Nested Transport Cart Charging Contacts for Autonomous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern pushable transport carts, such as shopping and baggage carts, require an electric power supply for autonomous operation, necessitating an electric storage unit that needs frequent recharging, and existing systems lack efficient electric power management and contact solutions for seamless energy transfer between carts.
Innovation Solution
A pushable transport cart system with at least two carts that utilize motion-controlled contact elements to establish an electric connection, allowing for the transfer of power and signals, and a control logic for charge management, ensuring balanced charge levels and efficient energy distribution among connected carts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric storage unit is equipped in the pushable transport cart for autonomous operation, then the cart can operate without being connected to a cable, but the storage unit needs frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electric storage units from different carts into a single operational system. When carts are mechanically connected via connecting elements, their storage units (battery 47, capacitor 58) are electrically connected in parallel, effectively merging their capacities. This allows one cart to charge another or share power, extending the operational duration beyond what a single storage unit could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric connecting device with contact elements as an intermediary between storage units. This mediator establishes electrical connections between carts during mechanical coupling, enabling power transfer and charge sharing without requiring direct physical contact between storage units themselves. The connecting device facilitates energy exchange while maintaining system autonomy.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical connecting elements are used to connect pushable transport carts, then the carts can be manually connected and charged, but the electric connection requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and electrical connection function into a single integrated connecting element. The same physical connector that joins carts mechanically also establishes electrical contact between their storage units and charging devices. This eliminates the need for separate manual electrical connection steps while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical coupler for joining carts and as an electrical conductor for power transfer. This universal component performs multiple functions simultaneously: structural connection, electrical contact establishment, and charging facilitation, thereby automating the electrical connection process without adding complexity.
3Extent of automation
If rigid contact elements are arranged for automatic mechanical and electric contact when carts are pushed together, then charging occurs without user intervention, but the system lacks flexibility in connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient (elastic) contact elements instead of rigid ones, making the electrical connection dynamic rather than static. These flexible contacts can automatically adjust their position and contact pressure based on the degree of cart insertion and alignment, enabling reliable electrical connection across varying connection conditions while maintaining automatic charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient contact elements change their physical parameters (position, contact force, deformation) in response to connection conditions. As carts are pushed together to different extents or with slight misalignments, the elastic contacts automatically adjust their deformation and contact points, maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the range of motion. This parameter adaptation enables both automation and flexibility.
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 self-sufficient operation of pushable transport carts by facilitating automatic electric contact and intelligent charge distribution, optimizing energy usage and extending operational time without the need for continuous recharging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one contact element is embodied as resilient or is resiliently supported in order to provide the compensation range
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a first pushable transport cart which can be embodied as a shopping cart or baggage cart. The first pushable transport cart comprises contact elements. If the first pushable transport cart is pushed into a second corresponding pushable transport cart, the contact elements form an electric contact between the first and second pushable transport carts. Electric power can be supplied via this electric contact, whereby charging of a storage device of the first pushable transport cart from a storage device of the second pushable transport cart takes place using a charge flow management system.