Electronic Frame Charging Assembly with Retractable Cable Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic frames require continuous power supply for operation, but existing charging methods are inefficient and may expose charging cables when users are present, compromising the aesthetic and functional use of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A charging assembly comprising an electronic frame with a battery, a take-up reel for winding/unwinding a charge cable, a weight connected to the reel to lower and raise the cable, and a charger with an insertion groove and magnetic members for secure connection, allowing automatic charging when no user is detected, and a cover to prevent foreign substances during discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging cable is continuously connected to the electronic frame, then the battery can be charged, but the charging cable becomes exposed and compromises the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is extracted from the visible area and hidden within the electronic frame body. A cable storage chamber is provided inside the frame, and the cable can be automatically retracted into this chamber when not in use, eliminating the exposed cable and maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving charging functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable connection is made dynamic rather than static. The cable connection terminal can move between a connected state (for charging) and a retracted/hidden state (for aesthetic appearance). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to switch between functional and aesthetic modes based on user needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic frame is charged continuously, then the battery remains powered, but the charging cable exposure compromises functionality during user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection terminal is designed to move dynamically between connected and disconnected positions. During user interaction, the terminal automatically disconnects or retracts, preventing interference with user operations. When charging is needed, the terminal connects automatically, ensuring continuous power supply without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system operates autonomously based on detected user presence or interaction. When no user interaction is detected, the cable connects automatically to charge the battery. When user interaction is detected, the system automatically disconnects the cable, eliminating the need for manual cable management and improving ease of operation.
3Shape
If a take-up reel mechanism is added to hide the charging cable, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage chamber is merged with the electronic frame body structure, utilizing existing internal space rather than adding separate external components. The cable routing path is integrated into the frame's internal architecture, combining the aesthetic housing function with the cable management function, thereby improving appearance without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is nested within the electronic frame body through an internal storage chamber. The cable is contained within the frame's structure like a nested element, allowing the outer frame to maintain its aesthetic appearance while the inner cable remains accessible when needed. This nesting approach hides complexity within the structure rather than adding external mechanisms.
4Productivity
If motion sensors and brightness sensors are integrated to determine charging times, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: motion detection for user presence, brightness detection for ambient light conditions, and triggering the charging/discharging cycles. By making the sensor system multi-functional, the same hardware components achieve both aesthetic appearance (by enabling automatic cable retraction) and charging efficiency (by optimizing charge timing), thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic frame autonomously determines when to charge and when to discharge based on sensor inputs from motion and brightness detectors. The system self-manages the charging schedule without requiring external control or complex user programming, improving charging efficiency through automatic optimization while keeping the control logic relatively simple through rule-based decision making.
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 and efficient charging of electronic frames without exposing charging cables to users, maintaining the device's appearance and functionality by integrating motion and brightness sensors to determine charging times and ensuring correct electrode alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the charger may be provided with a magnetic member on one side of the insertion groove to guide the insertion of the weight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a charging assembly for an electronic frame and a charging method for an electronic frame. The charging assembly of an electronic frame comprises: an electronic frame having a battery and displaying time information; a take-up reel provided on a rear surface of the electronic frame for winding or unwinding a charge cable; a weight which is connected to the take-up reel by the charge cable to be raised or lowered; and a charger arranged apart from the electronic frame, for charging the battery, wherein the weight is lowered at the time of charging to be electrically connected to the charger.