Rail Vehicle LEV Stowage and Charging for Last-Mile Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rail passengers face the 'Last Mile' challenge of traveling to their final destination after disembarking from mass transportation, as existing solutions like car sharing and bicycle sharing programs are not always conveniently located near bus stops or train stations.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle equipped with a stowage space and stations that can hold and recharge light electric vehicles, such as electric bicycles or scooters, featuring a locking mechanism, power outlet, and controller for secure storage and charging, with standardized connectors and data communication for billing and power level indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If car sharing or bicycle sharing programs are deployed to solve the Last Mile problem, then passengers can access light electric vehicles for final destination travel, but these sharing programs are not always located near bus stops or train stations, reducing convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rail vehicle transportation system with light electric vehicle storage and charging facilities. Stations are integrated directly into the rail vehicle, allowing passengers to access, store, and recharge e-bikes and e-scooters during their journey, eliminating the need for separate sharing program locations at transit stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail vehicle预先 provides charged light electric vehicles in stowage spaces before passengers arrive at their destination. This preliminary preparation ensures that when passengers disembark, they can immediately access pre-charged vehicles without waiting for charging or searching for sharing program locations.
2Ease of operation
If light electric vehicles are stored in the rail vehicle, then passengers have convenient access to vehicles for final destination travel, but the rail vehicle requires additional space for stowage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The rail vehicle is divided into distinct functional zones: passenger areas for seating and standing, and dedicated stowage spaces for light electric vehicles. This segmentation allows efficient use of space by allocating specific compartments for vehicle storage without compromising passenger comfort areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Light electric vehicles are stored in a nested arrangement within the stowage spaces. The holding structures are designed to accommodate multiple vehicles in a compact configuration, maximizing the use of available stowage volume while maintaining easy access for passengers.
3Reliability
If locking mechanisms are implemented to secure light electric vehicles, then vehicle security is improved, but the locking mechanism adds complexity to the station system
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when a light electric vehicle is placed in the holding structure. The system self-secures the vehicle without requiring manual intervention from passengers or station operators, providing security while minimizing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an electrical or electronic locking system controlled by a controller rather than a purely mechanical locking mechanism. This substitution allows for automated control, integration with the power outlet system, and simplified operation through electronic signals rather than complex mechanical components.
4Duration of action of moving object
If power outlets are provided to recharge light electric vehicles, then passengers can have vehicles recharged during travel, but the power outlet system increases the complexity of the rail vehicle's electrical network
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet system enables continuous charging of light electric vehicle batteries during the rail vehicle's operation. Passengers can recharge their vehicles at any time during the journey, maximizing battery charge duration without requiring the rail vehicle to stop or divert from its route.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power network of the rail vehicle serves multiple functions: it powers the rail vehicle's own systems and simultaneously provides power outlets for recharging light electric vehicles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated charging infrastructure and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 passengers with convenient access to light electric vehicles for their final destination, ensuring safe storage and efficient recharging, addressing the 'Last Mile' problem by integrating electric vehicle storage and charging directly into the rail vehicle system.
Implementation Method 1
The power outlet is operative to deliver electrical power to a battery of the light electric vehicle when the light electric vehicle is secured in the holding structure and connected to the power outlet
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A rail vehicle includes a car body having both a passenger space and a stowage space that is provided with a controller and at least one station for accommodating light electric vehicles. The stations have a chassis, a holding structure, a locking mechanism, and a power outlet. The holding structure can hold the light electric vehicle stationary. The locking mechanism can retain the light electric vehicle in the holding structure. The power outlet can deliver electrical power to a battery of the light electric vehicle when the light electric vehicle is secured in the holding structure and connected to the power outlet. The power outlet can be connected to an electrical power network of the rail vehicle. The controller can selectively send a release signal to the locking mechanism, so as to release the locking mechanism, and to selectively operate the power outlet so as to deliver the electrical power.