Patent Publication Number: US-2021170893-A1

Title: Light electric vehicle parking and charging stations and smart charging systems for the vehicle batteries

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/983,591, filed Aug. 3, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/523,369, filed Jul. 26, 2019, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/703,607, filed Jul. 26, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/828,313, filed Apr. 2, 2019. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as electric bicycles and electric scooters and more particularly to charging systems and apparatuses for the LEVs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     LEVs such as electric bicycles and electric scooters have become a very popular mode of transportation, particularly when used as short term rentals. While the usefulness of LEVs vehicles is widespread, the vehicles are battery powered, and as such, require that their batteries remain charged to maintain the utility of the vehicle. Accordingly, systems, methods, and apparatuses to store LEVs and to recharge their batteries when the charge runs out are essential to maintaining the utility of the vehicles. 
     As a result of utilizing the teachings of the present disclosure, various LEV brands can be plugged into a single charging system, including both public and private LEVs. For example, private users may access charging systems built for public LEVs to recharge their personal LEVs. 
     Existing methods for fleet charging LEVs are expensive, unreliable, generate traffic, provide little ability for quality control, and regularly take vehicles completely out of service for indeterminate periods of time. For example, in-field battery swaps require the user or fleet operator to have an extra battery. Many LEVs have the battery built into the frame and as such they are not made to be removed and replaced. Batteries in LEVs that are designed to be removable can be exchanged for fully charged batteries, but this requires the user to carry a large and heavy battery to various and perhaps widespread locations, or for a fleet operator to locate a discharged vehicle, travel to the location, and change the battery pack. These are costly and inconvenient procedures. 
     Individual owners and riders of LEVs carrying alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) chargers need access to a power supply, typically an AC outlet, to plug in their chargers away from home, which greatly limits the available options. In many instances, wall outlets are simply not accessible at or near outdoor LEV parking spaces. Quite often, LEVs are not allowed in or are considered inappropriate for indoor environments for charging. Fleet operators also have a difficult time with having users carry AC/DC chargers because this approach would require a charger to be issued to everyone renting a vehicle. 
     Replacing LEVs in the field also presents a significant logistics challenge and is unreliable and unpredictable. Thus, the existing methods of charging depleted LEV batteries are labor intensive, expensive, and put the burden of planning for recharging on the LEV user or the LEV fleet operator. 
     Charge hubs that are connected to city power supplies and are configured to service only one make/brand of LEV manufacturer are costly and inefficient. Such limited charging solutions are not feasible for general use due to the diverse types of LEVs available in the marketplace. Because such charge hub methods are brand-specific, scalability for multi-brand charging becomes impossible. In addition, the ability of charge hubs to be used by private individuals who desire to use their own LEVs in the public domain for quick-charge applications for mobility in lieu of automobile or ride-hailing services is severely limited. Moreover, the need to be in communication with the subject city&#39;s electric grid drastically limits the geographic locations where such charging stations can be placed. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     According to one approach of the present disclosure, a universal charging system is provided. The universal charging system may include a charging adapter configured to be mounted on a LEV, a charging station, and a processor configured to control charging of the LEV. The charging adapter may have electrical contacts for docking with a charging station and a charging interface for supplying power from the charging station to a battery of the LEV. The charging station may have at least one docking unit for receiving the charging adapter of the LEV. The at least one docking unit may have further electrical contacts for connecting to the charging adapter of the LEV. 
     According to another approach of the present disclosure, a LEV docking station is provided. The LEV docking station may have a plurality of docking bays. Each of the plurality of docking bays may include a docking unit and a wheel block. The docking unit may include at least a docking member configured to reversibly receive a LEV. The wheel block may be configured to align the LEV in the docking unit and limit a movement of the LEV after the LEV is docked with the docking unit. 
     According to another approach of the present disclosure, a system for controlling charging of one or more LEVs at a LEV docking station is provided. The system may include a processor in communication with one or more docking units of the LEV docking station and a memory unit in communication with the processor and configured to store instructions executable by the processor. The processor may be configured to determine a presence of a LEV connected to one of the one or more docking units and identify parameters associated with the LEV. The processor may be configured to determine a charge voltage of the LEV based on the parameters. The processor may be further configured to develop a charging profile for the LEV based on the charge voltage and the parameters. The processor may be further configured to instruct the one of the one or more docking units to supply power to the LEV based on the charging profile. 
     Additional objects, advantages, and novel features will be set forth in part in the detailed description section of this disclosure, which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of this specification and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the example embodiments. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and which the accompanying drawings illustrate. 
