Abstract:
A solar electric scooter with foldable photovoltaic modules is disclosed. According to one preferred embodiment, an apparatus is provided for transportation comprising one or more batteries capable receiving and storing an electric charge. An electric motor may be capable of providing rotational velocity to one or more wheels upon receiving power from the electric batteries. A plurality of foldable photovoltaic modules may comprise solar cells capable of providing electric charge to the one or more batteries.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION 
       [0001]    This Application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/270,914, entitled SOLAR ELECTRIC TWO WHEEL SCOOTER, filed Jul. 15, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A solar electric transport apparatus is disclosed. Specifically, a solar electric apparatus has foldable solar modules, allowing for protection of such modules during use of the apparatus, and easy solar charging during non-use of the apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Presently, many forms of transportation may use pollution-emitting forms of power, including internal combustion engines, and the like. Most vehicles use non-renewable resources, such as gasoline, to power those vehicles. 
         [0004]    Many solutions have been tried, but have failed. For example, solar powered vehicles have failed because of the lack of horsepower and the need for sunlight during operation. Further, the panels that hold the solar cells have mostly proven to be too large for aerodynamics, and are cumbersome in terms of vehicle design. Further, these prior art panels have suffered the shortcoming of a lack of sufficient surface area to replenish used up charge in a reasonable amount of time. 
         [0005]    None of the above prior devices allow for maximized solar cell area while allowing for aerodynamic storage of such cells during use of the vehicle. Thus a solar electric vehicle solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In order to solve the problems and shortcomings of the prior art, a solar electric transport apparatus with foldable solar cells is disclosed. According to one preferred embodiment, an apparatus is provided for transportation comprising one or more batteries capable of receiving and storing an electric charge. An electric motor may be capable of providing rotational velocity to one or more wheels upon receiving power from the electric batteries. A plurality of foldable photovoltaic modules may comprise solar cells capable of providing electric charge to the one or more batteries. 
         [0007]    According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a scooter, having a frame. The foldable modules may form a deck on which an operator of the scooter can place feet when the modules are in a folded configuration. The solar cells may be capable of exposure to light radiation when the foldable modules are in an unfolded configuration. 
         [0008]    According to another preferred embodiment, the foldable modules may be located anywhere on the scooter or transportation apparatus. For example, the foldable modules may be located on the bottom a scooter, wherein the user would turn the scooter upside down to unfold and expose the modules to light radiation above. 
         [0009]    According to another preferred embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a switch for electrically connecting the foldable modules to the batteries for charging. The switch may be manually operated by the operator. In another preferred embodiment, the switch may be mechanically operated by the unfolding of the solar modules. In yet another preferred embodiment, a soft switch may cause the foldable modules to electrically connect to the batteries upon detection of electrical current from foldable modules. In one preferred embodiment, the switch may prevent operation of the scooter when the foldable modules are electrically connected to the batteries. 
         [0010]    According to another preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic modules may comprise thin solar cells that are rolled instead of folded during operation of the transportation apparatus. For example, when a scooter is not in operation, rolled-up modules may be unrolled on the sides of the scooter to lay flat along the ground or over the handlebars to offer maximum light exposure during solar charging. 
         [0011]    In another preferred embodiment, a method for retrofitting an existing scooter may comprise providing two or more foldable photovoltaic modules comprising solar cells capable of providing electric charge to one or more batteries; connecting the one or more photovoltaic modules to the one or more batteries; and unfolding the one or more photovoltaic modules to expose the solar cells to light radiation, thereby charging the one or more batteries. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a left-front perspective view of the a scooter according to one embodiment of the invention with photovoltaic modules having solar cells folded in a position for operation of the scooter; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a left-front perspective view the scooter of  FIG. 1  with the photovoltaic modules with solar cells partially extended as they are being unfolded to a position for solar charging of the scooter; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a left-front perspective view the scooter of  FIG. 1  with the photovoltaic modules with solar cells fully extended for charging; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic of the charging system for the scooter of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an alternative electrical schematic of the charging system for the scooter of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is yet another alternative electrical schematic of the charging system for the scooter of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating steps for retrofitting an existing scooter according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings several embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown therein and described below. 
         [0020]    According to one embodiment, a solar-chargeable apparatus, such as a scooter, provides low cost transportation by virtue of the fact that it is receiving electrical power from the sun. The scooter may be of low cost to purchase because it is designed and constructed from readily available, materials. Further, the scooter may be fun to operate, and the fact that the scooter is powered by solar energy gives its owner the opportunity to contribute to the well being of the environment and reduce emissions harmful to humans. 
         [0021]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a left-front perspective view of a scooter  100  is shown according to one embodiment, with photovoltaic modules  12  folded in a position for operation of the scooter  100 . A frame or chassis  1  of the scooter  100  may be comprised of various types of metal or plastic, and horizontally situated. A front fork  21  steerably attaches to the frame  1  and holds a front wheel  4  in place. A rear fork  2  attaches a rear wheel  3  to the frame by horizontal axles mounted between the forks  21  and  2 . 
