Priority

[0001] The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entirety of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/746,782, filed on October 17, 2018, and titled,“Stowable, Rapidly Deployable, Vehicle-Mounted Photovoltaic Battery Charging System.”

Field

[0002] This application relates to vehicle charging systems. In particular, this application describes a scooter with a deployable photovoltaic charging system.

Background

[0003] Many categories of manned and unmanned vehicles, including gas or electric automobiles, gas or electric bicycles and motorcycles, and gas or electric scooters and skateboards, incorporate mounted batteries or other energy storage devices. Many such vehicles and their mounted or integrated subsystems are at least partially, and at most completely, powered by energy-storage devices. Such energy -storage devices may include batteries, such as lead-acid, lithium ion, or lithium ion polymer batteries. Other examples of energy-storage devices include, but are not limited to, capacitors, supercapacitors, inductors, flywheel energy storage devices, thermal storage cells, and others. At present, the energy- storage devices in these vehicles typically must be swapped, recharged, or otherwise renewed after they have been depleted, presenting associated costs, in the form of man-hours, power costs, and inconvenience, for example.

[0004] One example of such costs can be seen in electric scooters. Companies such as Bird and Lime operate fleets of electric scooters, typically paying much more than the cost of the scooter itself for independent operators to charge each scooter over the scooter’s lifetime. In addition to financial costs associated with paying the independent operators, some have argued that potential environmental benefits provided by commuting via electric scooter are at least partially offset by independent operators’ use of gasoline-powered vehicles to collect, charge, and replace discharged scooters. Siimmarv

[0005] In one aspect, a scooter is described. The scooter can include at least one motorized wheel assembly, an energy storage device, and a photovoltaic assembly comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic assembly is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, such that when the photovoltaic assembly is in the stowed configuration, the plurality of photovoltaic cells collectively comprises an active area having a first surface area, and wherein when the photovoltaic assembly is deployed, the plurality of photovoltaic cells collectively comprises an active area having a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area.

[0006] In a further aspect, a retrofit kit for a scooter is described. The retrofit kit can include a photovoltaic assembly comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic assembly is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, such that when the photovoltaic assembly is in the stowed configuration, the plurality of photovoltaic cells collectively comprises an active area having a first surface area, and when the photovoltaic assembly is deployed, the plurality of photovoltaic cells collectively comprises an active area having a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area. The retrofit kit further includes at least one fastener for coupling the photovoltaic assembly to the scooter and at least one power wire configured to interface with a charging board of the scooter.

[0007] In a further aspect, a method for retrofihing a scooter for photovoltaic charging is described. The method can include coupling a photovoltaic assembly to the scooter using at least one fastener, wherein the photovoltaic assembly comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells and is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein when the photovoltaic assembly is in the stowed configuration, the plurality of photovoltaic cells collectively comprises an active area having a first surface area, and wherein when the photovoltaic assembly is deployed, the plurality of photovoltaic cells collectively comprises an active area having a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area. The method can also include connecting at least one power wire configured to interface with a charging board of the scooter.

[0008] These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the description provided in this summary section and elsewhere in this document is intended to illustrate the claimed subject matter by way of example and not by way of limitation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a scooter, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2A illustrates a first wheel configuration of the scooter, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2B illustrates a second wheel configuration of the scooter, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a first example of a photovoltaic (PV) assembly of the scooter in a deployed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4A illustrates deployment of a first side PV panel of the PV assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4B illustrates deployment of a second side PV panel of the PV assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4C illustrates the first side PV panel deployment and the second side PV panel fully deployed, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates deployment of the first side PV panel deployment and the second side PV panel by actuating a kickstand of the scooter, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6A illustrates a second example of a PV assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6B illustrates the second example of a PV assembly in a deployed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0019] Figures 7A illustrates another example of a PV assembly in a stowed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0020] Figures 7B illustrates the example PV assembly in a deployed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7C illustrates the manner in which the example PV assembly may transition between the stowed configuration of Figure 7 A and the deployed configuration of Figure 7B, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8A illustrates transitioning of another example of a PV assembly from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8B illustrates a release mechanism of the example PV assembly, in accordance with an embodiment. [0024] Figure 9 illustrates transitioning of another example of a PV assembly from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a removable PV assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11A illustrates an example of a PV assembly in a stowed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment in which the PV assembly is stowed non-planar with a surface underlying a scooter.

[0027] Figure 11B illustrates the example of the PV assembly of Figure 11A in a deployed configuration.

[0028]

[0029] Figure 12A illustrates an example of a skateboard fitted with a PV assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12B illustrates an example electronics system for a removable PV assembly and vehicle.

[0031] Figure 13 illustrates operations performed by a computer system for determining an optimal PV assembly configuration to use for a particular vehicle.

[0032] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a computer system that may perform operations described herein.

Detailed Description

[0033] Example methods, devices, and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the words“example” and“exemplary” are used herein to mean“serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example” or“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features unless stated as such. Thus, other embodiments can be utilized and other changes can be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0034] Accordingly, the example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. For example, the separation of features into“client” and“server” components may occur in a number of ways.

[0035] Further, unless the context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall embodiments, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each embodiment.

[0036] Additionally, any enumeration of elements, blocks, or steps in this specification or the claims is for purposes of clarity. Thus, such enumeration should not be interpreted to require or imply that these elements, blocks, or steps adhere to a particular arrangement or are carried out in a particular order.

I. Introduction

[0037] Various embodiments are disclosed herein to address the challenges noted above. The embodiments include systems and methods for charging an energy storage device in an electric vehicle using a photovoltaic/solar battery (PV) charging system that can be stowable and re-deployable, and a vehicle employing such a charging system.

[0038] Typical solar charging systems for charging vehicle batteries have been limited by factors such as long charging time in sunlight and low persistent power output, lack of stowability and/or removability, difficulty of installation (if removable), heavy weight, low aerodynamic efficiency, and other factors that interfere with typical land vehicle operation while using such mounted solar charging systems.

