Micromobility Docking Station Inductive Lock Cable Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking stations for micromobility vehicles are limited in capacity and require updates, and there is a need to identify the lock status of parked vehicles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a bollard and inductive coil assembly to detect the lock cable, allowing for secure locking and identification of lock characteristics through current signal generation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional parking stations are used for micromobility vehicles, then the vehicles can be secured, but the stations require significant investment and need frequent updates with new technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with electromagnetic induction technology. The inductive coil assembly detects lock cable characteristics through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors and reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining reliable vehicle security monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The lock cable itself serves as an intermediary element that enables both mechanical locking and electromagnetic detection. By detecting characteristics of the lock cable through induction, the system uses the existing mechanical component as a mediator to convey information about vehicle locking status without requiring separate complex detection mechanisms
2Quantity of substance
If more parking stations are deployed to increase capacity, then more vehicles can be accommodated, but the investment cost and maintenance burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic induction system replaces complex mechanical counting and monitoring infrastructure. By using inductive coils to detect lock cable characteristics, the system can monitor multiple vehicles with simpler, more scalable hardware that reduces per-station investment costs while increasing overall system capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock cable's physical characteristics (material, length, configuration) automatically provide detection signals through electromagnetic induction. The system leverages the inherent properties of the locking mechanism itself to generate detectable signals, eliminating the need for additional active sensors or power-consuming detection devices at each parking spot
3Device complexity
If manual inspection methods are used to identify lock status, then the system is simpler, but the efficiency and accuracy of lock condition identification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated electromagnetic detection. The inductive coil assembly continuously monitors lock cable characteristics and generates electrical signals that automatically indicate lock status, dramatically improving identification efficiency and accuracy without requiring complex image recognition or sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback about lock status through automated detection of lock cable characteristics. The electrical signals generated by the inductive coils immediately indicate whether vehicles are properly locked, enabling continuous monitoring without manual intervention and improving both efficiency and reliability of lock status identification
4Adaptability or versatility
If legacy parking stations are updated with new technology, then functionality improves, but the cost and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic induction technology can be integrated into existing parking station structures with minimal modifications. The inductive coils can be installed within existing bollards or docking elements, replacing only the detection mechanism while retaining the mechanical locking infrastructure, thereby improving functionality with minimal installation disruption and cost
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
Enables efficient locking and identification of lock types, enhancing the functionality and management of micromobility vehicles in docking stations.
Implementation Method 1
generating a current signal in response to insertion of the lock cable through an inductive coil assembly disposed in the docking station
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station for micromobility transit vehicles is provided. The docking station may include a rack configured to dock a micromobility transit vehicle, a bollard for securing the micromobility transit vehicle within the rack, and a dock module configured to detect a characteristic of a lock cable securing the micromobility transit vehicle to the bollard. The dock module may include an inductive coil assembly disposed around a hole of the bollard to detect the lock cable inserted into the hole.