The subject matter of this invention relates to a charging station for urban micro-mobility (MM) vehicles, including electric scooters, electric bikes, etc.
Micro-mobility (MM) rechargeable vehicles, e.g., scooters, bikes, etc., (“MM vehicles”) have become extremely popular in urban settings. Current MM providers such as BIRD, LIME, etc., rely on dedicated company or independent field teams (referred to as “juicer” or “chargers”) to recharge scooters, often in their own home at night. Chargers for example pick up scooters left on the streets, bring them to their home for charging overnight, and return them to designated locations in the morning. Chargers receive a monetary reward for their efforts. Each MM provider generally utilizes a proprietary dispatch service and downloadable smartphone application (app) that tracks and broadcasts provider-based vehicle information.
Unfortunately, charging is subject to significant chaos and the current approach is both unsustainable and unsafe.
Aspects of the disclosure describes a charging infrastructure having provider agnostic charging stations, i.e., the infrastructure is set up to charge MM vehicles deployed by disparate MM providers. Described charging stations include a power distribution system that can utilizes either an AC or DC power supply and are modular, allowing stations to be easily expanded.
A first aspect provides a charging station for charging micro-mobility (MM) vehicles, comprising: a primary docking module having a first plurality of charging stalls, each stall configured to store and charge an MM vehicle; a secondary docking module having a second plurality of charging stalls, each stall configured to store and charge an MM vehicle; and a power distribution module (PDM) and command and control module (CCM) embedded in the primary docking module, wherein the PDM and CDM are configured to distribute and control power to both the first plurality of charging stalls and second plurality of charging stalls.
A second aspect provides an agnostic micro-mobility (MM) charging infrastructure for charging MM vehicles, comprising: a plurality of charging stations, wherein each charging station includes: a set of charging stalls configured to store and charge MM vehicles deployed by disparate MM providers, and a command and control module (CCM) that can activate and deactivate power to each charging stall and collect power usage data from each stall, wherein the CCM further includes a communication system that can receive activation instructions and transmit usage data; and a remote management system, comprising: a communication interface for communicating with each CCM in the charging stations; a third party integration API service that allows different MM apps provided by the disparate MM providers to obtain information associated with the plurality of charging stations, and request and be granted charging access at a selected charging station for an MM vehicle; and an accounting system that allocates usage costs to each of the disparate MM providers.
These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations and are not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.
A charging infrastructure is described having provider agnostic charging stations, i.e., the infrastructure is set up to charge MM vehicles deployed by disparate MM providers. In the current state of the art, each MM provider utilizes a proprietary app and related infrastructure for charging their own deployed MM vehicles. Accordingly, in order to charge a BIRD scooter, the user must utilize the BIRD app. Further, because charging cables for different MM providers are not necessarily the same, charging stations are typically only equipped to charge MM vehicles from a specific provider. The present infrastructure provides agnostic charging stations that can charge MM vehicles from disparate providers. Additionally, modularly designed charging stations are provided that can be easily moved and expanded, and which include a power distribution system that can utilizes either an AC or DC power supply.
Referring now to the drawings,
In the example shown in
As noted, both the primary and secondary docking modules 10, 12 generally include a bottom platform 25, posts 22, and a top platform 20. The bottom platforms 25 include hubs 24 for receiving a front wheel of a scooter, and the top platforms 20 include guide supports 26 for receiving a scooter handlebar stem. Each of a set of charging stalls are formed by a vertically corresponding hub 24 and guide support 26. Each charging stall also includes a universal charging cable 28 that connects to a scooter parked in an associated stall to charge a scooter parked therein. The universal charging cable may for example include a single wire with multiple different plugs, or multiple wires each with a different plug. Each charging stall further includes a visual indicator 27, such as an LED readout, LCD screen, etc., that provides information such as a charge stall availability, charging level, etc.
In this embodiment, each docking module 10, 12 includes six charging stalls (three on each side). However, it is understood that docking modules 10, 12 may include greater or fewer than six charging stalls. In this DC embodiment, primary docking module 10 is connected to battery housing unit 14 on one end and to secondary docking module 12 on the other end. Additional secondary docking modules (not shown) could also be connected to the depicted secondary docking module 12 on its far end.
In order to provide easy access to electrical components contained therein, the top panel 60 on each module 52, 54 is hinged (similar to a piano hinge) to fold towards the front (as indicated by the arrows), revealing the interior of the respective top platform. An example of this is shown in
Each DC driver 64 is configured to receive either AC or DC and output a conditioned DC supply, suitable for charging a scooter or the like via a universal charging cable 28. In one illustrative embodiment, the DC drivers 64 may include Mean Well® HGL 185 series drivers, which are capable of receiving 90-264V AC, or 127-370V DC. The output can for example provide 42V DC, which supports the common scooter charge requirements of 2 A at 42 VDC. As scooters evolve, the drivers can upgraded or adjusted, e.g., up to 4.4 A, to handle different requirements. Power distribution and control system may include smart power throttling to optimize battery charging times and power retention before, during and after use.