[0039] To combat the long charging time, as well as usability limitations, of such vehicle- mounted PV panel array products, solutions that allow for high effective PV area with low vehicle utilization interference and short charging times would be advantageous. [0040] It is desirable to improve on PV charging systems or at least to provide one or more useful alternatives to help improve charging time, usability, and/or other aspects.

A. First PV Assembly Example

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates an example scooter 100 in accordance with an embodiment. Components of the scooter 100 may include a handlebar 105, a steering column 110, a front suspension 115, a rear suspension 120, and a deck 130. The deck 130 includes a head section 135, a midsection 140, and a tail section 145.

[0042] The handlebar 105 is mechanically coupled to the front suspension 115 via the steering column 110. A midsection of the steering column 110 may be coupled to the head section 135 of the deck 130. The tail section 145 of the deck 130 may be coupled to the rear suspension 120. A front wheel 150A may be disposed between forks of the front suspension 115. A rear wheel 150B may be disposed between forks of the rear suspension 120.

[0043] In operation, rotation of the handlebar 105 rotates the front suspension 115 relative to the deck 130. In this regard, the steering column 110 (and hence, the front suspension) may rotate inside of and relative to a headtube 185 that is fixedly coupled to (e.g. welded to) the head section 135 of the deck 130. For example, one or more bearings inside the headtube 185 may facilitate rotation of the steering column 110 and front suspension 115 relative to the headtube 185 and deck 135. Other steering configurations are also possible.

[0044] One or both of the front wheel 150 A and the rear wheel 150B may include a hub 205 and a tire 210. (See Figures 2A and 2B, illustrating front wheel 150A and rear wheel 150B, respectively.) An electric motor 215 for rotating the front wheel 150A and/or the rear wheel 150B may be mechanically coupled to the front wheel 150A and/or the rear wheel 150B. For example, the electric motor 215 may be integrated within the hub 205 of the front wheel 150A and/or the rear wheel 150B, as illustrated in Figure 2A. In another example, the electric motor 215 may be positioned adjacent to and in contact with the tire 210 of the front wheel 150A and/or the rear wheel 150B, as illustrated in Figure 2B. Wires 220 through which the electric motor 215 may receive power may be routed from the deck 130 (or some other location) to the electric motor 215. For example, the wires 220 may be routed to the electric motor 215 through the forks 225 of the front suspension 115 and/or the rear suspension 120. More than one electric motor may be included for rotating the front wheel 150 A and/or the rear wheel 150B.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, one or more of the head section 135, midsection 140, and tail section 145 of the deck 130 may include an energy storage device 170 (e.g. a battery, capacitor, or other energy storage device) and circuitry 185. The circuitry 185 may include motor control circuitry and charging circuitry, for example. In some implementations, the circuitry 185 may include panel deployment circuitry, damage control circuitry, and auxiliary function circuitry. Figure 12B illustrates further details regarding one embodiment of the circuitry 185.

[0046] The energy storage device 170 may correspond to a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. For example, the energy storage device 170 may be based on a chemistry such as lithium ion, lithium ion polymer, or lithium polymer, for example. The energy storage device 170 may be based on other chemistries such as NiMh, Graphene, NiCad, Lead Acid or a different chemistry that facilitates recharging the energy storage device 170. As an alternative to or in addition to a battery, the energy storage device 170 may correspond to a capacitor, supercapacitor, inductor, flywheel energy storage device, thermal storage cell, or other energy storage device.

[0047] The motor control circuity may receive power from the energy storage device 170 and deliver a controlled amount of power to one or both of the front wheel 150A and rear wheel 150B. In this regard, a control may be provided on, for example, the handlebar 105 to facilitate controlling the amount of power delivered to the wheels and, therefore, the speed of the scooter 100.

[0048] The midsection 140 of the deck 130 includes a photovoltaic (PV) assembly 160 configured to convert solar energy to electricity for charging the energy storage device 170. In this regard, the charging circuitry may receive a generally unregulated voltage from the PV assembly 160 and convert the unregulated voltage to a regulated voltage suitable for charging the energy storage device 170. The charging circuitry may assist in implementing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) to help optimize the persistent and/or average output power of PV arrays in varying incident light intensity conditions.

[0049] In an implementation, the PV assembly 160 is configured to autonomously charge the energy storage device 170 to extend the maximum operating time and/or range of the scooter 100. In some implementations, the weight of the charging system no more than doubles the weight of the scooter when compared to a conventional scooter 100.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates a first example of a PV assembly 160 in a deployed configuration. The PV assembly 160 includes a first side PV panel 305 A, a second side PV panel 305B, a middle PV panel 310, a first hinge assembly 315A, and a second hinge assembly 315B.

[0051] The first side PV panel 305A, second side PV panel 305B, and middle PV panel 310, may include a support surface 320 and a PV array 325 of PV cells disposed on the support surface 320. In an implementation, the PV array 325 may be disposed on the front and the back surfaces of one or more of the panels. For example, PV array 325 may be disposed on a top and bottom of the support surface 320 of the first side PV panel 305A to facilitate charging operations when the PV assembly 160 is in both a stowed configuration (Figure 1) and a deployed configuration (Figure 4C).

[0052] The support surface 320 may be formed from a rigid material. For example, the support surface 320 may be formed from one or more of a metal material, a polymer material, and a carbon fiber material. The support surface 320 may be configured to support a rider of the scooter 100. In this regard, the support surface 320 may have a somewhat rectangular shape, oval shape, or another shape suitable to support the rider.

[0053] The PV cells of the PV array 325 may be silicon-based or gallium arsenide-based, or may be based on a combination of silicon and gallium arsenide, for example. The PV cells may be based on other elements that exhibit photovoltaic properties. In some implementations, the PV cells may be provided on a rigid or flexible substrate.

