Mobility Scooter Rental Control Using Station-Based Battery Enabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle and scooter sharing systems are not easily accessible for the elderly, requiring improvements for better usability.
Innovation Solution
A mobility scooter sharing system with signal broadcasting devices, renting controlling devices, and a renting platform that enable battery operation only within designated station areas, using device ID marks and communication protocols to manage scooter rentals and returns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical locks are used to secure mobility scooters in stations, then the scooters can be securely locked, but the rental and return process becomes complex and inconvenient for elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical locking systems with an electronic control system. The renting controlling device uses electronic signals to control the power switching unit, which enables or disables the battery power of mobility scooters based on location detection, eliminating the need for physical locks and simplifying the rental process for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a renting controlling device as an intermediary between the mobility scooter and the user. This device includes a power switching unit that acts as a mediator to control battery power based on whether the scooter is within authorized station areas, replacing direct mechanical locking with automated electronic control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobility scooters can be rented freely without location verification, then user convenience is improved, but scooters may be taken to unauthorized areas causing management problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the renting controlling device continuously detects whether the mobility scooter is within authorized station areas using signal broadcasting devices. Based on this location feedback, the system automatically enables or disables battery power, ensuring scooters remain within authorized areas while maintaining availability for rental.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the scooter accessibility dynamic rather than static. The power switching unit dynamically enables or disables battery power based on real-time location conditions. When the scooter is within authorized areas, power is enabled for rental; when outside, power is disabled to prevent unauthorized use, creating an adaptive location control system.
3Measurement precision
If signal broadcasting devices are deployed in all station areas for location verification, then location control accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the signal broadcasting devices multi-functional. These devices not only provide location verification by broadcasting signals for detection by renting controlling devices, but also serve as markers for station areas. This universal application reduces the need for separate location verification systems and simplifies the overall system structure.
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
Facilitates easy rental and return of mobility scooters within specified areas, enhancing accessibility and management without mechanical locks, ensuring battery operation only within authorized zones.
Implementation Method 1
each of the signal broadcasting devices broadcasts a broadcast signal
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility scooter sharing system includes signal broadcasting devices, mobility scooter groups, renting controlling devices, device ID marks and a renting platform. As a mobile device reads the device ID of the renting controlling device corresponding to the mobility scooter, the mobile device sends a renting signal to the renting platform, and the renting platform sends an unlock signal to the renting controlling device. The renting controlling device confirms whether the mobility scooter is within any of the station areas based on the broadcast signal from any of the signal broadcasting devices. If the mobility scooter is judged to be located within any of the station areas, the renting controlling device enables the battery of the mobility scooter, and if the mobility scooter is judged to be not located within any of the station areas, the battery of the mobility scooter is not enabled.