Automatic Charging Bus for Spaced Devices With Variable Power Needs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized window treatments and smoke detectors often require manual charging due to varying sizes and charging requirements, and supercapacitors are impractical due to frequent charging needs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a power hub, power bus, and charging taps that automatically charge energy storage devices by determining device-specific voltage and current needs, using timers and processors to manage charging sequences and bus availability, supporting both built-in and external energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual charging with plug-in power supplies is used, then devices can be charged, but human intervention is required and devices with varying charging requirements need different power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system automatically detects device identity through RFID tags, determines charging parameters, and executes charging without human intervention. The controller autonomously manages the entire charging process, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for manual plug-in operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single centralized power supply with multiple output channels serves all devices with different charging requirements. The system universally handles various device types by dynamically adjusting charging parameters based on device identification, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated power supplies.
2Reliability
If supercapacitors are used for energy storage, then devices can operate during power outages, but frequent charging is required making them impractical
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple devices are charged simultaneously through a centralized power supply system, combining their charging needs into a coordinated process. The system manages multiple charging operations in parallel, optimizing power distribution and reducing the frequency of individual charging events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively monitors energy storage levels and schedules charging before complete depletion occurs. By detecting RFID tags and assessing battery status in advance, the system performs preliminary charging actions that prevent the need for frequent reactive charging cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are spaced apart in different locations, then they can be deployed throughout a building, but manual charging requires moving power supplies to each location
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple output channels distributed to different locations, each capable of independently charging devices. The centralized controller divides charging tasks across multiple spatial zones, allowing devices throughout the building to be charged at their respective locations without physical movement of equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
RFID tags and wireless communication serve as intermediaries between devices and the charging system. These intermediaries enable automatic device identification and parameter transmission across spatial distances, eliminating the need for physical interaction or movement of power supplies to each device location.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different motors with different charging requirements are used, then they can match specific window treatment needs, but manual charging requires different power supplies for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage, current, power) based on device identification. When a device with specific charging requirements is detected via RFID, the controller automatically adjusts output parameters to match the device's needs, supporting device customization without requiring dedicated power supplies for each device type.
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 automatic, efficient charging of spaced-apart devices with varying requirements, reducing manual intervention and extending the use of supercapacitors by minimizing frequent charging intervals.
Implementation Method 1
a bus for distributing power from the power hub, charging taps located at the energy storage devices and connected to the bus and to the energy storage devices, the charging taps configured to draw power from the bus
Implementation Method 2
A connecting cable may be connected between the charging tap and the device, and include a resistive jumper that tells the tap how much voltage and current the device needs to charge
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically charging energy storage devices associated with spaced-apart apparatuses includes a system power supply connected to a power hub, a power bus for providing power from the power hub to the energy storage devices, and charging taps for drawing power from the bus and charging the devices. Charging taps are continuously powered and may connect to a single device or more than one device. Generally only one energy storage device is charged at a time.