Foldable Charging Connector for UAV Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chargers for unmanned aerial vehicles are bulky, inconvenient to carry, and have a low utilization rate due to their flat panel design with multiple charging interfaces arranged side by side.

Innovation Solution

A charging connector with a partition plate and pivotally connected lateral plates that can rotate to expose or cover the charging interfaces, allowing the connector to switch between an open state for charging and a folded state for compact storage, reducing size and improving portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple charging interfaces are arranged side by side on a flat panel charger, then multiple batteries can be charged simultaneously, but the charger occupies large space and is hard to carry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidcharger size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat panel arrangement to a three-dimensional folded structure. Multiple charging interfaces are distributed across multiple surfaces of a partition plate that can be folded along hinge connections, utilizing spatial depth rather than just lateral expansion. This allows multiple charging ports to be accessible while maintaining a compact folded form factor for portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device is divided into multiple independent segments including the partition plate, lateral plates, and end plates connected by hinges. Each segment can be independently folded or rotated relative to others, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while expanding to provide multiple accessible charging interfaces when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple charging interfaces are arranged side by side on a flat panel charger, then multiple batteries can be charged simultaneously, but the charger is unaesthetic and has low utilization rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidcharger structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses multiple charging interfaces on its surfaces, acts as a folding hinge connection point, and forms part of the protective enclosure when folded. The lateral plates similarly serve as both structural elements and charging interface carriers, eliminating the need for separate dedicated charging components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device incorporates dynamic folding and rotating mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between different configurations. The lateral plates can rotate relative to the partition plate to expose or conceal charging interfaces, and the entire structure can be folded along hinge connections to transition between expanded and compact states, providing adaptability for different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If lateral plates are rotatable to expose charging interfaces, then the connector can switch between open and folded states, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connections serve dual purposes: they provide the rotational articulation needed for folding and simultaneously act as structural joints that maintain rigidity when the device is in its expanded charging configuration. The same hinge mechanism that enables portability also serves as a structural support element, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11251633B2Charging connector and charging apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.02.15 SZ DJI TECH CO LTD
  • US11251633B2 patent drawing
  • US11251633B2 patent drawing
  • US11251633B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Charging connector and charging apparatus are provided. The charging connector includes a partition plate including at least one charging interface provided on each side surface of two opposite side surfaces of the partition plate. The at least one charging interface is electrically coupled to a charging interface of a battery to charge the battery. Two lateral plates are respectively pivotally connected to the two opposite side surfaces of the partition plate and respectively rotatable with respect to the partition plate. Outer edges of the two lateral plates, which are away from a pivot joint portion, are configured to move away from or close to the partition plate to expose or cover the two opposite side surfaces of the partition plate to enable the charging connector to be in an open state or a folded state correspondingly.