Micro-Mobility Docking Hub With Locking and Auto-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-mobility electric vehicles face challenges in charging logistics, theft, and clutter management due to the lack of standardized charging solutions and storage options, particularly in fleet and public settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle coupling mechanism with a docking member and a hub featuring a locking assembly, induction sensors, and a control panel, which allows for secure, standardized charging across various types of micro-mobility vehicles, including a networked charging system for tracking and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional AC wall outlets are used for charging, then charging can be performed in various locations, but charging outlets are often not widely available in desirable public locations and require transporting AC to DC chargers which can be stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized docking station as an intermediary charging infrastructure between the vehicle and power source. The docking station includes a receptacle that receives a docking member from the vehicle, automatically connects charging plungers to charging contacts, and provides secure locking. This intermediary solution eliminates the need for users to transport chargers while providing widely available standardized charging points in public locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal charging system where the standardized docking interface can serve multiple functions: secure vehicle docking, automatic charging connection, vehicle locking, and integration with fleet management systems. The docking station serves as a multi-functional hub that combines charging, security, and tracking capabilities in a single standardized interface compatible with various micro-mobility vehicles.
2Reliability
If branding-specific charging stations are used, then charging parameters can be optimized for specific vehicle types, but charging stations become limited to particular brands or vehicle types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal docking standard with standardized mechanical interfaces (receptacle and docking member geometries), electrical contacts (charging plungers and charging contacts), and communication protocols. This universal interface allows a single docking station design to accommodate multiple vehicle types and brands while maintaining reliable charging connections through standardized parameter configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptive charging by allowing the docking station to adjust charging parameters (voltage, current, rate) based on the specific vehicle connected. The system detects vehicle type through the standardized interface and automatically configures appropriate charging parameters, maintaining optimized charging performance across different vehicle types without requiring brand-specific hardware.
3Ease of operation
If vehicles are scattered across city streets without storage options, then vehicle accessibility is improved, but physical and aesthetic clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the urban environment into designated docking zones distributed throughout the city, with multiple docking stations strategically placed in high-traffic areas. This segmentation allows vehicles to be concentrated at specific locations rather than scattered randomly, reducing clutter while maintaining accessibility through the distributed network of docking points.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station acts as an intermediary structure that provides designated parking and charging locations throughout the city. These intermediaries serve as designated drop-off and pick-up points, concentrating vehicles at specific locations rather than allowing them to be scattered across streets, thereby reducing clutter while maintaining urban accessibility.
4Device complexity
If fleet vehicles are tracked manually, then system complexity is reduced, but tracking location, condition, status, and availability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where docking stations continuously monitor and report vehicle status (location, charging state, availability) to a central fleet management system. The system provides real-time feedback on vehicle conditions, enabling automated tracking and management without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing information loss while keeping system complexity manageable through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station and vehicle system perform self-tracking through automated sensors and communication systems. The vehicle's docking member and the station's receptacle automatically exchange identification and status information, enabling the system to self-monitor location, charging status, and availability without external manual tracking, reducing both information loss and operational complexity.
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
The system provides secure, efficient, and standardized charging solutions, reducing theft and clutter while enabling easy tracking and management of micro-mobility vehicles, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency for both private and fleet owners.
Implementation Method 1
induction sensors sense a vehicle docked in the station and initiate a charging authentication process
Data Source
AI summary
A system for docking and charging micro-mobility electric vehicles is provided. The system may be used for docking and charging a plurality of micro-mobility electric vehicles. The system includes a vehicle coupling mechanism and a hub. The vehicle coupling mechanism is associated with a vehicle and includes a docking member. The hub includes a station comprising a hub coupling mechanism and a hub component assembly. The hub coupling mechanism includes a receptacle for receiving the docking member. The hub component assembly comprises a locking assembly, charging plungers, and induction sensors. When the receptacle receives the docking member, the charging plungers are moved towards the induction sensors, the locking assembly locks the vehicle in place, and the induction sensors sense a vehicle locked in the station and activate the hub to begin charging the vehicle.