Charging Stand Docking Channel for Protected Pin Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging solutions for percussive massage devices require users to manually remove and insert batteries or cords, lacking a convenient docking mechanism for full-device charging.

Innovation Solution

A charging stand with a main body defining a charging channel and a movable charging pin, along with a retractable tab, that protects the charging pin from damage and ensures proper device alignment, allowing for horizontal insertion and charging, and includes an optional wireless charging transmitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a charging pin is exposed in the charging channel for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but the charging pin is vulnerable to damage from improper insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidcharging pin protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable tab is positioned in advance within the charging channel to protect the charging pin before connection occurs. When proper insertion is detected, the tab retracts to allow charging, thus preparing the protection mechanism beforehand without interfering with normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable tab acts as an intermediary protective element between the charging pin and the potential damage from improper insertion. It mediates by being in the path of improper insertions while allowing proper ones, thus protecting the vulnerable charging pin without blocking legitimate charging operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the charging channel is open for device insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but improper insertion directions can damage internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice insertionVSAvoidimproper insertion damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable tab is positioned to preemptively counteract improper insertion attempts before they can reach and damage internal components. It creates a preliminary barrier that stops harmful actions (improper insertions) while allowing beneficial actions (proper insertions) to proceed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable tab converts the potential harm of improper insertion into a beneficial protective function. By being strategically positioned, it uses the force of improper insertions to maintain its blocking position, while proper insertions naturally cause it to retract, thus turning any insertion attempt into a potentially beneficial outcome

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 safe and convenient charging of percussive massage devices by preventing improper insertion and ensuring power transmission, while allowing for easy removal and reuse, with optional wireless charging capability.

Implementation Method 1

power is transmitted from the charging stand to the rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a retractable tab, which protects the charging pin from damage and ensures proper device alignment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3714525B1Charging stand
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 THERABODY INC
  • EP3714525B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3714525B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3714525B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A charging stand for use with a percussive massage device that includes a rechargeable battery. The charging stand includes a main body portion that defines a charging channel therein that is configured to receive the percussive massage device in a charging position. The main body portion includes first and second side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall that cooperate to define the charging channel. When a percussive massage device is received in the charging position, power is transmitted from the charging stand to the rechargeable battery.