         FIG. 1A  is an overall perspective view of a universal charging system, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of a universal charging system, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a rear perspective expanded view of a universal charging system, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  is a front perspective expanded view of a universal charging system, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is an expanded view of a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a universal charging system, according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an expanded view of a universal charging system, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a top-down close-up view of a docking unit of a charging station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  is a close-up view of a charging adapter separate from a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  is a close-up view of a charging adapter docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  is an illustration of a LEV docked with a docking unit of a charging station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  is an illustration of a LEV docked with a docking unit of a charging station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8C  is an illustration of a LEV docked with a docking unit of a charging station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a section view of a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 10B  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS. 11A-11F  are schematic diagrams of a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 12A  is a top view of a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 12B  is a general perspective view of a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIGS. 12C and 12D  are enlarged views of a charging adapter of a LEV engaged with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 13A  is a general perspective view of a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 13B  is an enlarged view of the docking unit having a cutout, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 14A  is a side view of a docking unit with a cutout, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 14B  is a front view of a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 14C  is a front view of a docking unit, according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a general perspective view of a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a general perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 17A  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 17B  is an upper perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 18A  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 18B  is a rear perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 19A  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docking station with LEVs, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 19B  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docking station with no LEVs docked, according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 20A  is an overall perspective view of a LEV docking station having docking units and wheel blocks for each of LEVs, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 20B  is a side perspective view of a LEV docking station having docking units and wheel blocks for each of LEVs, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 21A  shows an upper view of a wheel block, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 21B  shows a front perspective view of a wheel block. 
         FIG. 21C  shows a rear perspective view of a wheel block. 
         FIG. 22A  is an enlarged view of the docking unit with a LEV docked with a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 22B  is an enlarged view of the docking unit with no LEVs docked, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 23A  is a side view of a LEV docking station with LEVs, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 23B  is a top perspective view of a LEV docking station with no LEVs docked, according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 24A  is a top perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 24B  is an enlarged view of the LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 26A  is an upper view of a LEV docking station with a plurality of docking bays for LEVs, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 26B  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station with a plurality of docking bays for LEVs, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 27A  is a rear perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 27B  is a rear view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 28A  is a rear perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 28B  is an enlarged view of the docking unit of the LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 29A  is a perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 29B  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  is a block diagram showing a system for controlling charging of one or more LEVs at a LEV docking station, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  shows a block diagram of a power board, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a block diagram of a charge head board, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  is a computing system that can be used to implement a method for development of concentration, according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical, and electrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of what is claimed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. In this document, the terms “a” and “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. 
     The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for charging and/or docking LEVs. The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure allow individuals and fleet operators to use the LEVs in both high density urban environments and suburban mixed-use communities. In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides for a universal charging system that includes a charging adapter configured to be mounted on LEVs and a charging station deployed in public and private locations. The charging adapter may include a universal charge adaptor configured to be retrofit onto existing LEVs to enable charging by various charging stations. Such charging stations may be geographically positioned as part of one or more different charging networks to allow convenient and on-the-go charging. The universal charging system with charging stations can be configured to provide alternative and/or hybrid power solutions that may incorporate multiple energy sources (e.g., connected to an electric grid of a city, or solar power with or without on-site battery storage). This approach is superior to conventional methods for repowering LEVs, which may require in-field battery swaps, carrying a manufacturer-supplied AC/DC charger, having AC wall power access, or using public charging hubs that run off of city power and are dedicated to charging one make/brand of a LEV manufacturer. Other conventional systems require using designated workers that locate, retrieve, charge, and replace LEVs in the field regularly. 
     In an example embodiment, the charging adapter may include a charging interface suitable for adapting a diverse array of LEVs to use the universal charging system. By standardizing the charging interface, all LEVs can be adapted to use the universal charging system. In some embodiments, the charging station may be deployed in public and private locations to provide charging access everywhere. In some embodiments, in locations lacking a built-in power supply, the charging station may be powered using solar or wind as a completely off-grid unattended charging station. In some embodiments, the charging station may be connected to a communication network, such as a cellular network, and may optionally report a charge status and/or vehicle identification (ID) for each LEV being charged by reading a unique ID chip located in each charging adapter. The ID chip may store a unique identifier, which can be read by a processor of the charging station, stored in a backend database, and further used for cross-referencing information related to the LEVs based on the unique identifiers. In some embodiments, a power source of the charging station is regulated and compliant, and commonality with connectors of the charging adapter may ensure that the LEVs have proper electrical treatment during charging. Moreover, in some embodiments, the charging station may be equipped with a locking mechanism that may be activated upon request by a vehicle owner to sequester a LEV during the recharging cycle to insure a complete recharge when the LEV is docked, thus reducing or eliminating partial charging. 