[0054] In an implementation, one or more reflectors and/or concentrating lenses may be disposed above the PV array 325 to increase the incident light intensity on the PV array 325. In this regard, the reflectors may be disposed on an inflatable member that is disposed above the PV array 325. The inflatable member may correspond to a collapsible bag of soft and/or flexible, highly transparent material. During deployment, the inflatable member may be inflated to move the reflectors away from the PV array 325 to optimize a distance between the reflector and the PV array 325 to increase the incident light intensity on the PV array 325.

[0055] Similarly, all or part of the PV array 325 and/or scooter can be positioned and/or oriented to maximize expected, predicted, calculated, and/or observed incident light. As one example, the PV array 325 can track the sun (or other light source) via tilting and/or orienting the PV array 325 and/or the scooter itself via one or more electro-mechanical actuators, servos, or other mechanisms in order to increase observed (e.g. via one or more integrated optical sensors) or calculated (e.g. via an electronic compass, clock, and stored or retrieved solar data) incident light. As another example, an application associated with the scooter can direct a user of the scooter to orient the scooter and/or PV array 325 in a particular direction and/or orientation, such as by displaying a directional indicator or other item on a graphical user interface on a display located on the scooter or other device (e.g. phone) associated with the user or scooter. Such an application may utilize an electronic compass and/or other sensors (e.g. one or more tilt or angular displacement sensors) to assist in directing the user. [0056] The first hinge assembly 315A and the second hinge assembly 315B may extend in a longitudinal direction of the middle PV panel 310. That is, from the head section 135 of the deck 130 to the tail section 145 of the deck 130. The first hinge assembly 315A is configured to hingedly couple the first side PV panel 305A to a first edge of the middle PV panel 310. The second hinge assembly 315B is configured to hingedly couple the second side PV panel 305B to a second edge of the middle PV panel 310.

[0057] In an implementation, one or both of the first hinge assembly 315A and the second hinge assembly 315B may include a swinging arm. In alternative implementations, one or both of the first hinge assembly 315 A and the second hinge assembly 315B may include hinged, or pin-jointed arms, where the hinges or pin joints serve as single-bar or multi-bar linkages for deploying PV panels outwards from a stack (or other arrangement) of PV panels. In this case, the hinged or pin-jointed arms may also facilitate locking the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B in either a stowed or deployed configuration.

[0058] In some implementations, one or both of the first hinge assembly 315A and the second hinge assembly 315B may include a resilient member such as a torsion spring or a leaf spring to facilitate resiliently transitioning the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B to the deployed configuration. In this case, one or both of the first hinge assembly 315 A and the second hinge assembly 315B may include a damper to control a speed at which the first hinge assembly 315A and/or the second hinge assembly 315B are deployed. In some implementations, one or both of the first hinge assembly 315 A and the second hinge assembly 315B may include a motor 330A, 330B such as an electro-mechanical actuator or servo to autonomously deploy the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B. The motors 330A, 330B may be electrically coupled to the deployment circuitry of the circuitry 185.

[0059] Figures 4A-4C illustrate deployment of the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B of the PV assembly 160 illustrated in Figure 3. In Figure 4A, the first side PV panel 305A begins to deploy. For example, the first side PV panel 305A may rotate about the first side hinge assembly 315A during deployment. In Figure 4B, the first side PV panel 305A is fully deployed, and the second side PV panel 305B may begin to deploy. For example, the second side PV panel 305B may rotate about the second hinge assembly 315B during deployment. In Figure 4C, the second side PV panel 305B is fully deployed. In some implementations, when the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B are fully deployed, the first side PV panel 305 A, the second side PV panel 305B, and the middle PV panel 310 may be substantially coplanar, plus or minus a deviation, which may be as much as 30 degrees or 20 degrees or 10 degrees or 5 degrees or 2 degrees or 1 degree, for example. In this configuration, the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B may extend beyond the outer perimeter of the middle PV panel 310.

[0060] In operation, the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B may be transitioned between stowed and deployed configurations manually or automatically. For example, a rider may manually arrange the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B in the stowed and deployed configuration. The first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B may transition between stowed and deployed configurations with the aid of resilient members integrated with the first hinge assembly 315 A and the second hinge assembly 315B. The first side PV panel 305 A and the second side PV panel 305B may transition between stowed and deployed configurations autonomously via motors integrated with the first hinge assembly 315A and the second hinge assembly 315B. In this regard, the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B may be transitioned between the stowed and deployed configurations in less than 10 minutes, less than 5 minutes, less than 60 seconds, less than 30 seconds, or even less than 10 seconds. The angle of deployment may be controlled to increase or maximize incident light on the PV panels 305A and 305B. In other words, the deployed configuration may include a configuration in which expected, predicted, calculated, and/or observed incident light on the PV panels 305A and 305B is increased or maximized.

[0061] A control 180A may be electrically coupled to the panel deployment circuitry of the circuitry 185 to control the panel deployment circuitry to transition the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. For example, in one implementation, the control 180 A may correspond to a switch provided on the handlebar 105 to control deployment. In some implementations, a kickstand 165 of the scooter may be moved to a scooter support position during deployment of the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B. For example, an actuator may be coupled to the kickstand 165 and may receive a signal from the panel deployment circuitry to deploy the kickstand 165.

[0062] In other implementations, a control 180B may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled, such as through one or more springs, levers, hinges, relays, etc., to the kickstand 165 of the scooter 100. As illustrated in Figure 5, when the user moves the kickstand 165 to support the scooter, the control 180B may be actuated to cause the first side PV panel 305 A and the second side PV panel 305B to transition to the deployed configuration. When the user retracts the kickstand 165, the control 180B may be actuated to cause the first side PV panel 305A and the second side PV panel 305B to transition to the stowed configuration.

