Passive Micromobility Dock Latching for Low-Power Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional micromobility vehicle docking stations have a single point of failure, high deployment costs, and limited flexibility due to reliance on centralized power sources, making them unreliable and costly to deploy in less populated areas.
Innovation Solution
A low-power docking station with a passive latching mechanism and a low-power locking architecture that uses solar power and minimal electrical consumption to securely lock micromobility vehicles, allowing for independent operation and deployment in various locations without a centralized power source or kiosk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized power source and communication module are used in docking stations, then the docking mechanism can be supported, but a single point of failure is created that renders all docked vehicles unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is divided into independent modular docks, each with its own power source and control mechanisms. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure in centralized systems, as each module operates autonomously and failures in one module do not affect others.
Solution Approach 2:
Each docking module is equipped with its own power source (solar panels and battery) and control systems, enabling it to operate independently without relying on a centralized power source or communication module. This self-sufficiency improves reliability while reducing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized power source is used, then the docking station can operate, but initial costs are high making deployment only feasible in heavily populated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into small, independent docking modules that can be deployed individually rather than requiring large centralized infrastructure. This reduces initial deployment costs and enables placement in various locations including less populated areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module generates its own power through solar panels and stores energy in onboard batteries, eliminating the need for connection to centralized power grids. This self-sufficiency reduces deployment costs and increases flexibility in location selection.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If docking stations are connected to the electrical grid, then power is available, but deployment costs are higher and location flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each docking module is equipped with solar panels for power generation and battery systems for energy storage, enabling autonomous operation without connection to electrical grids. This allows deployment in any location with sufficient sunlight, significantly increasing location flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If battery-powered docking stations are used, then location flexibility is improved, but additional labor costs are required for battery swaps
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses solar panels to continuously recharge batteries during daylight hours, creating a periodic energy input that maintains power availability. This eliminates the need for manual battery swaps while maintaining location flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking modules automatically recharge their own batteries using solar power, eliminating the need for external intervention or labor-intensive battery replacement operations. The system self-maintains its power supply capability.
5Use of energy by moving object
If a passive latching mechanism is used, then power consumption is minimized, but secure locking capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces active electronic locking mechanisms with a passive mechanical latching system that uses spring-loaded hooks and latches. These mechanical components automatically engage and secure vehicles without requiring electrical power, minimizing power consumption while maintaining secure locking capability through mechanical force and geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods related to docking stations for accommodating multiple types of micromobility vehicles, for interacting with different users, and for operating securely under low-power constraints are disclosed. A low-power docking station may include a housing having walls defining a vehicle opening, and a latching receiver to engage with a latching mount of the micromobility vehicle when it is positioned in the vehicle opening. The docking station can further include a movable hook having a retention feature and a movable latch having a latching protrusion and a receiving feature. The receiving feature can be configured to receive the latching mount when the latching mount is advanced into the receiving feature, and in response to the receiving feature receiving the latching mount, the movable latch can move such that the latching protrusion of the movable latch is retained by the retention feature of the movable hook.