     One advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides a universal charging system that can generate power using alternative energy sources instead of relying on conventional city owned or other power sources. In some embodiments, the universal charging system has the ability to run with an uninterruptible power system (UPS) and/or battery storage power in the event alternative energy is insufficient. At scale, the innovation of adapting an alternative energy source to power LEVs may have a tremendous advantage to the power grid requirements that may be increasingly taxed as electric vehicles scale over fossil fuel powered vehicles in the broader market. 
     Another advantage of the present disclosure is that it enables all types of LEVs to charge using a single type of charging station by retrofitting a charging adapter to existing vehicles. Conventional charging methods use manufacturer-provided power supplies that are proprietary and that require a user to plug into an AC wall outlet. In contrast, LEVs with a charging adapter according to the present disclosure can dock and charge in universal LEV charging stations everywhere. Users and fleet operators may no longer need to carry extra hardware to ensure LEVs remain charged. LEVs may not need to be brought inside to charge by a wall outlet. In-field battery swaps may become unnecessary, as will locating and retrieving the LEVs themselves. Users may dock LEVs in charging stations and the LEVs may always be charged for use. The charging stations can also include various features, such as automatic and/or user selectable locking mechanisms for securing the LEV during charging. 
     Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that charging adapters and/or docking units may allow operators to comply with local regulations regarding such docking solutions. Accordingly, in contrast to the conventional charging solutions, the present disclosure provides charging solutions that are well suited to both private users of LEVs and fleet operators. For example, deploying a vehicle retrofitted with a universal charging adapter and charging stations may allow for the provisioning of a charging ecosystem that is adaptable to a wide variety of LEVs while facilitating consistency and uniformity of the charging equipment and parameters. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1A  is an overall perspective view of a universal charging system  100 , according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 1B  is a side view of a universal charging system  100 , according to an example embodiment. The universal charging system  100  may include a charging adapter  105  and a charging station  110 . The charging adapter  105  may be configured to be mounted on a LEV  115 . In an example embodiment, the charging adapter  105  may be mounted on a headtube  120  of the LEV  115 . The charging station  110  may include a docking unit  125  for receiving the charging adapter  105  of the LEV  115 . The charging station  110  may further include a support  130  on which the docking unit  125  is disposed. The support  130  can be vertical or inclined. In an example embodiment, an angle of inclination of the support  130  can be similar to an angle of inclination of the headtube  120  of the LEV  115 . LEVs produced by various manufactures typically have approximately the same angle of inclination of the headtube, which is selected by the manufacturers so as to ensure a comfortable position for a user when riding the LEV. The LEV  115  may include a vehicle, such as an electric bicycle or an electric scooter. In some embodiments, charging stations  110  may be geographically positioned at public and private locations, allowing users to return and/or charge the LEVs  115  in easily accessible public or private charging locations without requiring further assistance or extra equipment. 
       FIG. 2A  is a rear perspective expanded view of a universal charging system  100 , according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 2B  is a front perspective expanded view of a universal charging system  100 , according to an example embodiment. The docking unit  125  may include a lock housing  25  and a cover  30 . The docking unit  125  is shown in detail in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  is an expanded view of a docking unit  125 , according to an example embodiment. The charging station may include at least one docking unit  125  for receiving a charging adapter of a LEV. The docking unit may include further electrical contacts for connecting to the charging adapter  105  of the LEV  115 . In  FIG. 3 , the further electrical contacts are shown as contact pins  20 . The docking unit  125  may further include a contact block  1  and a locking mechanism represented by a locking arm  2 , a tension arm  5 , and a lock actuator  12 . The locking mechanism can be configured to lock the LEV into the docking unit  125 . 
       FIG. 4  is an overall perspective view  400  of another example embodiment of a universal charging system  100 , according to an example embodiment. The universal charging system  100  may include a charging adapter  105  and a charging station  110 . The charging adapter  105  may be configured to be mounted on a LEV  115 . In an example embodiment, the charging adapter  105  may be mounted on a headtube  120  of the LEV  115 . The charging station  110  may include a docking unit  125  for receiving the charging adapter  105  of the LEV  115 . 
       FIG. 5  is an expanded view  500  of a universal charging system shown in  FIG. 4 . The charging adapter  105  can be configured to couple directly to a LEV of any manufacturer without requiring an alteration of an existing charge connector of the LEV. Specifically, the charging adapter  105  may include a cable for wiring with the existing charge connector or a charging port of the LEV  115 . 
     Once the charging adapter  105  is installed on the LEV  115 , the LEV  115  can dock directly into the docking unit  125  of the charging station  110  without the need for plugging in cables or locating a wall outlet. 
     The charging adapter  105  may include electrical contacts  22  for docking with the charging station  110  and a charging interface (shown as charging interface  135  in  FIG. 2B ) for supplying power from the charging station  110  to a battery (not shown) of the LEV  115 . The charging adapter  105  may further include a collar  9  configured to enclose the headtube  120  of the LEV  115 . The charging adapter  105  may further include a charging adapter plate  10  attached to the collar  9 . The electrical contacts  22  may be placed on the charging adapter plate  10 . The charging adapter  105  may further include a housing and an adhesive backing. 
