Wireless Cart Power Supply Positioning Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often fail to correctly position cart-based commodity registration devices at the cart power supply device, leading to inadequate charging due to reliance on user positioning.
Innovation Solution
A cart power supply device with a power supply resonance circuit, current detection circuit, and notification element that adjusts the voltage level and notification mode based on detected current levels to ensure proper positioning and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually position carts at the power supply device, then the system structure remains simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to inadequate charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power supply device detects current levels from the power reception coil and provides visual feedback through LEDs. When the cart is correctly positioned, the LED changes color (e.g., from red to green) to indicate proper alignment. This feedback loop enables users to self-correct positioning without requiring complex automated positioning systems, thus improving positioning accuracy while maintaining simple system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform positioning themselves by providing visual cues through the LED indicators. Users can independently adjust cart position based on the LED feedback without needing external assistance or complex automated positioning mechanisms. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by empowering users to achieve accurate positioning through simple visual guidance rather than requiring complex system-level solutions.
2Productivity
If the power supply device operates at high voltage level continuously, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases when no cart is positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment where the power supply device switches between different voltage levels based on real-time detection of power reception coil presence and positioning status. When a cart is correctly positioned (detected through current threshold), the system operates at high voltage for efficient charging. When no cart is positioned, the system automatically reduces to low voltage mode, dynamically adapting power consumption to actual needs and resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic detection cycles to monitor current levels and alternates between standby mode and active charging mode. During periodic detection, the system checks for cart presence and positioning. Only when properly positioned does it transition to continuous high-power charging. This periodic action pattern ensures high charging efficiency when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods between cart arrivals.
3Reliability
If the power supply device provides continuous power supply, then charging reliability is improved, but power waste occurs when carts are not correctly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback-based power supply control where the power supply state is determined by real-time monitoring of current levels and LED indicator states. Power is supplied continuously only when the feedback indicates correct positioning (LED in second color state). When positioning is incorrect, the feedback mechanism detects this and automatically interrupts or reduces power supply. This feedback-controlled approach ensures charging reliability when properly positioned while preventing power waste during misalignment.
4Measurement precision
If the notification element provides detailed positioning feedback, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing LED indicators to provide positioning feedback. Different colors represent different positioning states (e.g., red for incorrect positioning, green for correct positioning). This color-based feedback system conveys detailed positioning information in a simple, intuitive visual format that users can understand immediately without complex displays or multiple notification components, thus improving positioning feedback accuracy while maintaining simple device structure.
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
The solution ensures correct positioning of the cart-based commodity registration device for effective wireless charging by providing visual cues through LED modes and efficient power transmission, enhancing user experience and charging reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply device generates a magnetic flux in the power supply coil by causing an alternating (AC) current to flow through the power supply coil. The power reception device can be used to charge a rechargeable battery with the induced current generated in a power reception coil electromagnetically coupled to the power supply coil.
Implementation Method 2
a power supply resonance circuit including a first coil connected to a capacitor, the first coil configured to be electromagnetically coupled to a second coil of a power reception device
Data Source
AI summary
A cart power supply device includes a power supply resonance circuit, a notification element, a current detection circuit, and a control circuit. The power supply resonance circuit includes a power supply coil that can be electromagnetically coupled to a power reception coil mounted on a shopping cart or the like. The current detection circuit detects a current flowing through the power supply resonance circuit. The control circuit supplies an alternating current to the power supply resonance circuit at a first level and operates the notification element in a first mode when the detected current is less than a first threshold. The control circuit supplies the alternating current at a second level when the detected current is greater than the first threshold and operates the notification element in a second mode.