         [0022]    At the front of the chassis  1 , an elongated metal or plastic steering column  5  may be attached to the front fork  21 . In other embodiments, the frame  1 , and column  5  may be made of any suitable material such as aluminium or carbon fibre for lightness and strength. 
         [0023]    The steering column  5  may rotate with respect to the frame by means of a head tube assembly  6  attached to the chassis  1 . In one embodiment the head tube assembly  6  is similar to that on a bicycle as those of skill in the art would recognize. The rider may turn the scooter while operating by rotating the steering column via a handlebar  8 . In some embodiments, a telescoping steering column  5  may allow for adjustment of the handlebar  8  to different heights. In one embodiment, the steering column may be hinged with a locking and release device near its lower extremity so that it folds into a horizontal position to facilitate ease of transport. 
         [0024]    A throttle  9  may be mounted on the right side of the handle bar  8 , and a hand brake lever  10  on the left side. The throttle  9  may be a variable speed twist grip or thumb/finger activated variable speed device. 
         [0025]    The hand brake lever  10  may operate a brake attached to the rear wheel. In other embodiments, a front and rear brake is provided, with the rear operated by a foot pedal, and the front operated by the break lever  10 . 
         [0026]    A deck  11  may sit horizontally astride the middle of the chassis  1 . The deck  11  may comprise one or more photovoltaic modules  12  that may be hinged to expand and increase their size to provide a greater exposure of surface to the sun when the scooter  100  is not in use. A photovoltaic module  12 , may comprise, for example, and not by way of limitation, a module  12  comprising a cluster of one or more solar cells commonly known to those in the art that convert light radiation into electric current. When the photovoltaic modules  12  are folded into the stowed position (closed as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the operator may stand on the exposed underside of the top photovoltaic module  12 . The photovoltaic modules  12  may be connected together by wires and also to a battery  116  for the transmission of electricity from the photovoltaic modules  12  to the battery  116 . In some embodiments, one or more batteries  116  may be located in various locations depending on the scooter model; for example, in the front of the frame  1 , under the photovoltaic modules  12 , or at the rear of the scooter  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0027]    When the photovoltaic modules  12  are in the stowed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the underside  13  of the top stowed photovoltaic module  12 , on which the user may stand during operation, may comprise a non-slip material so that the user does not slip. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic module  12  on top of the folded stack may be covered with a clear material with solar cells  42  exposed on the underside, thereby providing charging while the modules  12  are in the folded position. 
         [0028]    It should be understood that the photovoltaic modules  12  may be alternative located in one or more of several areas on the transportation apparatus or scooter  100 . For example, instead of forming a deck on top of the frame  1  of the scooter  100 , the photovoltaic modules  12  may be folded underneath the frame of scooter  100 . For example, for charging, the modules  12  may unfold from underneath the scooter  100 , or the whole scooter  100  may be turned upside down to unfold and expose the solar cells  42  on the modules to light from above. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, a kickstand  14  is included that may be extended to hold the scooter in an upright position while parked. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the rear  17  of the chassis  1  houses an electric motor  16  and one or more batteries  116 . The drive system for the scooter  100  may include a system known to those skilled in the art that provides a drive mechanism for the rear wheel  3 . For example, the rear wheel  3  may be attached to the electric motor  16  by means of a belt, chain or gear that transmits rotational power from the motor  16  to the rear wheel  3 . The amount of power delivered to the rear wheel  3  by the motor  16  may be modulated by the user by means of the throttle  10  on the handlebar  8 . 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a left-front perspective view the scooter  100  of  FIG. 1  with the photovoltaic modules  12  partially extended as they are being unfolded to a position for solar charging of the battery(ies)  116  of the scooter  100  is shown. In one embodiment, the batteries  116  may be charged by light radiation (from the sun or otherwise). A photovoltaic electricity generation cells (solar cells)  42  may be located on the inside-top of the photovoltaic modules  12 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, there may be one photovoltaic module  12  or numerous modules  12 , with solar cells  42  attached to the inside-top to facilitate the generation of more electricity. If there are numerous modules  12 , they may be connected by wires for the continuous transmission of electric charge to the battery  116 . 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , a left-front perspective view the scooter  100  of  FIG. 1  with the photovoltaic module  12  with solar cells  42  fully extended for charging is shown. In one embodiment, in order for the photovoltaic modules  12  to generate electric charge for the battery  116 , the scooter may be placed in the parked position. This is when the photovoltaic modules  12  may be fully extended in their solar charging position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the size and number of the photovoltaic modules  12  may vary, and may be changed from time to time to allow for the generation of additional electrical power to be provided for increased range and time-of use of the scooter  100 . The photovoltaic modules  12  may comprise a flat module  12 , including a concentrating photovoltaic module  12  on top of the frame  1  or deck, or they may comprise a number of photovoltaic modules  12  that are hinged together and are deployed when the scooter is in the charging position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, instead using rigid modules  12 , the photovoltaic modules  12  may comprise thin solar cells that may be rolled during storage, and unrolled for solar charging of the scooter  100 . For example, rolled-up thin photovoltaic modules  12  may be rolled on or under the deck of the scooter  100 , on the side of the scooter  100 , on the back, underneath, or even from the handlebar  8  of the scooter  100 . 