Each driver 64 is located proximate a corresponding charging stall 58 on the station 50, and receives power from the PDM 42 located in module 52 via lines 66. The conditioned DC output of each driver 64 (in this case, six per module), is forwarded to CCM 44 via lines 68. CCM 44 includes a set of controllable relays that can activate or deactivate the flow of current back to each individual charging stall 58 along lines 70. Accordingly, when a user wants to have a scooter charged by station 50, the user can interface with a remote management system, e.g., via a smart device, to obtain access and cause CCM 44 to activate one of the charging stalls 58. CCM 44 also manages and controls the visual displays 24 at each charging stall 58, e.g., indicating stall availability, charge levels, etc.
During operation, the output of each of the DC drivers are brought to the CCM 44, which are monitored for voltage and current and controlled (ON/OFF) by processing unit 84. The relay is in the off position until the processing unit 84 validates a request to charge a stall, e.g., from an end user's mobile application. A signal is sent from the processing unit to energize or switch the relay to the ON position. Once the scooter is disconnected, the lack of a signal will indicate to the CCM 44 to close the relay. This information is logged and is available on an individual charge session basis—complete information as to the micro-mobility service provider and scooter ID. The information can be used for both usage reports and billing/invoicing purposes.
Third party integration API service 94 allows users of MM apps 91 to search for charging stations by geographical area, obtain real-time information about charging stalls, and perform a hand-off process. The hand-off process includes a procedure where a charging stall gets activated, a vehicle is plugged in, and the resulting charging session is linked with the MM provider (i.e. partner) for billing purposes. Charging stalls are disabled as soon as a vehicle is fully charged or is unplugged, guaranteeing proper attribution of costs and preventing unauthorized use. Accordingly, third party integration API service allows MM apps 91 provided by the disparate MM providers to obtain information (e.g., location, availability, etc.) associated with a set of charging stations 92, and request and be granted charging access at a selected charging station for an MM vehicle.
Remote management system 82 further includes a fleet management API service 96 that allows owners or operators of one or more stations 92 to manage their fleet, e.g., view operational and usage data, etc. Also included is an internal API service 98 that including an accounting system 97 to, e.g., track usage, billing and analytic information for disparate MM providers and fleet operators. For example, when a user of BIRD uses one of the charging stalls at a charging station 92 to charge a BIRD scooter, the usage and cost is calculated and billed directly to BIRD by the internal API service 98. Similarly, use of a different charging stall at the same station 92 by a LIME scooter would result in a bill to LIME.
In one embodiment, when a user 90 of a MM vehicle requires a charge, the user can access a charging station either via remote management system 82 using a provider's MM app 91. Such apps 91 include functionality to identify a specific vehicle including make, model, and identification number, which can be provided to system 82. System 82 can then grant charging access to the specific vehicle at an assigned charging stall. Because each station is equipped to charge MM vehicles from different providers, a universal charging cable 28 is provided that may include different types of connectors. When a universal charging cable 28 is connected to a MM vehicle, system 82 can also determine if the vehicle being plugged in is the correct vehicle. Identification of the vehicle may be done, for example, by scanning a QR code, using image recognition, using IoT device communication, etc. Charging stations 92 may also include a capability to sell charges and seek payment from private users. Payment and invoicing may include conventional payment and invoicing methods such as credit cards and emails and may include digital methods of point-of-sale invoicing and payment.
a,b,c depict illustrative interfaces provided by an MM app 91, that can access remote management system 82 via the API 94.
Remote management system 82 may provide any number of additional interfaces, including detailed utilization and charging metrics for each stall and each charging stall in the fleet; the ability to drill down to specific periods of time, view information of specific fleet operators, and access data-driven insights (e.g., most popular stalls, time-of-day distribution, average charging session metrics, etc.); stall specific data including station maps, the ability to drill down and access the real-time operational status of each station, diagnostic data, current sensor readings, charging history, etc.; provider (i.e., partner) interfaces that provide the ability to onboard and invoice micro-mobility partners who take advantage of the provided charging infrastructure; and operational data that may include an up-to-date overview of anything requiring attention within a fleet.
Additionally, a web dashboard can be provided for partners, where they can access detailed utilization metrics, their API access credentials, and receive invoices for the services provided. Further, various contractor tools may be deployed, including a mobile application that can be used to drop off vehicles at stations for charging, for example in the context of a rebalancing operation. The tool can either be used in unrestricted fashion by the fleet operator, or alternatively by micro-mobility partners who need to charge their own vehicles.