     The charging adapter  105  may be injection molded or machined and electrical contacts may be assembled into a housing of the charging adapter  105 . All electrical contacts may be wired into an integrated circuit. Once all components of the charging adapter  105  are assembled, an industrial-strength, non-removable adhesive may be applied to seal all components and wires inside the housing of the charging adapter  105 . 
     The charging station  110  may include at least one docking unit  125  for receiving the charging adapter  105  of the LEV  115 .  FIG. 6  shows a top-down close-up view  600  of the docking unit  125  of the charging station. The docking unit  125  may include further electrical contacts for connecting to the charging adapter  105  of the LEV  115 . In  FIG. 5 , the further electrical contacts are shown as contact pins  20 . The docking unit  125  may further include a contact block  1  and a locking mechanism represented by a locking arm  2 , a tension arm  5 , a lock actuator  12 , an actuator mounting bracket  19 , a plate  21 , and a lock housing  25 . The locking mechanism can be configured to lock the LEV into the docking unit  125 . The docking unit  125  may further include indicator lights (e.g., red, green, yellow) and a mount  130 . The contact pins  20  may be disposed in the contact block  1 . The locking arm  2  and the tension arm  5  may include spring roller grippers  135  configured to grip the charging adapter  105  of the LEV  115 . The locking mechanism may be made by machining all components, assembling the components, and installing torsion springs for tensioning the roller grippers and spring pin contacts for making electrical connection to the charging adapter. 
     The docking station  110  may further include a processor (not shown) configured to control charging of the LEV  115  and a battery storage (not shown) for storing power to be supplied to the LEV  115 . In an example embodiment, the docking station  110  may further optionally include one or more of a power inverter, a cellular radio, and a GPS locator. 
     The charging adapter  105  of the LEV  115  may further include an ID chip associated with the LEV. The ID chip may store an identifier associated with the LEV. The processor of the docking station  110  may be configured to store the identifier to a memory unit of the docking station  110 . 
     In an example embodiment, the locking mechanism may be incorporated into the docking unit  125 . When the locking mechanism is employed, the locking mechanism may enable the charging station to lock the LEV  115  during the recharge process which can last, for example, as long as 5 hours, depending on the LEV type and state of discharge. By locking the LEV  115  during the charging process, the universal charging system can insure that each time the LEV  115  is docked into the charging station, the LEV  115  is charged completely. 
     The charging station may optionally have an indicator configured to show a charge status of the LEV. The indicator, such as LEDs, may enhance the user experience by providing charge status feedback. 
     The charging station may have various options for power sources to supply the power to the LEVs. The charging station may obtain power from solar, wind, electrical grid, liquid or gas fuel generators, or other sources. Specifically, the docking unit  125  may be configured to connect to one or more power sources. The power sources may include an electric grid, a solar power source, a self-generating power source, a battery storage, and so forth. 
     In an example embodiment, the charging station  110  may further include a backend platform in communication with the processor. The backend platform may include an administrative panel, a customer portal, and a user portal. The backend platform may include a charge management platform having advanced reservation and scheduling capabilities as well as advanced charge management capabilities. Connectivity and charge status monitoring of individual LEVs or fleet charging LEVs may be accessed by users of LEVs or operators of the backend platform through mobile applications running on user devices. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a close-up view  700  of a charging adapter  105  separate from a docking unit  125 .  FIG. 7B  shows a close-up view  750  of a charging adapter  105  docked with a docking unit  125 . The charging adapter  105  may be firmly secured to a pre-determined location on a LEV  115 . The cable (not shown) of the charging adapter  105  may be wired to a charging port of the LEV  115 . A user may determine the location of the charging station using a mobile application. At the location of the charge station, the user may push the LEV  115  into the docking unit  125  and charging can start immediately. The user may return later, remove the LEV  115 , and start riding LEV  115 . 
       FIG. 8A  is an illustration  800  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  805  of a charging station  110 , according to an example embodiment. The charging station  110  may further include a base plate  810  and a conduit  815  for power supply. The docking unit  805  may further include an indicator  825 . The indicator  825  may be located at the intersection of an upper surface  830  and a front surface  835  of the docking unit  805 . The indicator  825  may include a bi-color LED that illuminates during charging. The red color may indicate that charging is in progress and the green color may indicate that charging is completed. When the universal charging system detects that charging is complete, the “charging” LED indicator light turns off and the “ready to use” indicator light is illuminated. If an error or failure of any sort is detected, a third indicator LED is illuminated. When the “ready to use” indicator is illuminated, any credentialed user may be able to remove the LEV  115  from the docking unit  805  by pulling the LEV  115  out. 
