Charge Fare Meter with AC-DC Conversion and Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable device users face inconvenience due to short battery life and the need to carry power banks or rely on store-provided charging, which can be disruptive and inconvenient for both users and stores.
Innovation Solution
A charge fare meter that includes a charge module capable of converting AC or DC power sources to DC current, calculating total charges, and displaying or wirelessly transmitting the charge fare, allowing flexible charging options and user-friendly payment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power bank is used to charge the portable device, then the battery can be charged anywhere, but the user must simultaneously carry both the power bank and the portable device
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the charging function from the portable device itself and separates it into a fixed charging station. The charging station contains the power source and charging circuitry, while the portable device only needs a simple connector. This extraction eliminates the need to carry a power bank, as the charging capability remains at the station location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a charging station as an intermediary between the power source and the portable device. The station acts as a mediator that provides charging services without requiring the user to transport the power source. The station includes a control unit that manages the charging process and communicates with the portable device.
2Ease of operation
If store-provided charging is used, then the user can charge the portable device, but it disturbs both the user and the store
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station enables self-service charging where the user can independently charge their portable device without requiring store staff assistance. The automated control unit manages the charging process, and the user simply connects their device and receives confirmation through the display interface. This eliminates the need for staff intervention and reduces disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station incorporates a feedback mechanism through its display unit that provides real-time information about charging status, power consumption, and billing information. This feedback allows users to monitor their charging process without requiring staff explanation or intervention, reducing disturbances while maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If the charge fare meter calculates total charges during charging period, then accurate billing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station integrates multiple functions into a single device: power conversion, charge calculation, billing management, user interface, and wireless communication. The control unit serves as a multi-functional core that handles AC/DC conversion control, charge measurement, fare calculation, and communication with portable devices. This consolidation achieves accurate billing without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the charging function, measurement function, and billing function into a single integrated charging station. The control unit combines the power conversion control, charge calculation algorithms, and transaction management in one device. This merging allows accurate charge calculation while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems for each function.
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 charge fare meter provides flexible charging solutions by converting power sources to meet portable device specifications, enabling users to select appropriate DC currents and voltages, and allowing stores to accurately charge users based on calculated fares, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The input interface is used for converting power provided by an alternating current (AC) power source or a DC power source into the DC current
Data Source
AI summary
A charge fare meter includes a charge module and a display. The charge module is used for outputting a direct (DC) current and calculating total charges, wherein the charge module includes an input interface, a calculating unit, and an output interface. The input interface is used for converting power provided by an alternating current power source or the DC power source into the DC current. The calculating unit is electrically connected to the input interface for calculating the total charges. The output interface is electrically connected to the calculating unit for outputting the DC current. The display is electrically connected to the charge module for displaying the DC current, a voltage corresponding to the DC current, or a charge fare corresponding to the total charges.