Automated Charging Cord Management for Electronic Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging systems require manual user interaction to connect and disconnect electronic devices from charging cords, especially for devices positioned off the floor, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An automated charging management system comprising a charging cord management device, a connector, a power supply, and retractable cords, equipped with sensors and motors for wireless communication and motion capabilities, allowing for automatic connection and disconnection at predetermined times without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual connection to charging cord is used, then user control is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system performs automatic connection, charging, and disconnection operations without requiring user intervention. The electronic device autonomously navigates to the charging cord, establishes connection, monitors charging status, and disconnects when charging is complete, thereby eliminating manual operation time and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively initiates charging operations based on predetermined conditions such as scheduled times or battery threshold levels. The electronic device automatically seeks out and connects to the charging cord before the user would need to manually initiate charging, thereby saving time and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automated charging system is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging cord management device integrates multiple functions including automatic detection, navigation guidance, connection control, charging monitoring, and disconnection execution into a single unified system. This multi-functionality approach consolidates complexity into one device rather than distributing it across multiple components, making the system more manageable despite its sophisticated capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging cord management device serves as an intermediary between the power supply and the electronic device, handling all complex automated operations. This intermediary role isolates the complexity within the management device while presenting a simple automated charging interface to the user and the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless, automated charging and discharging of electronic devices at set times or when fully charged, enhancing user convenience and reducing manual effort.

Implementation Method 1

The charging cord connector further comprises a motion sensor and a position sensor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 2

The charging cord connector further comprises a motion sensor and a position sensor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Implementation Method 3

The charging cord connector bracket is further configured to be operated by a spring, electromagnetic force or a motor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

The charging cord connector bracket is further configured to be operated by a spring, electromagnetic force or a motor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 5

The charging cord management device further comprises a charging cord driving device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic rotation: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS11121562B2System for automated charging management
Publication Date: 2021.09.14 LI JEFF W H
  • US11121562B2 patent drawing
  • US11121562B2 patent drawing
  • US11121562B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for managing automated charging, the automated charging management system is provided. The system comprises a charging cord management device, a charging cord connector, a power supply, a device, a first charging cord, and a second charging cord. The charging cord management device is configured to locate the power supply. The charging cord management device is configured to align the second charging cord and the charging cord connector with the power supply. The charging cord connector is configured to be in contact with the power supply without user interaction.