       FIG. 8B  shows an illustration  840  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  845  of a charging station  110 , according to an example embodiment. The docking unit  845  may have an indicator  865 . The indicator  865  may be located at the intersection of an upper surface  850 , a front surface  855 , and a side surface  860  of the docking unit  865 . 
       FIG. 8C  is an illustration  870  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  875  of a charging station  110 , according to an example embodiment. The docking unit  875  may have an indicator  880 . The indicator  880  may be located at the intersection of an upper surface  885 , a front surface  890 , and a side surface  895  of the docking unit  875 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a section view  900  of a docking unit, according to an example embodiment. The docking unit  125  may include a housing  905 , a cable  910 , a flange  915 , a mounting arm  920 , and a key element  925 . The flange  915  may be welded to the mounting arm  920 . Two halves of the housing  905  may align and clamp over the flange  915  on the mounting arm  920 . Two halves of the housing  905  may be bolted together. 
       FIG. 10A  is a schematic diagram  1000  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  125 , according to an example embodiment. An indicator  1005  on the docking unit  125  may illuminate green to indicate that the charging of the LEV  115  is complete.  FIG. 10B  is a schematic diagram  1050  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  125 , according to an example embodiment. An indicator  1055  on the docking unit  125  may illuminate red to show that the charging of the LEV  115  is in progress. 
       FIGS. 11A-11F  are schematic diagrams of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  125 .  FIG. 12A  is an upper view  1200  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  125 .  FIG. 12B  is a general perspective view  1250  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  125 .  FIGS. 12C and 12D  show enlarged views of a charging adapter  105  of a LEV  115  engaged with a docking unit  125 . 
       FIG. 13A  shows a general perspective view  1300  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  125 . The docking unit  125  may include a cutout  1305  to receive a front wheel of the LEV  105 .  FIG. 13B  is an enlarged view  1350  of the docking unit  125  having a cutout  1305 . 
       FIG. 14A  is a side view  1400  of a docking unit  125  having a cutout  1305 .  FIG. 14B  is a front view  1450  of a docking unit  125 . The docking unit  125  may include an indicator  1405 .  FIG. 14C  is a front view  1470  of a docking unit  125 , according to another example embodiment. The docking unit  125  may include an indicator  1455 . 
       FIG. 15  is a general perspective view  1500  of a LEV  115  docked with a docking unit  125 , according to another example embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the docking unit  125  has no cutouts for a front wheel of the LEV  115 . 
       FIG. 16  is a general perspective view of a LEV docking station  1600 . The LEV docking station  1600  may have a plurality of docking units  125 . A LEV  115  may be docked with each of the docking units  125 . The LEV docking station  1600  may be used for parking LEVs  115 . 
       FIG. 17A  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station  1700 , according to an example embodiment. The LEV docking station  1700  may include a docking bay  1705 . The docking bay  1705  may have two docking units  125 , each configured to position a LEV  115  antiparallel to one another (a “flip-flop” design of the LEV docking station  1700 ).  FIG. 17B  is an upper perspective view of a LEV docking station  1700  shown on  FIG. 17A . 
       FIG. 18A  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station  1800 , according to an example embodiment. The LEV docking station  1800  may have a docking bay  1805 . The docking bay  1805  may have two docking units  125  each configured to position a LEV  115  parallel to one another (a “parallel” design of the LEV docking station  1800 ).  FIG. 18B  is a rear perspective view of a LEV docking station  1800  shown in  FIG. 18A . 
       FIG. 19A  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docking station  1900  with LEVs, according to an example embodiment. The LEV docking station  1900  may include a plurality of docking bays  1905 . The docking bay  1905  may have a support  1920  and a docking unit  125  connected to the support  1920 . The support  1920  may be installed vertically. The docking unit  125  may include a docking member  1915  configured to reversibly receive a LEV  115 . The LEV docking station  1900  may further include a wheel block  1910  for each LEV  115 . The wheel block  1910  may be located in line with a bottom surface of wheels of the LEV  115  and configured to align the LEV in the docking unit  125  and orient the LEV in the docking unit  125  for optimizing the parking density. The wheel block  1910  may be further configured to limit a movement of the LEV  115  after the LEV  115  is docked with the docking unit  125  (i.e., hold the LEV  115  in place). Optionally, the wheel block  1910  may be further configured to limit or set the allowable size of wheel that can fit in the docking bay  1905 . 
       FIG. 19B  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docking station  1950  with no LEVs docked, according to another example embodiment. The LEV docking station  1950  may have a plurality of docking bays  1905 . The docking bay  1905  may have a support  1955  and a docking unit  125  connected to the support  1955 . The support  1955  may be installed at an angle with respect to the ground. 
