Solar-Powered Vehicle Docking Structure for Grid-Free Deployment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional docking stations rely on centralized power sources and communication modules, leading to single points of failure, high deployment costs, and limited flexibility in location, making them impractical for less populated areas.

Innovation Solution

Self-sufficient docking stations equipped with solar panels that can harness diffused light and operate independently, eliminating the need for a centralized power source and kiosk, allowing deployment in various locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized power source and kiosk are used to support docking stations, then the docking mechanism can be supported, but reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking station reliabilityVSAvoidcentralized configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized docking station system into multiple independent modular docks, where each dock contains its own power source and communication module. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure inherent in centralized configurations, as each module operates independently and can function even if others fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each modular dock is equipped with its own power source (such as solar panels) and communication capabilities, enabling it to operate autonomously without relying on a centralized power source or kiosk. This self-service approach enhances reliability while reducing the complexity of centralized infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If a centralized power source is used, then the docking station can operate, but deployment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment costVSAvoidpower source requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each modular dock incorporates its own power source, such as solar panels, enabling it to generate and store its own energy independently. This eliminates the need for expensive centralized power infrastructure and reduces deployment costs, particularly in remote or less populated areas where grid connection is unavailable or costly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power source requirement from the centralized system and assigns it to individual modular docks. By removing the dependency on centralized power infrastructure, the system becomes feasible for deployment in a wider range of locations with lower initial costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If docking stations are connected to the electrical grid, then power supply is available, but deployment flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment location flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical grid connection requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each modular dock is equipped with its own power source, such as solar panels with integrated battery storage, enabling it to operate independently of the electrical grid. This self-sufficiency grants complete deployment flexibility, allowing docks to be installed in any location regardless of grid availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the electrical grid connection requirement from the system by assigning independent power sources to each modular dock. This extraction of the grid dependency constraint enables deployment in remote areas, parks, and other locations where grid connection is unavailable or impractical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If battery-powered docking stations are used, then deployment flexibility improves, but maintenance cost increases due to battery swaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment location flexibilityVSAvoidbattery maintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Each modular dock incorporates its own battery and power management system, enabling it to store and manage its own energy independently. This eliminates the need for centralized battery management and reduces maintenance costs, as each unit can be monitored and serviced independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the battery system into individual modular units, where each dock has its own battery rather than relying on centralized battery storage. This segmentation allows for independent monitoring, maintenance, and replacement of batteries at each dock, reducing overall maintenance complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 self-sufficient docking stations provide reliable, cost-effective, and flexible deployment options, enabling installation in both high-density and low-density areas without requiring underground infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel configured to provide sufficient power to independently operate the docking functionalities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250276596A1Vehicle docking structure with a solar panel
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 LYFT INC
  • US20250276596A1 patent drawing
  • US20250276596A1 patent drawing
  • US20250276596A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, an apparatus for docking vehicles includes a housing structure comprising two side portions and a top portion connecting the two side portions, the two side portions and the top portion forming a cavity for receiving a portion of a vehicle, an electrically-powered locking assembly, carried by the housing structure, for securing the housing structure to the vehicle in response to the portion of the vehicle being received by the cavity of the housing structure, an electrically-powered communication device, coupled to the housing structure, for enabling data communication over a network, and a solar panel, carried by an external surface of one of the side portions of the housing structure, for independently converting light received by the solar panel into electrical energy.