Charging Station Fluid Control Chamber Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging stations occupy significant space due to their size and lack of efficient fluid management, which can lead to fluid spillage and potential damage to electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A charging station incorporating an AC outlet, a USB outlet, and a wireless charging circuit, with an internal fluid control chamber that retains and drains fluids, preventing them from spreading and causing damage, while also providing multi-standard wireless charging and additional features like a display and audio connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional charging stations are designed to support multiple charging functions (AC outlet, USB outlet, wireless charging), then charging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple charging functions (AC outlet, USB outlet, wireless charging circuit) into a single integrated charging station unit. This merging approach allows the device to provide versatile charging options while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between charging versatility and device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality to serve various charging needs simultaneously. The AC outlet, USB outlet, and wireless charging circuit can operate independently or together, allowing the same device to charge different types of electronic devices through different methods, thereby achieving universal applicability without requiring multiple separate charging devices.
2Reliability
If fluid control chambers are added to manage liquid spills, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure of the charging station is segmented into distinct fluid control chambers, each dedicated to containing spills from specific outlets (AC outlet chamber, USB outlet chamber). This segmentation isolates potential liquid damage to specific zones, preventing widespread damage while maintaining overall system reliability. The modular chamber design adds reliability through targeted protection without requiring a complete redesign of the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control chambers act as intermediary structures between the outlets and the internal electronic components. These chambers serve as a protective barrier that intercepts and contains liquid spills before they can reach sensitive electronics, thereby enhancing component safety. The chambers function as a mediating element that resolves the contradiction by providing protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the charging station provides multiple outlets and wireless charging, then adaptability is improved, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station employs a nested arrangement where the wireless charging circuit is integrated into the same housing as the AC and USB outlets. The fluid control chambers are nested within the internal structure, and various components are arranged in a space-efficient, layered configuration. This nesting approach allows multiple charging functions to coexist in a compact footprint, reducing the overall space occupied while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement to accommodate multiple charging functions. Rather than spreading outlets horizontally across a large surface area, the design stacks functions vertically and arranges components in multiple dimensions within the housing. The fluid control chambers extend vertically beneath outlets, and the wireless charging surface is positioned on top, creating efficient use of spatial dimensions that reduces the horizontal footprint while providing versatile charging options.
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 effectively manages fluid spills, maintains component safety, and enhances charging functionality with multi-standard wireless charging and additional features like display and audio connectivity, optimizing space usage and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless charging circuit is configured to sense the presence of an electronic device placed in proximity to the top side of the charging station and wirelessly charge the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
A body of the AC outlet extends from the top side of the charging station into the fluid control chamber and, when fluid is introduced into the AC outlet, substantially all fluid exiting the AC outlet is retained within the fluid control chamber and exits the charging station via the drain aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A charging station is provided, having an AC outlet, a USB outlet, and a wireless charging circuit, with an internal fluid control chamber surrounding a lower portion of the AC outlet, such that substantially all fluid entering the charging station via the AC outlet is initially retained within the fluid control chamber and subsequently exits the charging station via a drain aperture.