       FIG. 20A  is an overall perspective view of a LEV docking station  2000  having docking units  125  and wheel blocks  2005  for each of LEVs  115 , according to an example embodiment. The wheel block  2005  may be aligned with a bottom surface of wheels of the LEV  115 . Optionally, the wheel block  2005  may be located on a base  2010 . The base  2010  may be sized to accommodate the wheel block  2005 , a support  130  of a charging station, and at least a front wheel of the LEV  115 . The wheel block  2005  can be configured to align the LEV in the docking unit  125  and orient the LEV in the docking unit  125  for optimizing the parking density. The wheel block  2005  can be further configured to limit a movement of the LEV  115  after the LEV  115  is docked with the docking unit  125  (i.e., hold the LEV  115  in place). 
       FIG. 20B  is a side perspective view of a LEV docking station  2000  having docking units  125  and wheel blocks  2005  for each of LEVs  115 , according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 20B  shows a first LEV  115   a  engaged with the wheel block  2005  and shows a second LEV  115   b  disposed on the base  2010  prior to engaging with the wheel block  2005 . The wheel block  2005  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 21A-21C . 
       FIG. 21A  shows an upper view  2100  of a wheel block  2005 , according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 21B  shows a front perspective view  2130  of a wheel block  2005 .  FIG. 21C  shows a rear perspective view  2160  of a wheel block  2005 . The wheel block  2005  may include a straight part  2105  and a curved part  2110 . The curved part  2110  may be turned with respect to the straight part  2105 , e.g., turned to the left as shown in  FIGS. 21A-21C . The wheel block  2005  can have a projection  2115  on the periphery of both the straight part  2105  and the curved part  2110 , a first recess  2120  in the middle portion of the straight part  2105 , and a second recess  2125  in the middle portion of the curved part  2110 . 
     When a user desires to engage the LEV with the wheel block  2005 , the user can first place the front wheel of the LEV in front of an edge  2135  of the straight part  2105  of the wheel block  2005 . Then, the user can push the handle bar of the LEV in order to advance the front wheel of the LEV forward. The force applied to the handle bar causes the front wheel to move over the projection  2115  and enter the first recess  2120  of the straight part  2105 . Upon placing the front wheel into the first recess  2120 , the user can move the handle bar of the LEV left (or right, e.g., the curved part  2110  can be turned to the right with respect to the straight part  2105 ) and simultaneously push the handle bar of the LEV to advance the front wheel of the LEV and have the front wheel pass from the first recess  2120  to the second recess  2125 . In an example embodiment, the second recess  2125  may have a greater depth than the first recess  2120 . Placing the front wheel of the LEV into the second recess  2125  of the wheel block  2005  can limit the movement of the front wheel. Furthermore, placing the front wheel of the LEV into the wheel block  2005  causes alignment of the LEV in the docking unit  125 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B , the docking unit  125  is located substantially over the wheel block  2005 . In some embodiments, the location of the docking unit  125  may be horizontally shifted with respect to the location of the wheel block  2005  to compensate for the angle of inclination of the headtube  120  of the LEV. Due to such position of the docking unit  125  and the wheel block  2005  with respect to each other, the headtube  120  of the LEV  115  is disposed in the docking unit  125  when the front wheel of the LEV  125  is placed into the wheel block  2005 . Moreover, configuring the curved part  2110  angled with respect to the straight part  2105  of the wheel block  2005  can prevent the LEV  115  from backward, forward, and sideward movement in the wheel block  2005  after the LEV  115  is docked with a docking station equipped with the docking unit  125  and the wheel block  2005 . 
       FIG. 22A  is an enlarged view  2200  of the docking unit  125  with a LEV  115  docked with the docking unit  125 . The docking unit  125  may have a bumper  2205 . The bumper  2205  may be configured to reduce scratching of the LEV  115  and the docking unit  125  by serving as a cap for the docking unit  125 . 
       FIG. 22B  shows an enlarged view  2250  of the docking unit  125  with no LEVs docked. The docking unit  125  may include a hollow tubing  2255 . The hollow tubing  2255  may include areas  2260  for a cable to be disposed inside the docking unit  125 . In particular, a user may use the tubing  2255  to insert his own type of cable or other type of locks to lock the LEV into the docking unit  125  for security purposes. 
       FIG. 23A  is a side view of a LEV docking station  1900  with LEVs as shown in  FIG. 19A . The docking unit  125  may stop the LEV  115  from rolling forward. The wheel block  1910  may stop the LEV  115  from rolling backwards. 