         [0036]    In other embodiments, the scooter  100  may also receive electricity from additional sources. For example, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the scooter  100  may additionally connect to stand alone solar modules not attached to the scooter  100 , or a plug in a/c charger may be provided for plug-in charging or charging during night or inclement weather. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , an electrical schematic of the charging system for the scooter  100  of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment is shown. As stated above, there may be several methods by which the batteries  116  of the scooter  100  may be charged. The photovoltaic modules  12  with solar cells  42  may be electrically connected to a solar controller  404 , that regulates electrical current form the photovoltaic modules  12 . When power is being received by the solar controller  404 , a light emitting diode (LED), which is electrically connected to the solar controller  404 , is lit. A negative, or ground, lead may be connected to the ground, or negative lead side of the batteries  116 . However, the positive lead from the solar controller  404  may be routed to a switch  406  mounted on the steering column  5  or handlebar  8 . In one embodiment, this switch  406  may be activated manually by the user when the photovoltaic modules  12  are unfolded for solar charging of the batteries  116 . 
         [0038]    After the switch  406 , the positive lead is routed through a fuse  420  to an on/off switch  410  for operation of the scooter  100 . In this respect, when the switch  410  is in the on position for operation of the scooter  100  by the user, then the solar modules  12  may not be used to charge the batteries  116 . Thus, the positive lead is cut off by the switch  410  when the on/off switch  410  is in the operating position for the scooter  100 . 
         [0039]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , a charging port  418  for a/c plug-in charging is further provided. The switch  406  mounted on the steering column  5  may be put into a plug-in charge position to charge via the plug-in a/c charging port  418  instead of the modules  12 . On a scooter control circuit board  412 , a reverse polarity protection diode  414  provides for single direction current through the positive lead. The negative lead from the plug-in a/c charging port  418  is routed through the scooter&#39;s circuit breaker  408  to prevent overloading damage to the scooter&#39;s electronics during plug-in charging. 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , an alternative electrical schematic of the charging system for the scooter of  FIG. 1  is shown. The switch  406  may be activated by opening of the photovoltaic modules  12 , and deactivated by closing of the modules  12 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , yet another alternative electrical schematic of the charging system for the scooter of  FIG. 1  is shown. In the Embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the switch  406  comprises an electronic soft switch that is activated upon detection of current from the photovoltaic modules  12  or by the solar controller  404  to direct charging of the batteries from the photovoltaic modules  12  instead of the a/c charging port  418 . 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, existing scooters may be modified using a retrofit kit to convert it into a solar charging scooter. The bottom photovoltaic module  12  in the stack may have integrated brackets that facilitate the attachment of the stack of photovoltaic modules  12  to the deck of an electric scooter  100 . In some embodiments, the brackets may be pre-measured and mounted on the bottom module  12  so that they are situated to fit existing screw holes in existing models of scooters  100 . 
         [0043]    The bottom photovoltaic module  12  may have a frame around its perimeter that, when attached to the scooter  100 , holds the module  12  above the scooter frame  1 , forming a cavity between the bottom of the photovoltaic module  12  and the top of the scooter frame  1 . This cavity may contain following sub-parts: the solar controller  404 ; the switch  406  that is integrated into the frames of the modules  12 , and that activates the solar controller  404  when the modules  12  are unfolded to accept sun light; the fuse  420 ; and the LED  402 , which may be installed in the outer frame of the bottom module  12 . Wires may be extended from under the bottom photovoltaic module  12  that are used to connect to the electrical circuitry inside the scooter battery compartment. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , a flow diagram illustrates a method of connecting the retrofit kit to an existing or prior-art scooter  100 . A retrofit kit can be installed using the following minimum tools: phillips screwdriver, blade screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters, and an ohmmeter. 
         [0045]    In step  700 , the top deck of the scooter  100  being retrofitted is removed, exposing or opening the battery compartment. In step  702  the user may locate the small diameter red wire connected at one end to the scooter on/off switch. In step  704 , the photovoltaic modules  12  are positioned next to the scooter  100 . In step  706 , the wires that extend from under the bottom photovoltaic module  12  are pulled out and slid through a hole in the side of the battery compartment. In step  708 , the wire leads are separated. In step  710 , in the scooter battery compartment, the small diameter red wire is cut. In step  712 , the red wire from the module is connected to the small diameter red wire that goes to the scooter on/off switch. In step,  714 , the red with white stripe wire from the module is connected to the small diameter red wire that goes to the battery connecter. In step  716 , the black wire from the module is connected to the black wire that goes to the scooter on/off switch. Quick connection wire connectors may be supplied so that the wires do not need to be stripped to be connected. In step  720 , the connections are tested using the ohmmeter. In step  722 , the deck of the scooter is re-installed and screwed into place. In step  724 , the modules are positioned on top of the scooter deck. In step  726 , the mounting brackets are located and marked in the scooter deck where the holes in the brackets contact the scooter deck. In step  728 , ⅛ inch holes are drilled in the scooter deck. In step  730 , using the screws that are inserted into the holes made in the deck to attach the photovoltaic modules  12 . 
         [0046]    The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.