[0063] In the stowed configuration of Figure 1, the first side PV panel 305 A and the second side PV panel 305B may only be partially exposed to the incident ambient light intensity. For example, a first surface of the first side PV panel 305A may be exposed. In this case, electricity may be generated by a PV array 325 arranged on the first surface of the support surface 320.

[0064] In the deployed configuration of Figure 4C, the PV array 325 of the first side PV panel 305A, the second side PV panel 305B, and the middle PV panel 310 may be exposed. Therefore, the PV array 325 surface area that is exposed in the deployed configuration may be about three times that of the PV array 325 surface area that is exposed in the stowed configuration (if the middle PV panel 310 has a PV array 325 on both of its sides). In this case, the amount of incident light available to produce electricity in the deployed configuration may be about three times that of the amount of incident light available to produce electricity in the stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the ambient light intensity may be sufficient to cause the PV array 325 of the first side PV panel 305A, the second side PV panel 305B, and the middle PV panel 310 to continuously generate between 1% and 500% of the amount of power generated by a typical scooter charger. For example, the PV array 325 of the first side PV panel 305A, the second side PV panel 305B, and the middle PV panel 310 may generate between 10 watts per square meter to 1.5 kilowatts per square meter.

[0065]

[0066] In the embodiments set forth above, the PV array with photovoltaic cells collectively comprises an active area having a first surface area when stowed, and when deployed, has a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area. The active area is the area of the PV array that is available (positioned/oriented relative to a light source, such as the sun) to collect light for conversion to power.

B. Second PV Assembly Example

[0067] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a second example PV assembly 600. The second PV assembly includes a first side PV panel 605 A, a second side PV panel 605B, a middle PV panel 610, a rear PV panel 615, a first side hinge assembly 615A, a second side hinge assembly 615B, and a rear hinge assembly 620.

[0068] The first side PV panel 605A, second side PV panel 605B, and middle PV panel 610 may be configured and operate in a similar manner as the first side PV panel 305A, second side PV panel 305B, and middle PV panel 310 of the first example PV assembly illustrated in Figure 3. The rear hinge assembly 620 is configured to hingedly couple the rear PV panel 615 to a transverse edge of the middle PV panel 610 so that when deployed, the rear PV panel 615 overlaps the rear suspension 120 of the scooter 100.

[0069] In operation, the first side PV panel 605A and the second side PV panel 605B may begin to deploy. After deployment of the second side PV panel 605B, the fourth PV panel 615 may begin to deploy.

C. Other PV Assembly Examples

[0070] While the PV assemblies have been described as including a middle panel with two or three hinges coupled to auxiliary panels, it is contemplated that the PV assembly may be configured differently.

[0071] For example, Figure 7A illustrates an example of a PV assembly 700 in a stowed configuration. Figure 7B illustrates the example PV assembly 700 in a deployed confirmation. Figure 7C illustrates how the example PV assembly 700 may transition between the stowed configuration of Figure 7A and the deployed configuration of Figure 7B.

[0072] As illustrated in Figure 7B, the example PV assembly 700 may include a middle PV panel 705, a pair of side PV panels (710 A, 710B) hingedly coupled to opposite sides of the middle PV panel 705, and auxiliary side PV panels (715 A, 715B) hingedly coupled to respective sides of the pair of side PV panels (710A, 710B). The various panels may be coupled together using any of the hinge assemblies described above. In this example, the width 720 of the middle PV panel 705 may be about twice as wide as the width of each of the other four panels.

[0073] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate another example of a PV assembly 800. The PV assembly 800 may include a center PV section 805 that includes a pair of PV panels (810A, 810B) therein configured to slide out of the center PV section 805. The pair of PV panels (810A, 810B) may be arranged on drawer slides or rollers to facilitate sliding out of the center PV section 805. The drawer slides or rollers may include resilient members that urge the pair of PV panels (810A, 810B) to deploy or retract. In this regard, the drawer slides or rollers may include a release mechanism 815 that when actuated, such as by a user, causes the pair of PV panels (810A, 810B) to deploy. The user may manually move the pair of PV panels (810 A, 810B) back to the stowed configuration, for example. An alternative arrangement is also possible where the user manually deploys the pair of PV panels (810A, 810B) and the resilient member urges the pair of PV panels (810 A, 810B) to the stowed configuration. In some implementations, the drawer slides or rollers may be coupled to a motor that facilitates deployment and stowing of the pair of PV panels (810A, 81 OB). In other implementations, control cables, solenoids, pneumatic pistons, or other mechanical or electromechanical actuation mechanisms may be utilized to deploy and/or retract the pair of PV panels (810A, 81 OB). As described above, deploying the PV panels may include deploying the PV panels to a position and/or orientation that increases or maximizes incident light on the PV panels.

[0074] Figure 9 illustrates another example of a PV assembly 900. The example PV assembly 900 may include a center PV section 905 and a pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B). The pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B) may be deployed via a rolling mechanism. In this regard, when stowed, the pair of flexible PV panels (910 A, 910B) may be rolled onto rollers that run longitudinally alongside edges of the center PV section 905. The pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B) may be unrolled in a direction transverse to the rollers.

[0075] The rollers may include resilient members that urge the pair of flexible PV panels (910 A, 910B) to deploy or retract. In this regard, the rollers may include a release mechanism that when actuated by a user causes the pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B) to deploy. The user may manually move the pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B) back to the stowed configuration, for example. An alternative arrangement is also possible where the user manually deploys the pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B) and the resilient member urges the pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B) to the stowed configuration. In some implementations, the rollers may be mechanically coupled to a motor that facilitates automatic deployment and stowing of the pair of flexible PV panels (910A, 910B). In other implementations, control cables, solenoids, pneumatic pistons, electroactive polymers, shape memory alloys, or other purely mechanical or electro-mechanical actuation mechanisms may be utilized to deploy and/or retract the panels.

