Solar-Powered Electronic Parking Meter Eliminates Coin Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coin-operated parking meters are complex, unreliable due to coin jamming, and limited in providing varied parking times and payment options, being restricted to coin-based operations.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered parking meter with a coin sensor, card reader, electronic device, display, solar cell for battery charging, and mobile phone connectivity, allowing for coin and card payments, with a removable module and indicator for expired parking periods, designed for easy operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coin-operated mechanisms are used, then the parking meter can be operated with simple coin insertion, but the system becomes complex and unreliable due to coin jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coin-operated system with an electronic system that uses a coin sensor, card reader, and electronic device to manage parking time. This substitution eliminates mechanical coin jamming issues while maintaining the ability to accept coin payments, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coin sensor as an intermediary component between the coin insertion slot and the electronic control system. This sensor validates coins electronically rather than mechanically, acting as a mediator that prevents jamming while maintaining coin operation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coin operation is restricted, then the mechanism remains simple, but the parking meter cannot provide a range of parking times and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating both coin sensor and card reader capabilities into a single parking meter system. This allows the device to accept multiple payment methods (coins and cards) and provide various parking time options, thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device enables the parking meter to offer variable parking times and costs by changing operational parameters dynamically. The system can adjust parking duration and pricing based on different payment methods and time periods, providing versatility through parameter variation rather than multiple physical mechanisms.
3Reliability
If electronic devices and solar cells are added, then reliability and payment options improve, but the device requires additional power sources and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating a solar cell that automatically charges the rechargeable battery during daylight hours. This eliminates the need for external power sources or manual battery replacement, as the system recharges itself using available solar energy, thereby reducing ongoing power requirements while maintaining reliable electronic operation.
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
Enhances reliability, flexibility in payment options, and user experience by eliminating coin jamming issues and providing a range of parking time options through electronic and solar-powered functionality, while being easy to maintain and operate.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell operatively associated with said connections to charge said battery
Data Source
AI summary
A parking meter assembly (10) including a base (11) that is to be fixed to or embedded in a ground surface, typically adjacent the curb that which a car is to be parked. The assembly (10) also includes a parking meter (13) having a front face (17) that includes a coin slot (25) a card slot (20) and a control panel (21). The parking meter (13) further includes a rear face (27) having a window aperture (28) that provides for the transmission of light to a solar panel (29) behind the aperture (28).