       FIG. 23B  is an upper perspective view of a LEV docking station  1900  with no LEVs docked, according to another example embodiment. The LEV docking station  1900  may include a label  2305  to cover screws. The wheel block  1910  may mimic the shape of the bumper  2205  to align the LEV  115  with the docking unit  125 . 
       FIG. 24A  is an upper perspective view of a LEV docking station  2400  having two docking bays  2405  with bumpers  2205  and wheel blocks  1910  and configured to position LEVs  115  antiparallel to one another (a “flip-flop” design), according to another example embodiment.  FIG. 24B  is an enlarged view  2450  of the LEV docking station  2400  showing docking bays  2405  and docking units  125  configured to position LEVs  115  antiparallel to one another. 
       FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram of a LEV docking station  2500 , according to an example embodiment. The LEV docking station  2500  may have docking units  125 . Each docking unit  125  may have a locking mechanism  2505  configured to lock the LEV into the docking member of the docking unit  125 . Each docking unit  125  may further include a charging adapter  2510  configured to operatively couple to a charging port of the LEV and to provide power to the LEV. In some example embodiments, the charging adapter may include a plug-in probe for plugging into the LEV. It should be noted that while some example LEV docking stations may only include locking mechanisms, some other example LEV docking stations may have only charging adapters, and yet some other example LEV docking stations may have both locking mechanisms and charging adapters. 
     The docking unit  125  of the LEV docking station  2500  may further include a processor and one or more sensors in communication with the processor. In an example embodiment, the LEV docking station  2500  may include a power board having a controller board. The controller board may enable a capacity expansion, i.e., adding multiple charge heads. The controller board is shown in detail in  FIG. 31 . 
     The one or more sensors may be configured to read one or more parameters associated with the LEV. The one or more parameters may be selected from a group comprising: a charge state of the LEV, a rate of a charge, a voltage, a current, a time, and so forth. The rate of charge may allow for determination of voltage and current present in the LEV. The LEV docking station  2000  may further include a boost convertor. The boost convertor may be configured to take an input voltage and boost the input voltage to a predetermined level based on the one or more parameters associated with the LEV to be charged. 
       FIG. 26A  is an upper view of a LEV docking station  2600  with a plurality of docking bays for LEVs, according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 26B  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station  2600  with a plurality of docking bays for LEVs, according to an example embodiment. 
       FIG. 27A  is a rear perspective view of a LEV docking station  2500  shown in  FIG. 25 . The LEV docking station  2500  may include a locking mechanism  2505  configured to lock the LEV into the docking member of the docking unit  125 . The LEV docking station  2500  may further include a charging adapter  2510  configured to operatively couple to a charging port of the LEV and to provide power to the LEV.  FIG. 27B  is a rear view of a LEV docking station  2500  shown in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 28A  is a rear perspective view of a LEV docking station  2800 , according to another example embodiment. The LEV docking station  2800  may have a locking mechanism  2505  configured to lock the LEV into the docking member of the docking unit  125 .  FIG. 28B  shows an enlarged view  2850  of the docking unit  125  of the LEV docking station  2800  shown in  FIG. 28A . 
       FIG. 29A  shows a perspective view of a LEV docking station  2900 . The LEV docking station  2900  includes two docking bays  2905 , each having two docking units  125  configured to position adjacent LEVs antiparallel to one another (a “flip-flop” design). 
       FIG. 29B  is a front perspective view of a LEV docking station  2950  with a plurality of docking bays for LEVs to be positioned antiparallel to one another, according to an example embodiment. 
       FIG. 30  is a block diagram showing a system  3000  for controlling charging of one or more LEVs at a LEV docking station. The system  3000  may include a processor  3010  in communication with one or more docking units of the LEV docking station and a memory unit  3020  in communication with the processor  3010  and configured to store instructions executable by the processor  3010 . The processor  3010  may be configured to determine a presence of a LEV connected to one of the one or more docking units and identify parameters associated with the LEV. In an example embodiment, the identifying of the parameters associated with the LEV may include detecting an electronic signature of the LEV. The electronic signature may be associated with a manufacturer of the LEV. Specifically, the electronic signature may be characteristic of a LEV design developed by a manufacturer. The processor  3010  may be configured to determine at least a type of the LEV based on the electronic signature. The parameters include one or more of the following: a type of the LEV, a battery type of the LEV, a charge level, a number of cells in a battery of the LEV, a charge voltage of the battery of the LEV, and so forth. Furthermore, the processor  3010  may use the measurements of a voltage, a current, and a time to determine what type of LEV is connected to each docking bay and whether the LEV is charged or needs charging. If the LEV is charged, the processor does not supply power to the LEV to avoid shorts, electrolysis, and even explosions. 
