Automated docking system for charging chargeable mobile devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated docking systems for chargeable mobile devices face challenges such as sensor noise, lack of mechanical flexibility, and high costs due to the use of expensive technologies like wireless charging, leading to difficulties in initial docking attempts and inefficient charging processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated docking system with a generic, IoT-enabled docking station design that incorporates a base assembly with coil springs for cushioning, a floating assembly for lateral movement, and an angular assembly for precise alignment, along with a fleet management network for efficient charging based on battery health and task duration, allowing for flexible adjustment and rotation to accommodate different types of chargeable mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional docking stations are used with fixed mechanical structures, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but docking reliability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station employs a dynamic mechanical structure with spring-loaded contact pads that can automatically adjust their position and orientation. The spring mechanism allows the contact pads to move laterally and rotate angularly to compensate for alignment errors between the mobile device and docking station, thereby improving docking reliability without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical structure utilizes spring constant and pre-load force as adjustable parameters to optimize the cushioning effect and alignment tolerance. By changing the spring stiffness and initial compression, the system can adapt to different device sizes and weights, maintaining reliable docking across various device types while keeping the mechanical design relatively simple.
2Productivity
If expensive wireless charging technology is used, then charging speed is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive wireless charging technology with a cost-effective wired charging approach. The mechanical connection through spring-loaded contact pads provides reliable electrical contact for charging, eliminating the need for complex wireless charging components while maintaining efficient charging speeds through optimized contact reliability and electrical connection quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the docking station uses fixed contact pads, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate different device types
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station design incorporates universal spring-loaded contact pads that can accommodate multiple device types and sizes. The mechanical flexibility provided by the spring mechanism allows the same docking station structure to work with various mobile devices, achieving multi-functionality without requiring device-specific configurations or complex adaptive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic spring mechanism enables the contact pads to automatically adapt their position and orientation based on the inserted device, providing versatility across different device types while maintaining a relatively simple unified mechanical structure that does not require complex sensors or active adjustment systems.
4Productivity
If manual charging process is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming charging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station employs a self-aligning mechanical design where the spring-loaded contact pads automatically adjust to make proper electrical contact with the mobile device without requiring precise manual alignment. This self-service capability enables automated docking and charging operations, improving charging efficiency while maintaining relatively simple automation mechanics that do not require complex sensors or control systems.
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 precise and efficient autodocking of chargeable mobile devices, reducing costs by using cost-effective technology and improving charging efficiency through intelligent communication and flexible design, allowing for various types of devices to be charged at the same station with different charging currents.
Implementation Method 1
a rear plate coupled to the base plate through a plurality of coil springs, wherein each of the plurality of coil springs is adapted to provide a cushioning effect for the docking station during an autodocking process
Implementation Method 2
a first set of tension springs inserted over the first set of guide rods and positioned between the rod housing and the pair of flanges of the floating plate, wherein the first set of tension springs is adapted to permit a lateral movement of the docking station
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an automated docking system for charging chargeable mobile devices. Conventionally, docking systems utilize expensive technology like wireless charging leading to higher cost. The system of the present disclosure provides a cost effective generic docking station with internet of things (IoT) interface for heterogeneous chargeable mobile devices which leads to precise docking. The generic design of the docking station enables docking different category of the chargeable mobile devices such as fork type, unit load type, at same docking station with different charging currents. IoT enabled docking station communicates with the chargeable mobile devices and charges them based on battery health, quick/slow charge, category, task duration and/or the like. The present disclosure brings a design flexibility to the docking station and contact pads, so that the flexible design adjusts itself in translation and rotation axis for certain degrees of freedom if there is an error in docking.