[0076] Other PV assembly configurations are contemplated. For example, panels of the PV assembly may be stowed by folding the panels in parallel or perpendicularly. Flexible panels may be folded according to Miura folds and/or zig-zag folds, for example.

D. PV Assembly Operational Status

[0077] It may be advantageous for a user of the scooter to be able to ascertain the operational status of the PV assembly. For example, the user may not want to ride the scooter unless the scooter can be charged by the PV assembly. Therefore, in some implementations, the circuitry 185 may include operational status circuitry configured to receive information from various sources to thereby determine the operational status of the PV assembly. For example, the operational status circuitry may determine a percentage of the PV cells of a particular PV array 325 that are functioning based on information received from sensors within the PV array 325. For example, the PV array 325 may include ambient light sensors, incident light sensors, current sensors, and/or voltage sensors. The operational status circuitry may utilize information communicated from these sensors to determine whether the voltage and current generated by the PV array 325 correlates with the amount of incident and ambient light received by the PV array 325.

[0078] In some implementations, the scooter may include a camera that generates a photo or video data of a particular PV array 325. A processor of the operational status circuitry may process the photo or video data through a computational model to determine whether there is any mechanical and/or electrical damage to the PV array 325 and, if so, the amount of damage the PV array 325 may have incurred. Other sensors, such as sensors detecting and/or measuring characteristics related to current, resistivity, voltage, capacitive, inductive, mechanical, thermal, or other such properties, may alternatively be used for damage assessment. An indication of detected damage can be provided to a user of the scooter via a graphical user interface, for example, Alternatively or additionally, an indication of detected damage can be provided to a vehicle fleet operator via a network connection.

[0079] In some implementations, the operational status circuitry may include a user interface that facilitates providing information regarding the operational status to a user. For example, the user interface may generate audio and/or visual indications indicative of the operational status of a particular PV array 325. The user interface may include a display that facilitates providing detailed information related to the operational status of the PV array 325.

[0080] In some implementations, the operational status circuitry may include wireless circuitry (e.g., Bluetooth®, wifi, and/or cellular data) that facilitates wirelessly communicating the operational status information to a remote device such as a smartphone.

E. Removable PV Assembly

[0081] Figure 10 illustrates an example removable photovoltaic (PV) assembly 1000. The removable PV assembly 1000 may include a pair of side PV panels, a middle PV panel, and/or a rear PV panel similar to the panels of the other PV assemblies described above. The panels may be hingedly coupled to one another in a similar manner as the panels of the PV assemblies described above.

[0082] The removable PV assembly 1000 is configured to be removably coupled to a conventional scooter 1010. The removable photovoltaic (PV) assembly 1000 may include a power wire configured to fit to a charging board of a conventional scooter 1010. [0083] In an implementation, the removable PV assembly 1000 may be coupled to a conventional scooter 1010 via one or more fasteners. The fasteners may correspond to one or more of: elastic or tensioned bands, hook-and-loop/hook-and-hook (e.g. Velcro®, 3M Dual Lock™), zippers, zip ties, rope-and-ratchet, carabiners, magnets, adhesive-backed magnets, re-tackable adhesive tape or paste, friction-fit, snap-fit, magnetic, or clamp-fit clips, manually actuatable nuts, screws, press fits, insertion fits, clamps, spring-loaded clips, and/or rotating locks.

[0084] In one implementation, a lower surface of the removable PV assembly 1000 may correspond to the lower surface of the middle PV panel. The lower surface may be fitted with a hook-and-loop fastener. A top surface of the deck of a conventional scooter 1010 may be fitted with a similar fastener to facilitate securing the removable PV assembly 1000 to the deck of the conventional scooter 1010.

[0085] The fasteners may facilitate removal and/or attachment of the removable PV assembly 1000 to a conventional scooter 1010 in less than two minutes, or less than 60 seconds, or less than 30 seconds, or even less than 10 seconds.

[0086] In an implementation, the removable PV assembly 1000 may include one or more locking mechanisms to secure the removable PV assembly 1000 to the deck of a conventional scooter 1010 to prevent unwanted removal of the removable PV assembly 1000 from the scooter 1010. For example, the locking mechanism may correspond to one or more of: padlocks, deadbolt locks, cam locks, rim cylinder locks, mortise cylinder locks, other single or double cylinder locks, vending/T-handle locks, rim latch locks, magnetic locks, and/or smart locks. In some implementations, the locking mechanism(s) may be actuated with, for example, one or more keys, entered combinations or codes, passwords/passcodes, and/or biometric inputs. In this regard, the locking mechanism(s) may include mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromechanical, software, or other components that facilitate locking the locking mechanism(s).

F. PV Assembly Example: Non-Parallel Plane

[0087] Figure 11A illustrates an example of a scooter 1100 having a PV assembly 1102 in a stowed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment in which the PV assembly 1102 is stowed not in a parallel plane with a surface 1104 underlying the scooter 1100.

[0088] The scooter 1100 differs from the scooter 100 of Figure 1 and several other figures herein, due to the lack of a generally flat deck 130 of the kind possessed by scooter 100. While the scooter 100 is typically operated by a user positioned in a standing position, the scooter 1100 instead is designed so that a user can operate the scooter 1100 in a seated position.

[0089] The scooter 1100 includes a frame comprising a top tube 1105, a seat tube 1110, a seat stay 1115, a lower stay 1118, a head tube 1120, a steering tube 1125, a handlebar 1128, and a front suspension comprised of two fork prongs H30a and H30b. As shown, the top tube 1105 connects the seat tube 1110 to the head tube 1120, which has the steering tube 1125 passing through it to provide a rigid connection between the handlebars 1128 and the fork prongs H30a and H30b, which together serve as a suspension for a first (front) wheel, as shown. The seat tube 1110 is rigidly connected (e.g. by welding) to the seat stay 1115 and 1118 to provide a rear suspension for a second (rear) wheel, as shown, and to provide support for the seat tube 1110 that supports the seat 1112.

