Conductive Charging Station for Multi-Device Power and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Educational institutions face challenges in automatically charging multiple mobile devices with varying charge states without manual intervention, tracking, and maintaining them efficiently, as existing systems are limited by power throughput and require direct electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile device enclosure with a receiver and a base unit that allows automatic charging by contacting charging plates, integrated with software for asset management and power control, enabling simultaneous charging and monitoring of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging systems are used to charge mobile devices without direct electrical connection, then ease of operation is improved, but power throughput is limited due to electrical losses and voltage/current limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inductive charging (electromagnetic field-based) with conductive charging through a flat surface base station with charging plates. The mechanical contact between charging plates and device contacts enables direct electrical connection, eliminating the power loss and throughput limitations of inductive systems while maintaining ease of operation through simple placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat surface base station with multiple charging plates serves as an intermediary between the power source and mobile devices. This intermediary provides multiple simultaneous conductive contact points, enabling high power throughput while maintaining simple user interaction through placement-based connection.
2Power
If multiple individual charging cables are used for each mobile device, then power delivery to each device is ensured, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to fraying and failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual charging cables into a single flat surface base station with multiple charging plates. This consolidation provides power delivery to multiple devices simultaneously through a unified system, reducing cable management complexity and eliminating the fraying and failure issues associated with multiple individual cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat surface base station serves multiple functions: it provides power delivery to multiple devices simultaneously, acts as a charging hub, and eliminates the need for multiple individual cables. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adequate power delivery to all devices.
3Power
If manual connection of power cords is required for charging, then power delivery can be established, but loss of time occurs when students forget or fail to connect chargers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service charging where mobile devices automatically connect to power when placed on the flat surface base station. The device's own weight and placement action trigger the charging connection, eliminating the need for manual cord connection and preventing time loss due to forgotten or failed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is pre-configured with multiple charging plates and power connections ready before devices are placed. When devices are placed on the station, charging connections are immediately established without requiring any additional manual action, ensuring power delivery begins without delay.
4Duration of action of moving object
If power cords are run from wall outlets to student desks, then continuous power operation is enabled, but harmful factors increase due to obstruction of walkways in the classroom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power connection point from wall outlets and relocates it to a centralized flat surface base station positioned in an accessible location. This removes the need for power cords to traverse classroom walkways, eliminating the obstruction hazard while maintaining continuous power operation through the base station's connection to power.
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 efficient, automatic charging of multiple mobile devices with optimal power delivery and monitoring, reducing manual intervention and enhancing asset management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
When the enclosure housing the mobile device is placed on the base unit, the electrical prongs make contact with two of the charging plates in the base unit. In this manner, the base unit supplies power to the receiver and then to the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to automatic charging systems and methods for mobile devices that require more power than is possible with inductive chargers. A mobile device charging station is provided, wherein each mobile device inserted for charging contains a charging receiver that is attached to a cover, such as a laptop cover. The cabinet further comprises a multiplicity of base stations, each of which provides a grid of conductive alternating polarity connection plates, spaced to accept two prongs similarly spaced on the bottom of the charging receiver. Power flows from the base station automatically through the charging receiver to the mobile device when it is placed on a surface containing a base station within the cabinet. Computer software is included to control and monitor all functionality of the system, such a optimal power flow and battery charging; and further provides key asset management tools to allow a user to know, for example, the number and exact location of all devices using the invention and under his or her control.