Patent Application
20220080847
Embodiments of the invention relates to the field of chargers for electrified vehicles and/or personal mobility devices. More specifically, the invention relates to portable intelligent charging apparatus for an electrically-motivated personal transportation device.
Electrified personal transportation devices offer many advantages that improve personal mobility with a minimum of inconvenience. Electrified personal transportation devices have expanded into a variety of forms thanks to improvements in battery technology, electrical motors, control interfaces, and charging interfaces. The wide variety can include electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric wheel chairs, Segway devices, electric unicycle, electric mopeds, self-balancing electric scooters, Onewheel devices, Walkcar devices, and even electric skates.
Battery-reliant electrical personal transportation devices can require relatively frequent charging to operate in normal service. Frequent charging at charging stations enables each personal transportation devices' on-board energy storage systems to be sized with more certainty, which could lead to reductions in size, mass, and cost of the devices overall. This promotes electric transportation device adoption and use, and thus promotes the benefits associated with the wide-spread adoption of electrified personal transportation devices.
Traditional plug-in charging blocks, power adapters, or elongated cords are not ideal for charging large numbers or groups of individual electric transportation devices simultaneously, as each transportation device would need to either include an on-board intelligent charge management, on-board power adapter, and/or on-board reporting apparatus (thus increasing the cost of each transportation device and thus limiting its advantage as an accessible mode of alternative transportation). This increases cost, while also making the chargers and/or devices inconvenient and unwieldy. The typical recharging frequency means that a manual connection via cord (i.e. physically plugging the transportation device into an available and accessible outlet) is also not ideal.
Traditionally, manually connecting a charger requires the device user to dismount from the device, find a power-supplying plug or outlet for the needed power adapter or charger cord, and then physically carry one or more high voltage cables to the device and plug them in. Distances to power-supplying plugs could be quite far from a user's intended destination, leading to either the need for long lengths of heavy gauge high voltage cable to reach the transportation device under a wider variety of circumstances, or requiring the inconvenience of planning a trip around only where a suitable charging outlet can be found. Even when using a traditional plug or outlet in this way, a user is still required to leave their device alone while charging, thus risking theft or vandalism. A user would thus have to either stay with the device themselves while it charged, or at least carry another bulky piece of equipment to ensure their device is not stolen: a device lock.
Further, it is practically difficult for central leasing or rental companies offering electric personal transportation devices to the buying/renting public to require customers returning rented devices to connect a charging cord to an outlet they need to find themselves, and/or to monitor the charge of each transportation device themselves to ensure that the transportation device maintains a charge and is ready for use. Currently, electric transportation device companies expend a significant amount of money on fleets of employees and/or independent contractors that patrol public areas and gather up electronic transportation devices for charging at a centralized secure location. This solution solves the problem of asking users to inconvenience themselves by finding and carrying out a proper recharge of the device, and the problem of leaving a device vulnerable to theft while charging. However, the problem with the current practice is that it is very time consuming and costly, and requires device rental companies to maintain a very large fleet of transportation devices that can be kept in circulation while allowing others to charge at a costly centralized location. Additionally, charging cords are not usually robust enough to be used widely in public in a variety of locations, and by their nature require a connection to a power source to convey a charge to the connected personal transportation device. These problems further limit accessibility and usability for electric personal transportation devices, and thus diminish their adoption.
Given the problems associated with using charging cords for personal electronic transportation devices, there grew a need for developing discrete and robust electrical charging stations where device users could easily connect their personal transportation devices to charge. Speed of charging at charging stations is also very pertinent for personal electric transportation devices, which may need to be regularly recharged within small time frames to complete their suggested routes or promote their intended usage. In one example, an electric scooter may need to complete a charge in less than ten minutes that is sufficient to enable it to complete a guaranteed operational range, thus ensuring that a scooter rental customer the device would have enough power to operate within its range before having to recharge. Such fast charging and ease-of-use required the construction of robust charging station solutions, or alternatively the use of costly and labor-intensive off-site charging solutions where rental transportation device providers would simply pickup their personal transportation devices on fixed intervals based on an estimated usage and charge state for each device.