[0090] An energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery (or any of the other energy storage devices described herein) may be integrated in and/or mounted on one or more of the top tube 1105, seat tube 1110, seat stay 1115, lower stay 1118, head tube 1120, steering tube 1125, handlebar 1128, or fork prongs H30a and H30b, for example. Alternatively, the energy storage device may be part of or mounted to a seat 1112 mounted to the seat tube 1110.

[0091] The PV assembly 1102 is shown mounted to the steering tube 1125 such that a first roller solar array 1135a and a second roller solar array 1135b are mounted generally parallel with and on either side of the steering tube 1125. The first and second roller solar arrays H35a and H35b may be similar to the flexible PV panels 910A, 910B and the rolling mechanism of Fig. 9. Alternatively, sliding and/or folding arrays may alternatively or additionally be used. As illustrated the first roller solar array 1135a is coupled to a hinge 1140a that is further coupled to the steering tube 1125 to allow the first roller solar array 1135a to rotate downward from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. Similarly, the second solar array 1135b is coupled to a hinge 1140b that is further coupled to the steering tube 1125 to allow the second roller solar array 1135b to rotate downward from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. One or more stopping and/or ratcheting mechanisms may be included and may take the form of detents, brakes, slides on rods with thumbscrew tighteners, or other mechanisms to control the angle to which the first and second roller solar arrays 1 l35a and 1135b are rotated downward from the steering tube.

[0092] Figure 11B illustrates the example of the PV assembly of Figure 11A in a deployed configuration. For clarity in illustration, only the second roller solar array H35b is numbered in Figure 11B, but as can be as seen, both the first and second roller solar arrays are rotated downward to a deployed angle, which may be an angle that increases or maximizes incident light. Once rotated to the deployed angle, the first and second roller solar arrays H35a and H35b may be extended outward (e.g. rolled outward) to increase their surface area incident to the sun or other light source. The deployed angle may, for example, be such that the first and second roller solar arrays H35a and H35b, when deployed (rotated downward and rolled/extended outward), are generally in a parallel plane with the surface 1104 (See Figure 11 A) underlying the scooter 1100. As used herein,“generally in a parallel plane” means in a parallel plane plus or minus a deviation at which the planes intersect, which may be as much as 30 degrees or 20 degrees or 10 degrees or 5 degrees or 2 degrees or 1 degree, for example. Alternatively, the deployed angle may, for example, be such that the first and second roller solar arrays, when deployed (rotated downward and rolled/extended outward) are generally orthogonal to an observed, predicted, forecasted, and/or calculated angle to the sun or other light source.

[0093] The first and second roller solar arrays H35a and H35b may be stowed again by contracting (e.g. rolling inward) the extended portions and rotating the first and second roller solar arrays H35a and H35b back upward to be generally parallel with the steering tube 1125. Rotation may be along a single axis (e.g. up/down) and/or along more than one axis (e.g. up/down and side/side) to allow for favorable position relative to a light source.

[0094] As shown in the example of Figures 11A and 11B, the PV assembly need not be mounted in a parallel plane with a vehicle’s deck, the ground (e.g. Earth’s surface), or any other particular surface, according to some embodiments. Instead, through the use of hinges, joints, and other rotation mechanisms, the PV assembly can be mounted in other orientations and configurations, to allow for deployment in different directions and at different angles.

G. Other Vehicle Examples

[0095] While the PV assemblies have been described in connection with a scooter, it is contemplated that the PV assemblies may be adapted to operate with other vehicles that utilize an energy storage device (e.g. a rechargeable battery) such as, for example, skateboards (see Figure 12A) and others. In this regard, the configuration of the PV assembly may be adapted based on the size and shape of the vehicle and the capacity of the energy storage device. For example, the PV assembly may be sized so that when deployed, the side PV panels cover most or all of a generally flat surface of the vehicle, such a deck, roof, trunk, or hood. In some implementations, the middle PV panel may cover most or all of such a flat surface of the vehicle so that when deployed, the side PV panels extend from essentially the edge(s) of the vehicle and beyond. [0096] In some implementations, the PV assembly may improve and/or otherwise modify the aerodynamics of the vehicle. For example, in the stowed configuration, the PV assembly may increase the net lift force generated by the body of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving by increasing or otherwise optimizing the effective size of a wing or foil (or other aerodynamic surface) of the vehicle. That is, drag on the vehicle may be decreased by increasing the average path length of air molecules traveling over the vehicle or some portion of the vehicle during operation, or by decreasing the net drag force generated by the body of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. The PV assembly may increase the average surface smoothness, and/or decrease the average surface roughness, of at least a portion of a surface or surfaces of the vehicle.

[0097] In some implementations, the PV assembly may provide power that facilitates performing various auxiliary vehicle functions. For example, in addition to charging an energy storage device (e.g. a battery), the PV assembly may generate power that facilitates performing auxiliary functions such as transmitting vehicle data, powering electromechanical vehicle attachments, operating optical and/or infrared cameras, and/or operating a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. Other functions or other electrical devices mounted to the vehicle for any purpose may be powered by the PV assembly.

H. Electronics for PV Assembly

[0098] Figure 12B illustrates an example electronics system for a removable PV assembly and vehicle. Most vehicles utilizing an energy storage device 1252, such as a battery or capacitor, include an associated electronics system. For example, a scooter, such as the scooter 100 or scooter 1100 typically includes base electronics allowing for DC input 1254 (for charging, such as by plugging the scooter into an AC outlook via an AC/DC converter) and a battery management system 1256 (e.g. the 9bot™ Battery Management System) that monitors battery charge and controls the rate of charging and other parameters. The scooter’s base electronics typically also include circuitry providing DC power to one or more scooter motors 1258 (e.g. servo motors). The aforementioned scooter base electronics typically include a processing device (not shown; e.g. a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other processing device) along with associated wiring and/or electrical components (e.g. resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, diodes, transformers, etc.).