     The processor  3010  may be configured to determine/calculate a charge voltage of the LEV based on the parameters. The processor  3010  may be configured to develop a charging profile for the LEV based on the charge voltage and the parameters. The processor  3010  may be further configured to instruct the one of the one or more docking units to supply power to the LEV based on the charging profile. Based on the charge voltage and the parameters, the processor may measure how much power it takes to completely charge the LEV. 
     In an example embodiment, the processor  3010  may be further configured to determine a failure of a battery of the LEV. Based on the determination, the processor  3010  may stop supplying the power to the LEV. The processor  3010  may further notify a user associated with the LEV of the failure, e.g., by sending a notification to an application running on a user device associated with the user. The application may be in communication with the system  3000 . The system  3000  may further include one or more of hardware control, communication control, and charge control. The system  3000  may act as a backend platform having one or more of an administrative panel, customer portal, and user portal. 
     In an example embodiment, the processor  3010  can be further configured to determine whether there are empty docking units for parking LEVs and notify the user of the availability/unavailability of the docking units. Furthermore, the processor  3010  may determine whether the docking units have sufficient power for charging LEVs and provide the information to the user via an application running on a user device. 
     In an example embodiment, the processor  3010  may be further configured to determine that a plurality of LEVs are connected to the one or more docking units. Based on the determination, the processor  3010  may determine a charge level of each of the plurality of LEVs. The processor  3010  may further determine a charge state of one or more power sources associated with the one or more docking units. Based on the charge level and the charge state, the processor  3010  may selectively supply a higher level of power to one or more of the LEVs having a lower charge level and selectively supply a lower level of power to one or more of the LEVs having a higher charge level. The processor  3010  may determine parameters associated with each of the plurality of LEVs. The higher level of power and the lower level of power may be determined for the one or more of the LEVs based on the parameters associated with each of the plurality of LEVs. The parameters associated with each of the plurality of LEVs may include one of more of the following: a battery temperature, a voltage, a current, a battery age, a rate at which the LEV consumes power, and so forth. 
     Therefore, the processor  3010  may perform smart power management of the LEV and load balancing for the batteries being charged by distributing power to at least charged LEVs. The smart power management performed by the system  3000  is also referred to herein as “throttling.” The power is distributed based on various parameters, such as a temperature, voltage, current, and time (age of batteries, as the batteries lose power as they age), and rate at which the LEV takes power. When LEVs are close to full charge, power may be reduced to those LEVs. 
     The purpose of supplying the lower or higher power is to optimize performance of the storage batteries in the charging system and/or optimize the efficiency of charge delivery to the LEVs. Specifically, the supply of power available in the battery storage of the charging system to the LEV may be smartly balanced among the LEVs. For example, if the battery storage is a solar powered system and it has been cloudy for a few days, the charging system may not be fully regenerating the storage batteries. Hence, the charging system may not have enough power to change the LEVs completely and may need to throttle back (i.e., reduce) the amount of the power that the charging system provides to LEVs, but may still balance the supplying of power among the LEVs to increase the charge level of each of the LEVs connected. 
       FIG. 31  shows a block diagram of a power board  3100  having a controller board, according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 32  shows a block diagram of a charge head board  3200 , according to an example embodiment. The system for controlling charging of one or more LEVs may include the power board  3100  and the charge head board  3200 . The charge head board  3200  may control locking units and sensors and control a predetermined number of charge heads, e.g., up to eight charge heads. The charge heads may be associated with charging adapters of docking units operatively coupled to a charging port of the LEV and providing power to the LEV. 
       FIG. 33  shows a diagrammatic representation of a computing device for a machine in the exemplary electronic form of a computer system  3300 , within which a set of instructions for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein can be executed. In various exemplary embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine can operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine can be a field programmable gate array, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box, a cellular telephone, a digital camera, a portable music player (e.g., a portable hard drive audio device, such as an Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player), a web appliance, a network router, a switch, a bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. 
     The computer system  3300  may include a processor or multiple processors  3302 , a hard disk drive  3304 , a main memory  3306  and a static memory  3308 , which communicate with each other via a bus  3310 . The computer system  3300  may also include a network interface device  3312 . The hard disk drive  3304  may include a computer-readable medium  3320 , which stores one or more sets of instructions  3322  embodying or utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions  3322  can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory  3306  and/or within the processors  3302  during execution thereof by the computer system  3300 . The main memory  3306  and the processors  3302  also constitute machine-readable media. 
     While the computer-readable medium  3320  is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that causes the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present application, or that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such a set of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media. Such media can also include, without limitation, hard disks, floppy disks, NAND or NOR flash memory, digital video disks, Random Access Memory, Read-Only Memory, and the like. 
     The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware. 
     Thus, universal charging systems, LEV docking stations, and systems for controlling charging of one or more LEVs at a LEV docking station have been described. Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes can be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.