Smart Chain EV Charging for Compact Secure Bike Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric bike-sharing systems face challenges with high dock costs and space occupancy in the first generation, and sidewalk chaos and vandalism in the second generation, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A smart chain charging system that uses low-cost, flexible docks with a smart chain configuration where electric vehicles are linked, allowing for efficient charging and management through a cloud-based system, optimizing charging priority and reducing human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional bike docks are used, then bikes are securely locked and charged, but the docks occupy large amounts of space and have high installation costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebike security and charging reliabilityVSAvoiddock space occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the docking function into two parts: a minimal fixed dock component that provides power and communication, and a smart chain mechanism that allows multiple bikes to be linked together in a compact configuration. This segmentation enables secure docking and charging while dramatically reducing the space required compared to traditional individual docking stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The smart chain configuration allows bikes to be nested or linked together in a compact arrangement where multiple vehicles occupy the space of a single traditional dock. The chain mechanism enables bikes to be connected sequentially, creating a space-efficient nested structure that maintains security and charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If dock-less bike sharing is implemented, then sidewalk space is freed and installation costs are reduced, but bikes become vulnerable to vandalism and theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesidewalk space availabilityVSAvoidvandalism and theft vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the advantages of both dock-based and dock-less systems by combining minimal physical dock infrastructure with smart chain linking technology. This hybrid approach provides the space benefits of dock-less systems while incorporating security features through the chain mechanism that physically connects bikes to the dock and to each other, deterring vandalism and theft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If fixed-number docks are used, then charging infrastructure is simple, but users must visit multiple docks to find empty slots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging infrastructure complexityVSAvoiduser convenience in finding parking slots

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The smart chain configuration dynamically adapts to user needs by allowing the docking capacity at each location to expand or contract based on demand. When bikes are returned, they are chained together, effectively increasing the docking capacity without requiring additional fixed infrastructure. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for users to search for empty slots at multiple docks while maintaining simple infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If human workers manually collect and charge bikes, then charging can be performed, but operational costs and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery charging capabilityVSAvoidcharging operational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service charging where bikes automatically charge when docked and chained at the station. The intelligent charging system manages power distribution among chained bikes without human intervention, eliminating the need for workers to manually collect and charge vehicles. This automated approach dramatically improves operational efficiency while maintaining comprehensive charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12012008B2Systems and methods for smart chain charging of rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 BOWMAN DAVID

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods for smart chain charging of electric vehicles. A system has a dock and one or more electric vehicles supporting rechargeable batteries. One or more electric vehicles may be coupled in series in a smart chain at the dock. Each electric vehicle has a charger with a plug and a receptacle. The plug may couple to a dock receptacle, if the vehicle is first in the smart chain, or to a receptacle on a neighboring electric vehicle at the end of a smart chain of vehicles electrically coupled to the dock. The receptacle may receive a plug of a neighboring electrical vehicle. Each charger may include an interface, battery charger and a battery monitor. The interface may carry power and transfer data into and out of the charger along the smart chain. Each battery monitor may output battery monitor data and receive battery charging control information.