[0099] As described above, the PV assembly configurations described herein may be implemented as retrofits (add-ons to existing scooters or other vehicles) or as manufacturing- level integrations into the vehicles themselves. When implemented as retrofits, the electronics specific to the PV assembly, and in addition to the vehicle’s base electronics, will likely require its own processing device, since the vehicle’s base electronics’ processing device will likely not be accessible or will be unsuitable to also provide the processing called for by the PV assembly. Instead, the PV assembly electronics will likely include its own microcontroller (or other processing device or dedicated circuitry) to handle functionality specific to the PV assembly.

[0100] For example, when the PV assembly is implemented as a retrofit in a scooter, the retrofit electronics may be installed on, in, or under a baseplate on the deck or kicker plate of the scooter. The retrofit electronics will typically include a solar panel input 1260, a bypass diode array 1262, a charge controller 1264, power/ambient temperature sensors 1266, a retrofit controller (i.e. a processing device) 1268, an antenna 1270 (for communicating with a wireless-network-connected server), a Buck converter 1272, and servo motors for effecting deployment and stowing of solar arrays 1274.

[0101] When the PV assembly is instead implemented as an integral part of the scooter, the same components as described above for the retrofit may be included. However, the retrofit controller 1268 can be replaced with scooter’s own processing device and the electronics can be physically integrated into the scooter during manufacturing, which might allow for a more streamlined and robust construction.

I. System for Selecting PV Array Configuration for Vehicle

[0102] As noted above, the PV assemblies may be adapted to operate with vehicles of various shapes and sizes. Figure 13 illustrates operations performed by a computer system for determining an optimal PV assembly configuration to use for a particular vehicle. In this regard, the computer system may include a memory with instructions (e.g. in the form of code) that cause a processor of the computer system to perform the operations.

[0103] At operation 1300, vehicle parameters may be received. For example, a user may specify the vehicle parameters via a user interface of the system, such as a web page generated by the system. The vehicle parameters may include one or more of the following:

• Typical and/or time-variant land vehicle system power draw during operation.

• Land vehicle curb weight without the photovoltaic charging system.

• Typical and/or maximum land vehicle moving operation time or travel distance without the vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system or any charging of energy storage device(s).

• Maximum charging current of the target charging energy storage device of the vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system. [0104] In some implementations, the user need not specify all of the parameters. Rather, the user may specify, for example, the type, make, model, and/or year of a vehicle and the vehicle parameters above may be received from a database that stores information associated with various makes and models of vehicle.

[0105] At operation 1305, photovoltaic (PV) parameters may be received. The PV parameters may include one or more of the following:

• Average areal density of selected photovoltaic cells with or without lamination materials.

• Average areal power generation density, and/or power conversion efficiency of selected photovoltaic cells.

[0106] In some implementations, the user may be presented with a list of different types of PV arrays and may specify a type of PV array. In this case, PV parameters associated with the specified PV array may be received from a database that stores information associated with various PV array types.

[0107] At operation 1310, environmental parameters may be received. The environmental parameters may include one or more of the following:

• Typical conditions for moving operation and/or stationary storage of the land vehicle, such as weight- and/or motion-induced loading forces, impact, rain, sleet, snow, high or low temperatures, wind, vibration, UV radiation, and other operating conditions.

[0108] At operation 1315, other miscellaneous parameters may be received. The miscellaneous parameters may include one or more of the following:

• Advantageous aggregate PV cell area for the vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system given performance requirements.

• Maximum allowable weight of the vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system.

• Predicted charging time while using the vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system in at least minimum operating incident ambient light conditions.

• Predicted typical and/or maximum and/or time-specific vehicle operating time or range while using the vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system in optimal incident ambient light conditions.

• Weight-induced additional power draw requirement for the land vehicle due to the vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system during use with the removable photovoltaic charging system. • Total vehicle-mounted photovoltaic charging system power generation in various incident ambient light conditions.

[0109] At operation 1320, the optimum PV assembly for the vehicle may be determined. For example, a database with records that associate various PV assembly configurations with the information received above may be searched for a matching record. In some cases, vehicle parameters, photovoltaic parameters, environmental parameters, and other miscellaneous parameters associated with various vehicles that are already fitted with different kinds of PV assemblies may be used to train a machine-learning system to determine an optimal PV assembly for a particular vehicle associated with a particular set of parameters.

[0110] At block 1325, the results determined in operation 1320 may be communicated to a user. For example, the results may be communicated via a web page to the user.

J. Example Computer System

[0111] Figure 14 illustrates an example computer system 1400 that may perform operations described herein. The computer system 1400 may include a set of instructions 1445 that a processor 1405 may execute to cause the computer system 1300 to perform operations described herein. The computer system 1300 may operate as a stand-alone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices.

[0112] In a networked deployment, the computer system 1400 may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client computer in a server-client network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) environment. The computer system 1400 may also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer or a mobile device, capable of executing instructions 1445 (sequential or otherwise) causing a device to perform one or more actions. Further, each of the systems described may include a collection of subsystems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer operations.

[0113] The computer system 1400 may include one or more memory devices 1410 communicatively coupled to a bus 1420 for communicating information. In addition, code operable to cause the computer system to perform operations described above may be stored in the memory 1410. The memory 1410 may be a random-access memory, read-only memory, programmable memory, hard disk drive or any other type of memory or storage device.

[0114] The computer system 1400 may include a display 1430, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other display suitable for conveying information. The display 1430 may act as an interface for the user to see processing results produced by processor 1405.

[0115] Additionally, the computer system 1400 may include an input device 1425, such as a keyboard or mouse or touchscreen, configured to allow a user to interact with components of system 1400.

