Claims:We claim:
1. An electric vehicle system for shared mobility, the electric vehicle system (100) comprising:
a. a battery system (101), wherein the battery system (101) comprises one or more battery units (101a) detachably attached to the system (100) and an external power port (101b) to enable charging and discharging of the one or more battery units (101a);
b. a motor (102), wherein the motor (102) operate one or more traction wheels (102a) and derives actuating power from the battery system (101) to provide propulsion force to the electric vehicle;
c. a motor controller unit (103), wherein the motor controller unit (103) interfaces between the battery system (101) and motor (102), and wherein the motor controller unit (103) receives user-generated signals to switch ON or switch OFF the motor (102) and comprises:
i. a throttle (103a) operated by one or more users for variably adjusting the speed of the electric vehicle;
ii. a braking system (103b) to retard the speed of the electric vehicle as per one or more user’s requirements, wherein the braking effect is facilitated by mechanical or electrical braking mechanisms;
iii. an indicator lighting system (103c) to indicate the functional state of the components of the electric vehicle;
iv. a lighting system (103d) to illuminate the path ahead of the electric vehicle and warns other road occupants behind the electric vehicle when the braking system (103b) is engaged;
v. a display system (103e) to display the amount of charge remaining in one or more battery units (101a) of the battery system (101);
d. a server (104) to store information pertaining to the electric vehicle system (100) and transmit information between user-interface devices and the system (100);
e. an electric vehicle control unit (EVCU) (105) to facilitate communication between the battery system (101), motor (102), motor controller unit (103) and server (104), wherein the EVCU (105) further comprises:
i. a sensory unit (105a) to detect physical parameters of the electric vehicle and surroundings;
ii. a power management system (105b) to adjust the output power and speed of the electric vehicle based on the requirement of one or more users;
iii. a global position system module (GPS module) (105c) to determine the geospatial location of the electric vehicle;
iv. one or more communication blocks (105d) to facilitate communication between the EVCU (105) and server (104) or any user-interface device;
v. one or more communication interfaces (105e) to facilitate communication between the battery system (101), motor (102), motor controller unit (103), server (104) and EVCU (105);
vi. a smart lock (105f) to securely house the battery system (101), motor controller unit (103) and EVCU (105), wherein the smart lock (105f) is operable by user-generated inputs to the EVCU (105) from a user-interface device.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery system (101) is modular and enables one or more discharged battery units (101a) to be replaced by one or more relatively charged battery units (101a).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery system (101) further comprises peer-to-peer charging capabilities between electric vehicles by means of the external power port (101b).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensory unit (105a) is configured to:
a. detect the number and age of users operating the electric vehicle;
b. detect the spatial orientation and physical integrity of the electric vehicle;
c. detect air pollution levels of the surroundings of the electric vehicle; and
d. detect ambient lighting conditions with respect to the electric vehicle.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server (104) is configured to communicate with the sensory unit (105a) and one or more communication blocks (105d) to perform self-diagnostic operations of the electric vehicle and transmit information pertaining to the usability conditions of the electric vehicle.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server (105b) is further configured to communicate with the GPS module (105c) and one or more communication blocks (105d) to determine the location of electric vehicles and their charging and parking zones and transmit the appropriate geographical information to a user-interface device.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power management system (105b) is configured to provide a substantial boost to the output power of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is operated on elevated road conditions;

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power management system (105b) is further configured to communicate with the server (104) and EVCU (105) to provide additional electric charge to the battery system (101) in the event of emergencies.
, Description:PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
[0001] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Technical field of the invention
[0002] The present invention provides an electric vehicle system for shared mobility. The present invention in particular describes an electric vehicle system for shared mobility to build a network of anti-theft electric vehicles.
