Cradle Coupling Hardware for Tetherless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronics users face clutter and inefficiency due to the need for multiple devices and charging cables, as well as the limitation of using tethers for charging and data transfer between devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables tetherless charging and communication by using a cradle with coupling hardware to connect mobile devices to a computer, allowing the mobile device's touchscreen to function as a trackpad and enabling data communication without cables, through inductive, physical, or optical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tethers (USB cables) are used to connect devices for charging and data transfer, then reliable charging and communication are achieved, but device clutter and workspace occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tethering function by using wireless communication technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared) to replace physical USB cable connections. This allows devices to exchange data and charging information without physical tethers, reducing workspace clutter while maintaining communication reliability through alternative wireless protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary layer between devices. Instead of direct physical connection, wireless signals act as intermediaries to transmit data and charging authentication information, enabling tetherless charging while maintaining reliable device-to-device communication
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices and charging cables are used, then device functionality requirements are met, but physical workspace organization becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables smartphones to serve multiple functions: they act as both the charging device (power source) and the controlled device (being charged) through peer-to-peer wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate charging cables and devices, simplifying workspace organization while maintaining full charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the charging function and communication function into a single wireless integration. The smartphone simultaneously handles power transfer negotiation, authentication, and data communication through unified wireless protocols, eliminating the need for separate charging cables and reducing workspace complexity
3Ease of operation
If tetherless charging and communication are implemented, then workspace clutter is reduced and ease of operation improves, but connection stability and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices continuously exchange connection status, power availability, and authentication information through wireless communication. This real-time feedback allows devices to maintain stable connections by dynamically adjusting communication parameters and re-establishing connections if interference occurs, ensuring reliability without physical tethers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authentication and connection establishment actions before initiating tetherless charging. Devices exchange security credentials, verify compatibility, and set up communication channels in advance, ensuring that the wireless connection is stable and reliable before power transfer begins, thereby maintaining connection stability without physical cables
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
This solution reduces device clutter, eliminates the need for tethering, and allows for the use of mobile device features like touch input and biometric scanners, while also charging the mobile device, thereby enhancing the functionality and usability of both the mobile device and the computer.
Implementation Method 1
enabling tetherless charging and communication by using a cradle with coupling hardware to connect mobile devices to a computer, allowing the mobile device's touchscreen to function as a trackpad and enabling data communication without cables, through inductive, physical, or optical coupling
Implementation Method 2
through inductive, physical, or optical coupling
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes detecting insertion of a mobile device into a cradle of a computer. The mobile device includes one or more device edges each having device coupling hardware. The cradle includes one or more cradle edges each having cradle coupling hardware. Each of the one or more device edges is configured to couple to a corresponding cradle edge of the one or more cradle edges, through connecting the device coupling hardware of the device edge with the cradle coupling hardware of the cradle edge. Communications are transmitted between a first device edge, of the one or more device edges, and a first cradle edge, of the one or more cradle edges, responsive to detecting the insertion. The communications are interpreted, by a computer processor, to utilize a touchscreen of the mobile device as a trackpad for the computer.