High-Compatibility Shared Bicycle Smart Locks for Managed Returns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shared bicycle systems lack effective management and designated parking areas, leading to random parking and damage, and the return process is inconvenient, especially with the need for manual locking and confirmation on mobile phones.
Innovation Solution
A highly compatible shared bicycle rental system with smart locks and wireless communication modules, including Bluetooth and QR code scanning, integrated with public bicycle systems, ensuring proper management and convenient rental and return processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shared bicycles operate without stations and lockers, then initial operation cost is low and all bicycles can be rented, but bicycles are seriously damaged and parked at random making it inconvenient to find and return bicycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the smart lock to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a rental authentication device (reading IC cards, Bluetooth pairing) and a return confirmation device (automatic recognition when bicycle is pushed into locker). The locker system also serves dual purposes as both storage and automatic return verification point, eliminating the need for separate return confirmation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic return confirmation. When a user pushes the bicycle into the locker, the system automatically reads the smart lock information, identifies the bicycle, and confirms return without requiring manual mobile phone operations. The smart lock itself participates in the return process by providing its identification information to the locker's reader.
2Productivity
If manual locking and mobile phone confirmation is required for return, then rental control is precise, but the return process is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic return confirmation. When a user pushes the bicycle into the locker, the system automatically reads the smart lock information, identifies the bicycle, and confirms return without requiring manual mobile phone operations. The smart lock itself participates in the return process by providing its identification information to the locker's reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the smart lock with identification information (IC card reader, Bluetooth module) that enables automatic recognition. The locker is pre-equipped with reading devices that can automatically identify the smart lock when the bicycle is placed in it, eliminating the need for post-placement manual confirmation.
3Extent of automation
If smart lock with wireless communication module is integrated into shared bicycles, then automatic return confirmation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the smart lock to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a rental authentication device (reading IC cards, Bluetooth pairing) and a return confirmation device (automatic recognition when bicycle is pushed into locker). The locker system also serves dual purposes as both storage and automatic return verification point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rental and return functions into a single integrated system. The smart lock combines IC card reading, Bluetooth communication, and automatic identification capabilities. The locker combines physical storage with automatic recognition and confirmation functions, eliminating the need for separate rental and return systems.
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 integrates shared bicycles into managed public systems, preventing manual locking and ensuring seamless rental and return operations, addressing issues of random parking and damage, and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication module includes a Bluetooth communication module, a Zigbee communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, an infrared communication module, or an IOT communication module
Implementation Method 2
The smart lock further includes an IC card reader and a MCU; the wireless communication module includes wireless transmitting module and wireless receiving module; the output terminal of IC card reader is connected to MCU
Implementation Method 3
The smart lock further includes a GPRS module and/or a GPS module for communication with MCU
Implementation Method 4
The smart lock further includes a GPRS module and/or a GPS module for communication with MCU
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention discloses a highly compatible shared bicycle rental system, bicycle and bicycle rental method. The bicycle includes the bicycle body, and a multifunctional connector and a smart lock set on the bicycle body. The smart lock has a built-in wireless communication module and the multifunctional connector has a built-in electronic card with a unique bicycle code and a smart lock identification code. In this invention, a smart lock is set on the bicycle, and the electronic card in multifunctional connector to be locked by the locker is provided with a unique bicycle code and a smart lock identification code. When returning a bicycle, the bicycle is pushed into the locker and the locker obtains the corresponding bicycle code and smart lock identification code, through which a wireless connection with the smart lock can be established to unlock the smart lock. Therefore, the existing scattered shared bicycles without management functions can be incorporated into the public bicycle system with stations with perfect management functions to realize mutual rental and give full play to their advantages.