Background of the invention
[0003] Electric vehicles are a type of transportational vehicles which derive fully or in-part their propulsion force by electric power. Conventional electric vehicles derive their translatory motion by chemical energy stored in battery units housed within the electric vehicle. Battery units are therefore critical components of any electric vehicle and consequently their safety is a major concern for manufacturers of battery units and electric vehicles. However, conventional electric vehicles do not comprise any systems to ensure the safety of battery units housed within the electric vehicle. As a result of this, a growing concern for many electric vehicle manufacturers is to develop a tamper-proof battery system while also maintaining some flexibility in terms of removability and detachability of the battery system for maintenance and charging purposes. Battery units therefore become an expensive investment in electric vehicles, the loss and deterioration of which adversely effects electric vehicles. Furthermore, conventional electric vehicles also do not contain provisions for enabling charging between two or more electric vehicles directly. In the event when an electric vehicle runs out of battery power, it may become a tedious process for a stranded user of an electric vehicle to physically operate their inoperable electric vehicle while constantly searching for a location at which the user may restore electric power to their electric vehicle.
[0004] Conventional electric vehicles also lack provisions for providing the electric vehicle with extra operability in the event where battery power of the electric vehicle has been depleted. The situation may arise where the user of the electric vehicle is stranded at a significant distance from other electric vehicle users as well as locations where they may restore electric power to their electric vehicle. In such cases, extra operability of the electric vehicle may ensure the user to safely arrive in the vicinity of other electric vehicle users or locations where they may restore electric power to their electric vehicle. Conventional electric vehicles which are employed for public transportation also encounter scenarios where the number of users operating or using the electric vehicle exceed the number of users specified by the electric vehicle manufacturer for safe usage of the electric vehicle. Further, the users may or may not be of an appropriate age to be operating the electric vehicle. Negligent users may also use the electric vehicle but leave it in a state of inoperability by damaging the electric vehicle or by dismounting and parking the electric vehicle in undesirable spatial orientations.
[0005] Due to this negligence, the communication of information pertaining to the operability conditions to a user who is searching for an electric vehicle to use becomes vital. Conventional electric vehicles do not contain provisions for this type of information communication and as a result, a user who wants to use an electric vehicle must physically approach the electric vehicle and ascertain if the electric vehicle is operational or not, expending both time and effort. Additionally, in the event of malfunctions, conventional electric vehicles require external technicians to examine the electric vehicle and identify the problems within the electric vehicle. Thus, there exists a need for a skilled technician to diagnose the electric vehicle in the event of a malfunction.
[0006] The patent application CN202138355U titled “Anti-theft device capable of changing batteries rapidly” discloses an anti-theft device capable of changing batteries rapidly, comprising a handle and at least a set of anti-theft module for changing the batteries rapidly, wherein the handle is arranged in an electric automobile and rotates between a first position and a second position; the anti-theft module for changing the batteries rapidly is connected with the handle, covers the batteries selectively, and comprises a bracing wire, an anti-theft pin, an ant-theft door, an anti-theft lock catch, a gas spring and a connecting piece; the anti-theft door is pivoted on the side surface of the electric automobile and selectively covers the batteries; the anti-theft lock catch is arranged on the anti-theft door; the gas spring is connected with the ant-theft door and the electric automobile; and the connecting piece is connected with the anti-theft door and the gas spring.
[0007] Hence, there exists a need for an electric vehicle system for shared mobility with an improved, safe and anti-theft battery system. Additionally, there exists a need for an electric vehicle system for shared mobility which contains provisions to enable the electric vehicle to receive additional functionality in the event of any kind of adverse situations. Further, there exists a need for an electric vehicle system for shared mobility to detect the number and age of users operating the electric vehicle, and the operational state of the electric vehicle, as well as an electric vehicle with self-diagnostic capabilities.
Summary of the invention:
[0008] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the current technology by providing an electric vehicle system for shared mobility. The present invention provides an improved battery system modularly attached to the system. The battery system comprises on or more battery units to store the electric charge required to propel the vehicle. The modular nature of the battery system enables a user to easily and quickly interchange battery units for reasons such as maintenance and recharging. A relatively lesser charged battery unit may thus be conveniently exchanged with a relatively charged battery unit for easy and quick recharging. The battery system is housed within the system by tamper-proof means to ensure the battery system is safe, secure and not prone to being stolen. Additionally, the battery system comprises an external power port to facilitate peer-to-peer charging between electric vehicles.
