Battery Module Charging Locking for Authorized Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable power supplies, such as battery charging modules, often need to be kept within proximity of a central device to prevent loss or theft, and existing systems lack effective methods for ensuring their secure and authorized use.
Innovation Solution
A device charging system comprising a battery module with an identifier and a central charging station that communicates with the module, charges it only if the identifier is recognized, and generates an alert if the identifier is not stored in memory, along with a locking mechanism to secure the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery module is kept within proximity of a central charging station, then security against loss or theft is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for identification and authorization systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing identifiers of authorized battery modules in advance in the central charging station's memory. When a battery module is placed on the charging station, the system checks whether its identifier matches any stored identifier before allowing charging. This preliminary verification mechanism ensures security without requiring complex real-time authorization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses identifier copies (digital representations) of authorized battery modules stored in the central charging station's memory. Instead of requiring physical verification or complex cryptographic authentication, the system simply compares the identifier copy from the battery module against stored identifier copies, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If an identifier verification system is implemented, then unauthorized use is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module autonomously provides its identifier to the central charging station without requiring user intervention. The user simply places the battery module on the charging station, and the system automatically performs the identifier verification and either authorizes or denies charging. This self-service approach eliminates manual verification steps while maintaining authorization control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through visual indicators (LED lights) that communicate the authorization result to the user. A first color indicates authorized charging, while a second color indicates unauthorized status. This intuitive feedback mechanism allows users to understand the system's decision without needing to comprehend the verification process, maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If alert generation for unrecognized identifiers is implemented, then theft detection is improved, but loss of time increases due to alert processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends alert notifications to remote devices in advance when an unrecognized battery module is detected, allowing security personnel to respond before the unauthorized module can be removed or cause damage. The alert includes identifying information about the unauthorized module, enabling immediate action without requiring manual inspection or verification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A device charging system may include a battery module configured to supply a type of power to at least one load device. A device charging system may include a central charging station configured to charge the battery module, the central charging station including a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the battery module to the central charging station in response to an electronic command, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be physically overridden via a user.