide both wireless and wired charging capabilities, then user flexibility increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidcharging stand structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging stand integrates both wireless and wired charging systems into a single unified structure. The wireless charging component uses inductive coupling through a charging coil, while the wired component provides direct electrical connections. Both systems share common power conversion and control infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite the dual charging modes. This merged design provides user flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging stand is designed as a universal charging platform that accommodates multiple device types and charging preferences. The system includes adaptive detection capabilities that identify device requirements and automatically select the appropriate charging mode (wireless or wired). This universal design provides user flexibility across different micromobility devices while using standardized components and control logic to manage complexity.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides convenient charging and storage solutions for micromobility users, reduces costs for rental services, and enhances user safety by ensuring devices are securely charged, while also offering an eco-friendly charging infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel configured to generate solar power using sunlight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a coil disposed on one region of the opening and configured to wirelessly supply power to the at least one micromobility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240067006A1Method for charging micromobility and charging stand therefor
Publication Date: 2024.02.29 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US20240067006A1 patent drawing
  • US20240067006A1 patent drawing
  • US20240067006A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for charging a micromobility and a charging stand therefor are provided. The charging stand includes a power device that supplies power, a mounting part including a charging part and a holding part configured to dock with at least one micromobility, a power conversion device including at least one converter or an inverter, and a control device that executes an operation for charging the at least one micromobility based on that the mounting part is mounted on the at least one micromobility. The control device receives power supplied from outside by means of the power device, converts the supplied power into a specified DC voltage, outputs at least a portion of the specified DC voltage to the charging part, converts the specified DC voltage into a specified AC voltage, and outputs at least a portion of the specified AC voltage to the charging part.