The robust nature of these first charging stations meant that they were too large and heavy to be readily transportable or carried by users traveling on their personal transportation devices. Thus, the stations would need to be widely distributed such that device users could travel to a wide variety of locations with the peace-of-mind that they would be able to charge their device at their destination. Additionally, the required ubiquity of charging stations means that maintaining each station separately at a fixed location would lead to high costs for the owners of the stations—government entities, municipalities, landlords, and/or companies renting or selling personal electric transportation devices. These stations also require a fixed connection to a power-source, and a recurring check-and-maintenance schedule where the stations are inspected and approved on-site for their ability to efficiently convey an electrical charge. Finally, these stations also do not secure their electric personal devices in a way such that a user may connect their device to the station securely to prevent theft or use by unauthorized individuals.
There are currently no known systems or devices that overcome the problems and limitations above. There is a need to provide intelligent remotely-manageable electrical charging of vehicles and/or personal transportation devices.
Specifically, a need exists for improved systems and charging apparatuses electrically-motivated personal transportation devices. A further need exists for systems and apparatuses that enable fast charging of electric personal transportation devices at a charging station to enable the electric device to be charged in a minimal amount of time, while charging the electric device to a sufficient level to enable it to operate within its standard operating range. A further need exists for charging systems and apparatuses that allow for remote detection and monitoring of a connected transportation devices' electrical charge, a connected transportation devices' allowable charging current flow, a connected transportation devices' energy storage solution health, a connected transportation devices' location history, a connected transportation devices' electrical firmware version history, and a connected transportation devices' electrical usage history. A further need exists for charging systems and apparatuses that allow for remote monitoring and operation of their electrical charge, charging current flow, internal energy storage solution health, connection to fixed grounded external power source, location, firmware version history, and usage history. The present invention solves these problems.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
The present invention comprising a portable intelligent charging apparatus for an electrically-motivated personal transportation device will now be described. In the following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Furthermore, although steps or processes may be set forth in an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such steps or processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiment, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation.
The term “first”, “second” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.
As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present invention refers to “one or more embodiments of the present invention.” As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, in some cases with references to
In an alternative embodiment, the housing 102 can be formed form a single piece of durable weather-resistant material comprising a body 110 encompassing the internal cavity 104 alone, without the need for distinct components comprising a substantially flat bottom surface 112 or a top surface 114. In this alternative embodiment, the single-body-piece-housing can be formed via extrusion, injection molding, casting, machining, or printing. In another alternative embodiment, the housing 102 may be formed by only a body 110 piece and a substantially flat bottom surface 112. In another alternative embodiment, the housing 102 may be formed by only a body 110 piece and a top surface 114. In another alternative embodiment, the housing 102 does not include a wheel docking port 106, and instead allows for a lock 108 to secure an electrically-motivated personal transportation device 600 to the housing 102 without shielding or covering a portion of the transportation device 600. The housing 102 securely encloses sensitive electrical and/or computerized equipment within the internal cavity 104 and provides a stable mount for a lock 108 securing an electrically-motivated personal transportation device 600 to the housing 102.
In the embodiments illustrated in
In the embodiments illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, the visible multi-light indicator 116 is instead replaced with a 2D graphical display (not shown) conveying detailed information including, but not limited to battery capacity, firmware version, battery health, operational history and characteristics, apparatus status, locking status, and/or lock actuation. In conjunction with this alternative graphical display, the button 120 is configured as a binary menu selector, or alternatively replaced with a more complex multi-directional pad and selection actuator to navigate the information and/or menus presented. Additionally, the alternative graphical display may include a protective cover and/or film.
Per the embodiments illustrated in
The housing 102 includes an exterior electrical cable 128 extending outward from an exterior surface 130 of the housing 102 that is connected to at least one rechargeable battery 118 stored within the internal cavity 104. The electrical cable 128 may be used to send charge to an interconnected electrically-motivated personal transportation device 600, or alternatively to send charge to the rechargeable battery 118 stored within the internal cavity 104. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical cable 128 may also convey information to and from computerized components stored within the internal cavity.
In another alternative embodiment shown in
In another alternative embodiment, the housing 102 includes a port allowing for the selective attachment of a cable that may also be capable of data communication, transportation device charging, and/or internal rechargeable battery charging.