[0116] The computer system 1400 may also include a disk or optical drive unit 1415. The drive unit 1415 may include a computer-readable medium 1440 in which the instructions 1445 may be stored. The instructions 1445 may reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory 1410 and/or within the processor 1405 during execution by the computer system 1400. The memory 1410 and the processor 1405 also may include computer-readable media as discussed above.

[0117] The computer system 1400 may include a communication interface 1435 to support communications via a network 1450. The network 1450 may include wired networks, wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The communication interface 1435 may enable communications via any number of communication standards, such as 802.11, 802.12, 802.20, WiMAX, cellular telephone standards, or other communication standards.

K. Example Network-Based Vehicle Administration System

[0118] The example computing system of Figure 14 may be adapted and/or utilized in combination with or as part of an electronics system, such as the example electronics system shown in Figure 12B, to realize a vehicle administration system. According to one embodiment, a fleet of vehicles, such as electric scooters, is managed via a client-server architecture, in which each vehicle is or includes a client device that communicates with one or more servers to provide functionality such as vehicle tracking, payment processing, charge monitoring, vehicle condition monitoring (e.g. via one or more sensors indicating a condition of a vehicle component), authentication (of vehicle users and/or network entities with which the vehicle communicates), indications of solar power, and efficiency, for example.

[0119] Authentication may be accomplished via public/private key encryption, for example, or via other industry standard or proprietary techniques, now known or as developed in the future. Such authentication may prevent unauthorized deploying and/or stowing of the PV panels on demand, for example.

[0120] With respect to the deployable PV charging systems for scooters described herein, the client scooters may each communicate data via a network (e.g. a wireless network) to one or more servers. Such PV-specific communicated data may include one or more of the following: (1) initial PV panel position and/or orientation, (2) periodically determined PV panel positions and/or orientations, (3) on-demand PV panel positions and/or orientations, (4) energy storage device level (e.g. battery voltage), energy storage device capacity (e.g. optimal battery voltage), (5) PV panel voltages and currents (e.g. at predetermined intervals or on-demand), (6) other efficiency measurements, (7) other solar power indications, (8) light intensity measurements (e.g. sensed at PV panel(s) or at a fixed location on the scooter), and/or (9) a sensed weather condition, for example. Other types of data relevant to PV charging may additionally or alternatively be communicated from client scooters to the one or more servers.

[0121] In a case where the PV charging system is an integral subassembly (rather than a removable retrofit) of a scooter, the scooter’s processor (e.g. microcontroller) may coordinate information from at least the control (e.g. control l80a), energy storage device (e.g. energy storage device 170), and power measurement sensors (e.g. voltage/current measurements) and communicate with one or more servers, according to one embodiment. The server(s) may communicate with a user of the scooter via an application on the user’s phone or other device having a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth) to the scooter, or via a display panel (or other user interface) on the scooter itself.

[0122] In a case where the PV charging system is a removable retrofit (rather than an integral subassembly) of a scooter, the retrofit can be provided with an Application Programming Interface (API) to allow a scooter fleet operator to implement bidirectional communications between the retrofit and the fleet operator’s server(s). For example, a scooter user’s phone application may utilize the API to read information from the retrofit (e.g. via Bluetooth or another communication protocol or technology). The user’s phone application may then transmit the read information to the fleet operator’s server(s), such as via a cellular communications network and/or Wi-Fi network. The server(s) may, in turn, transmit information back to the user’s phone application to display instructions and/or information via the application (e.g. on a graphical user interface (GUI)).

[0123] An example of a vehicle administration system in operation will now be provided, in the context of a scooter having a deployable PV charging system. Upon initiating a ride, such as through using a phone application to scan a QR code of a particular scooter, the scooter can transmit PV panel information (e.g. panel position/orientation) via the phone application to the server(s). If the PV panels are determined to be in a deployed configuration, the server(s) can send a communication to the phone application instructing the user to stow the PV panels. Alternatively, instead of the server performing the aforementioned steps, the phone application itself can make the determinations and instructions to stow the PV panels locally. In either case, the phone application can prevent the scooter’s electric motor from operating until the PV panels are stowed, in order to prevent damage to the PV panels, scooter, or other objects, and to prevent injury to the user and/or others. If the position of the PV panels are periodically monitored during the user’s ride, then the server(s) can remotely disable or lock the scooter if the PV panels suddenly become deployed while the user is operating the scooter. This could also be performed locally by the user’s phone application, as well. Upon completion of the ride, the server(s) and/or local phone application can instruct the user to deploy the PV panels, such as in a preferred position and/or orientation to promote incident light. After receiving information confirming deployment, the server can end the ride, which may include determining a total amount to be charged to the user for renting the scooter.

L. Integration with Other Energy-Harvesting Sources

The PV arrays described herein may be integrated with other energy -harvesting sources and systems (i.e. supplemental energy -harvesting sources). Such integration may provide efficiencies in charging energy storage devices by utilizing some or all of the same system components as described above with respect to the PV array. For example, a supplemental energy -harvesting source may utilize wind energy. Other possible supplemental energy harvesting sources may include, for example, those utilizing regenerative braking energy, thermal energy (e.g. using heat generated by friction from the vehicle’s wheels and/or other moving parts or using thermal voltaics (e.g. nanowire tubes)), or kinetic energy (e.g. from shaking, vibrations, or other movements). In addition to synergies from cooperatively using charging and/or control circuitry, supplemental energy-harvesting sources can provide charging capabilities when the sun (or other light source) is not providing sufficient light for adequate and/or desirable charging.

M. Conclusion

[0124] The particular arrangements shown in the Figures should not be viewed as limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments can include more or less of each element shown in a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements can be combined or omitted. Y et further, example embodiments can include elements that are not illustrated in the figures.

[0125] Additionally, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.