Retrofit Parking Meter With Solar Power And Wireless Payment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking meter technologies lack efficient and modern payment methods, location tracking, and management communication, limiting their ability to handle non-cash payments and provide real-time parking management.
Innovation Solution
A single bay parking meter device equipped with a timer, payment facilitating arrangement using non-cash mediums, display for balance, solar power supply, GPS for location determination, and communication for management information, allowing for wireless transactions, automatic payment deductions, and integration with electronic purses and cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cash-based payment methods are used in parking meters, then the payment facilitating arrangement is simple, but non-cash payment capability and user convenience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The payment facilitating arrangement is designed to accept multiple payment types including cash, credit cards, debit cards, and electronic purses through a single integrated system. The arrangement can process different payment mediums using common processing circuits that route transactions through appropriate validation and authorization mechanisms, allowing one device to serve multiple payment functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each payment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs communication arrangements as intermediaries to connect with external payment processing systems. Wireless communication modules enable the parking meter to transmit payment data to remote servers for authorization, while reading devices serve as intermediaries to interface with electronic purses and cards. These intermediary components allow the parking meter to handle complex non-cash payments without requiring direct complex integration with all payment systems.
2Loss of information
If wireless communication and GPS location tracking are added to the parking meter, then management communication and location determination are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication functions are extracted as separate modular components that can be independently activated. Wireless communication modules and GPS receivers are implemented as discrete units that transmit data externally rather than processing all information locally. This extraction allows the parking meter to communicate management information and location data through dedicated channels without requiring the entire system to be overly complex, as each component handles specific tasks independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the parking meter continuously communicates its status, location, and operational data to a central management system. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and control while allowing the system to optimize its own operations based on received instructions. The communication arrangement establishes ongoing data exchange that reduces the need for complex local processing by leveraging centralized intelligence.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar power charging arrangement is implemented, then energy sustainability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power charging arrangement enables the parking meter to generate its own power through solar panels that continuously harvest energy from sunlight. This self-service capability allows the device to recharge its battery without external intervention, reducing dependence on grid electricity and extending operational autonomy. The solar charging system automatically recharges the power supply unit during daytime hours, providing sustained energy availability without requiring complex external power infrastructure.
4Productivity
If automatic payment deduction from electronic purses is implemented, then payment processing efficiency is improved, but reliability of payment validation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of electronic purses and their associated accounts before automatically deducting payment amounts. The reading device first verifies the authenticity and status of the electronic purse, checks available balances, and confirms authorization protocols are met. Only after this preliminary verification does the system proceed with automatic deduction, ensuring that reliability checks are completed in advance to prevent invalid or fraudulent transactions while maintaining efficient automated processing.
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
Enables efficient non-cash payments, automatic time management, and real-time parking management with location tracking, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The parking meter device may have a solar power charging arrangement whereby the power supply unit is recharged by solar energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A single bay parking meter device is provided which accepts payment by means of a credit or debit card, an electronic purse, or coins. The device has a power supply unit, a solar power charging arrangement and power management, such that it does not need power supply cables to be installed for each meter. The parking meter device also transmits financial data to a financial institution in a wireless manner, also to avoid the need for cabling. The parking meter device is receivable in the base of a conventional single bay parking meter, such that the new parking meter device may be retrofitted to existing coin operated installed single bay parking meters, using a new cover that is also engageable with the conventional housing base.