The body 110, the substantially flat bottom surface 112, the top surface 114, and an internal housing wall 126 are securely joined to seal the internal cavity 104 from unwanted and/or unauthorized access and to prevent the external environment from entering. In alternative embodiments, the internal cavity 104 may be formed solely from the body 110, or in alternative combination with other components. Additionally, the components need not be joined to seal the internal cavity from access or external environmental factors (e.g. dust, liquids, etc.).
Per the embodiments presented at
In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery 118 is at least one lithium-ion battery cell type having a negative electrode and a positive electrode. In alternative embodiments, the rechargeable battery 118 battery cell types are lithium polymer, lithium iron phosphate, lithium ion manganese oxide, or lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide. In an alternative embodiment, the rechargeable battery cell type is nickel-metal hydride. In an alternative embodiment, the rechargeable battery cell type is nickel-cadmium. In an alternative embodiment, the rechargeable battery cell type is lead-acid. In an alternative embodiment, the rechargeable battery 118 is of any composition that has a high energy density, little to no memory effect, and little to no self-discharge. In an alternative to the embodiments presented in
The recharging circuit (not shown) is at least in part an electrical circuit that senses and selectively permits unidirectional and/or bidirectional current flows between a power source (e.g. the rechargeable battery 118) and an electrically-motivated personal transportation device 600. In an alternative embodiment, the recharging pack 132 may include more than one recharging circuit (not shown) and connect more than one rechargeable battery 118 to a particular recharging circuit (not shown).
The power regulator 134 is an electrical circuit that automatically senses and maintains a constant power and/or voltage level flowing through the recharging unit 132. The power regulator 134 may be in communicative connection with the computerized control unit 136 and allows for selective control of power and/or voltage by a user. In an alternative embodiment, the power regulator 134 is unchangeable and sets a fixed power and/or voltage level. In an alternative embodiment, there is more than one power regulator 134. In an alternative embodiment, the recharging circuit (not shown) and/or the power regulator 134 are part of a single integrated circuit coupled to the computerized control unit 136.
The computerized control unit 136 is a system comprising an electronic logic circuit and a memory capable of storing programmable instruction sets. The computerized control unit 136 interfaces with all of the other components comprising the recharging pack 132 and is thus able to collect and communicate sensor data, battery capacity data, battery charge amount data, location data, and digitized instructions. The computerized control unit 136 may also be programmed to operate physical locking actuators or open and close power pathways depending on direct user input, or a predefined set of action criteria set by a user. In an alternative embodiment, the computerized control unit 136 also feeds information to a graphical display conveying detailed information embedded within the housing 102.
The GPS receiver 138 is a small electrical subcomponent satellite navigation device capable of receiving information from GNSS satellites and then calculating a resulting geographical position. The GPS receiver 138 may communicate calculated geographical position location data to the computerized control unit 136 on-demand, on a scheduled basis, and/or on an ongoing basis.
The data transceiver 140 is a wireless electrical communication circuit module communicatively connected to the computerized control unit 136. The data transceiver 140 allows for wireless communication between at least one remote user or server and the computerized control unit 136, such that data collected by the control unit 136 is conveyed to the user and instructions from the user are conveyed to the control unit 136. The data transceiver 140 may operate on a variety of radio frequencies and/or wireless networking technologies, including but not limited to cellular band (3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, etc.), Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth. In an alternative embodiment, the data transceiver 140 is a physical data interface and port for direct wired electrical connection to the computerized control unit 136.
Per the embodiments illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, the recharging pack 132 may include a fluid-reliant cooling system (not shown) that maintains all electrical components at an optimal temperature within the internal cavity 104. In another alternative embodiment, the recharging pack 132 may include fault sensors that detect ground and/or electrical faults and may selectively limit or cease power transfers, or limit or restrict use of the charging apparatus 100 altogether.
Per the embodiments illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, the selectively-actuatable locking mechanism 156 is an electronic lock having a state sensor and electric actuator that are communicatively coupled to the computerized control unit 136, such that the computerized control unit 136—via the data transceiver 140—allows for the remote actuation of the selectively-actuatable locking mechanism 156. In another alternative embodiment, the selectively-actuatable locking mechanism 156 is a mechanically-actuating lock openable following the correct input of alphanumeric characters or values.
While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as-disclosed.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63062760 | Aug 2020 | US |