[0009] The present invention also comprises a motor to convert electrical energy of the battery system to mechanical rotation, which provides the propulsion force for the electric vehicle. The motor is mechanically connected to one or more traction wheels to enable movement of the electric vehicle. The operation of the motor is controlled by a motor controller unit to interface between the battery system and motor. The motor controller unit operates the motor and certain components of the electric vehicle based on user-generated inputs. The motor controller unit also comprises provisions for alteration of drive characteristics of the electric vehicle such as speed, as well as lighting conditions of the electric vehicle and on-board displays.
[0010] The present invention further comprises a server to store the required information to enable communication between the electric vehicle, user-interface devices and administrator systems. The server acts as the primary means of communication and connects one or more electric vehicles of the system. The server communicates with an electric vehicle control unit (EVCU) housed within the system and comprises of sensors, power management systems, alerts, communication interfaces, location determination systems and anti-theft systems. The EVCU detects various parameters of the electric vehicle to determine operability conditions of the electric vehicle. The EVCU then relays the operability conditions information to the server which in turn relays the information to a user-interface device for easy viewability of a user. The EVCU also enables emergency range extension of the electric vehicle in the event when the electric vehicle’s battery system gets depleted and the user is not in a position to immediately recharge the battery system of the electric vehicle. The communication provisions between the EVCU and server enable the electric vehicles of the system to be used for shared mobility purposes by users.
[0011] The present invention overcomes several drawbacks which are encountered in the present-day electric vehicle systems for shared mobility. The present invention comprises a modular battery system which facilitates easy and quick interchange of relatively discharged battery units with relatively charged battery units, enabling quick and easy recharge of the electric vehicles. Further, the battery system is of anti-theft design to ensure the battery system is safe and secure. The EVCU and server ensure additional electric charge is provided to the electric vehicle in the event of emergencies. The user may request for additional electric charge by a user-interface device, after which communication between the EVCU and server provides the additional electric charge by communication between the EVCU and battery system. The sensors housed within the EVCU provide the user and server with information pertaining to the electric vehicle such as approximate age and number of users operating the electric vehicle. This information is then used to generate alerts and signals for the user to help mitigate any accidents which may occur due to misuse of the electric vehicle. The sensors also detect the spatial and physical parameters of the electric vehicle and the EVCU relays this information to a user-interface device so a user may verify the operability of the electric vehicle for usage from a remote distance. The physical parameters detected by the sensors of the EVCU enable the system to perform self-diagnostic procedures on the electric vehicle to ensure the electric vehicle is operating as intended.
Brief description of the drawings:
[0012] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0013] FIG 1 illustrates an electric vehicle system for shared mobility to build a network of anti-theft electric vehicles.
Detailed description of the invention:
[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.
[0015] The present invention provides an electric vehicle system for shared mobility to build a network of anti-theft electric vehicles. The system (100) comprises a battery system (101) to house one or more battery units (101a) for charging purposes. The battery system (101) provides electrical power to a motor (102) which propels the electric vehicle. A motor controller unit (103) is disposed in the system (100) to control the operation of the motor (102) such as drive and lighting conditions based on user-generated inputs. The system (100) also comprises a server (104) to store information pertaining to the functioning of the system (100). Further, the system comprises an electric vehicle control unit (EVCU) (105) to facilitate communication between the components of the system (100).

[0016] FIG 1 illustrates an electric vehicle system (100) for shared mobility to build a network of electric vehicles. In one embodiment, the electric vehicle is an electric two-wheeler vehicle. The system (100) comprises a battery system (101) housed within the system (100). The battery system (100) further comprises one or more battery units (101a) where the battery units (101a) primarily store electric charge for facilitating various processes and functions of the system (100). The battery units (101a) supply electric charge to the system (100) by converting stored chemical energy to electric charge. The battery system (101) is housed modularly within the system (100) and may be attached or detached to the system (100) with relative ease, facilitating easy and quick interchanging or swapping of battery systems (101) within the system (100). During the operation of the system (100), the electric charge within the battery units (101a) may get depleted. To restore electric charge to the system (100), a depleted battery unit (101a) is interchanged with another battery unit (101a) which has relatively more stored electric charge. The battery system (101) additionally comprises an external power port (101b) which may be used to recharge a battery system (101) directly by peer-to-peer charging. An electric vehicle with a relatively charged battery system (101) is connected to a depleted electric vehicle by a power cord connected between the external power ports (101b) of the two electric vehicles. This connection may then be used to share or transfer electric charge between the two electric vehicles for charging purposes.