As noted, in some embodiments, charging stations 92 may be powered by DC, e.g., using lithium ion batteries or any other type of rechargeable battery. The number and size of lithium ion batteries may vary. Batteries may be swapped out at DC powered stations as required (e.g., every few days) or be recharged at the station 92, e.g., by portable electric devices, for example, cars, drones, etc., by connecting to a battery harness. For example, a recharging vehicle such as an electric car (e.g., a Tesla) or the like may park near the charging station, connect a cable from the electric car's power terminal to the charging station batteries via a harness, and use the electric car's battery to recharge the station 92. The operator of the electric vehicle may for example be compensated in exchange for the service.
In one embodiment, each module is wired to an adjacent module in series, and positive and negative terminal wires are fed to the power distribution module 42 (
Batteries may also be charged by other sources such as solar panels affixed to or separate from the charging station.
Further, charging stations 92 may include wireless charging capability for charging vehicles. Wireless charging capability may be configured through, for example, a floor of charging station or a collar holding the vehicle.
Charging stations 92 may include devices to physically secure vehicles to the charging station, such a controllable lock/steel bar arrangement. Charging stations 92 may include surveillance systems for security purposes both in protecting the charging station from vandalism, theft, and other threats and in protecting users of the charging station 10
Stations may include diagnostics through, for example, heat-sensing and machine learning cameras detecting battery status and damage and may include detection of structural vehicle damage and enable automatic reporting to stakeholders, for example, users, operators, municipalities, insurance companies, and so forth. Wireless communication may be implemented in any manner, including WiFi, built-in 5G signal booster hubs, a smart network that allows inter-station, inter-vehicle and inter-phone connectivity and analytics.
Charging stations may also include a system of bracket plates and fasteners to enable concrete or asphalt surface anchoring system.
The non-volatile memory 128 may include: one or more hard disk drives (HDDs) or other magnetic or optical storage media; one or more solid state drives (SSDs), such as a flash drive or other solid-state storage media; one or more hybrid magnetic and solid-state drives; and/or one or more virtual storage volumes, such as a cloud storage, or a combination of such physical storage volumes and virtual storage volumes or arrays thereof.
The user interface 123 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) 124 (e.g., a touchscreen, a display, etc.) and one or more input/output (I/O) devices 126 (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, one or more speakers, one or more cameras, one or more biometric scanners, one or more environmental sensors, and one or more accelerometers, etc.).
The non-volatile memory 128 stores an operating system 115, one or more applications 116, and data 117 such that, for example, computer instructions of the operating system 115 and/or the applications 116 are executed by processor(s) 103 out of the volatile memory 122. In some embodiments, the volatile memory 122 may include one or more types of RAM and/or a cache memory that may offer a faster response time than a main memory. Data may be entered using an input device of the GUI 124 or received from the I/O device(s) 126. Various elements of the computer 110 may communicate via the communications bus 150.
The illustrated computing device 110 is shown merely as an example client device or server, and may be implemented by any computing or processing environment with any type of machine or set of machines that may have suitable hardware and/or software capable of operating as described herein.
The processor(s) 103 may be implemented by one or more programmable processors to execute one or more executable instructions, such as a computer program, to perform the functions of the system. As used herein, the term “processor” describes circuitry that performs a function, an operation, or a sequence of operations. The function, operation, or sequence of operations may be hard coded into the circuitry or soft coded by way of instructions held in a memory device and executed by the circuitry. A processor may perform the function, operation, or sequence of operations using digital values and/or using analog signals.
In some embodiments, the processor can be embodied in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), graphics processing units (GPUs), microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), multi-core processors, or general-purpose computers with associated memory.
In some embodiments, the processor 103 may be one or more physical processors, or one or more virtual (e.g., remotely located or cloud) processors. A processor including multiple processor cores and/or multiple processors may provide functionality for parallel, simultaneous execution of instructions or for parallel, simultaneous execution of one instruction on more than one piece of data.
The communications interfaces 118 may include one or more interfaces to enable the computing device 100 to access a computer network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), or the Internet through a variety of wired and/or wireless connections, including cellular connections.
In described embodiments, the computing device 110 may execute an application on behalf of a user of a client device. For example, the computing device 110 may execute on one or more virtual machines managed by a hypervisor. Each virtual machine may provide an execution session within which applications execute on behalf of a user or a client device, such as a hosted desktop session. The computing device 110 may also execute a terminal services session to provide a hosted desktop environment. The computing device 110 may provide access to a remote computing environment including one or more applications, one or more desktop applications, and one or more desktop sessions in which one or more applications may execute.
Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
Various aspects of the present disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in this application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.
Also, the disclosed aspects may be embodied as a method, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62932612 | Nov 2019 | US |