[0017] The system (100) further comprises a motor (102) to provide the propulsion force for the system (100). The motor (102) is electrically connected to the battery system (101) which supplies electric energy to the motor (102). The motor (102) converts this electric energy to mechanical output, which then is transferred to one or more traction wheels (102a). The traction wheels (102a) mechanically link the electric vehicle to any surface upon which the electric vehicle operates. The traction wheels (102a) rotate about an axis and create relative motion between the electric vehicle and the surface upon which the electric vehicle rests. This relative motion then propels the electric vehicle in a desired direction. In one preferred embodiment, the motor (102) is a hub configuration brushless Direct Current (DC) motor. The system (100) further comprises a motor controller unit (103) connected to the battery system (101) and the motor (102). The motor controller unit (103) facilitates communication between the battery system (101) and motor (102) and receives user-generated inputs from a user or user-interface device as input to accordingly provide output signals to the motor (102) for variation in the performance of the motor (102). The motor controller unit (103) signals the motor (102) to switch ON or switch OFF based on user-generated inputs. The motor controller unit (103) additionally comprises systems for displaying status conditions pertaining to the system (100). The motor controller unit (103) comprises a throttle (103a) which when operated by a user, signals the battery system (101) to provide an appropriate amount of electric charge to the motor (102) to alter the acceleration of the motor (102). The motor controller unit (103) additionally comprises a braking system (103b) to reduce the speed of the electric vehicle. When the user operates the braking system (103b), a signal is generated which may activate a mechanical or electrical brake to reduce the speed of the electric vehicle.
[0018] The motor controller unit (103) also comprises an indicator lighting system (103c) on board the electric vehicle. The indicator lighting system (103c) displays status conditions pertaining to the system (100). The indicator lighting system (103c) displays parameters such as functional states of the system (100). The motor controller unit (103) additionally comprises a lighting system (103d) which operates the ambient lighting provisions of the system (100). The lighting system (103d) provides provisions for illuminating the physical space directly in front of the electric vehicle as well as provisions for alerting other users at the rear end of the electric vehicle about the braking system (103b) usage. The lighting system (103d) ensures the user operating the electric vehicle has clear visibility when ambient lighting conditions are not sufficient to illuminate the physical space directly in front of the electric vehicle as well as alert other users when the braking system (103b) are in use, making the electric vehicle safe to operate on commercial roads and pathways. Further, the motor controller unit (103) comprises a display system (103e). The display system (103e) displays all information pertaining to the system (100) such as electric charge levels in the battery system (101), operability status of the system (100), physical condition of the electric vehicle and active lighting provisions. The display system (103e) is activated when the electric vehicle is in operation and is inactive when the electric vehicle is not in operation.
[0019] The system further comprises a server (104) to store and manage information of all the parameters of the system (100). The storage provisions of the server (104) are provided by cloud-based systems. In one embodiment, the server comprises communication functionalities such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth and Global System for Mobile (GSM) provisions to enable communication between the server (104) and other components of the system (100). The server (104) maintains information pertaining to one or more electric vehicles hosted on the server (104) and transmits this information to user-interface devices for shared mobility purposes. Further, the system (100) comprises an electric vehicle control unit (EVCU) (105) to facilitate communication between the battery system (101), motor controller unit (103) and server (104). The EVCU (105) comprises a sensory unit (105a) to detect the physical parameters of the electric vehicle and parameters pertaining to the surroundings of the electric vehicle. The sensory unit (105a) detects if the electric vehicle is being operated by multiple users simultaneously and the approximate age of the users by sensing the power consumed during the operation of the electric vehicle. The power consumed by the system (100) under ideal user conditions is known and stored on the server (104). The stored power consumption values in the server (104) are compared to the real-time power consumption values from the sensory unit (105a) and the approximate number and age of users is determined by artificial intelligence and machine learning systems on the server (104). In the event when the number and age of users is found to be not ideal, the EVCU (105) transmits signals to the battery system (101) and motor controller unit (103) to gradually reduce the amount of propulsion of the motor (102) and eventually come to a halt.
[0020] The sensory unit (105a) also detects the spatial orientation and physical integrity of the electric vehicle. The sensory unit (105a) detects whether the electric vehicle is standing upright or on its’ side and transmits this information to the server (104) via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GSM provisions. Additionally, the sensory unit (105a) detects if the electric vehicle has sustained any physical damage to its’ exterior or interior and subsequently transmits this information to the server (104). The server (104) determines based on these parameters if the electric vehicle is in an operable state and remotely transmits information pertaining to the operability state of the system (100) to a user-interface device of a prospective electric vehicle user. Additionally, the sensory unit (105a) communicates with the indicator lighting system (103c) and displays the operability conditions of the electric vehicle on the display system (103e). The sensory unit (105a) also enables obtaining operability conditions of the electric vehicle by physically tapping the seat of the electric vehicle. The sensory unit (105a) detects the motion in the seat and transmits operability conditions to a user-interface device. The sensory unit (105a) transmits the operability conditions of the electric vehicle to the EVCU (105) and server (104). The operability conditions are determined to be satisfactory or not and based on the operability conditions, the EVCU (105) may perform self-diagnostic procedures of the system (100) to identify any possible malfunctions or breakdowns. The self-diagnosis results are then transmitted to the server (104) and suitable repair actions are subsequently facilitated. The sensory unit (105a) also detects the level of ambient pollution around the electric vehicle and transmits this information to the server (104). The sensory unit (105a) also detects road conditions and traffic situations. This information from one or more electric vehicles is transmitted to the server (104) to generate a virtual network based on artificial intelligence and machine learning systems on the server (104) to provide the user with information regarding optimal routes the user may opt for. The server (104) transmits this information to the motor controller unit (103) and display system (103e) so the user can view alternate routes to ensure a better riding experience.
[0021] Further, the EVCU (105) comprises a power management system (105b). The power management system (105b) communicates with the battery system (101) and motor controller unit (103) to provide appropriate output to the motor (102) under one or more operating conditions. The sensory unit (105a) detects road elevation conditions on which the electric vehicle is being operated and transmits the information to the power management system (105b). The power management system (105b) determines if there is more power required at the motor in order to maintain speed and user comfort during operation and appropriately signals the battery system (101) to provide varying electric charge to maintain speed and user comfort. The power management system (105b) also adjusts the output power to the motor (102) to ensure the battery system (101) does not experience unnecessary usage and drain out faster than expected. In the event of emergencies when the electric vehicle runs out of power, the power management system (105b) may communicate with the server (104) and EVCU (105) to provide additional electric charge to the battery system (101).
[0022] Further, the EVCU (105) comprises a global positioning system module (GPS) (105c) to communicate with the server (104) to transmit the geospatial location of the electric vehicle via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GSM provisions. The geospatial location information transmitted to the server (104) aids in the generation of the virtual network to enable the user of the electric vehicle to view optimal routes to opt for. The GPS module (105c) also enables a prospective user to view the location of electric vehicles around them to easily identify electric vehicles to operate. The GPS module (105c) further enables users to view the proximity of their electric vehicles to nearby electric vehicle charging and parking zones. The EVCU (105) additionally comprises one or more communication blocks (105d) to enable inter-device communication between the server (104), EVCU (105) and any user-interface device. The inter-device communication is provided by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GSM provisions. The EVCU (105) also comprises one or more communication interfaces (105e) to enable intra-device communication between the battery system (101), motor (102), motor controller assembly (103) and EVCU (105). The communication interfaces (105e) also enable communication between the sub-units of every component of the system (100). Further, the EVCU (105) comprises a smart lock (105f) securely houses all the components of the system (100) and discourages theft of the components of the system (100). The smart lock (105f) is operable by user-generated inputs to the EVCU (105) from one or more users.
[0023] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. The description of the present system has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Reference numbers:
Components Reference Numbers
System 100
Battery system 101
Battery unit 101a
External power port 101b
Motor 102
Traction wheel 102a
Motor controller unit 103
Throttle 103a
Braking system 103b
Indicator lighting system 103c
Lighting system 103d
Display system 103e
Server 104
Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) 105
Sensory unit 105a
Power management system 105b
Global Position System (GPS) module 105c
Communication block 105d
Communication interface 105e
Smart lock 105f