Interchangeable Charging Cradle with Shared Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the charging of mobile devices and auxiliary battery packs in a way that simplifies the management of the fleet and ensures efficient power distribution between the devices and packs, particularly when the internal battery capacity of the mobile device is insufficient for operational requirements.
Innovation Solution
A charging cradle system that can interchangeably receive a mobile device, a battery pack, or both, with shared charging contacts and guide surfaces to securely engage and charge the devices and packs, allowing for direct charging of the internal device battery, the auxiliary battery pack, or both independently or together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate charging systems are used for mobile devices and battery packs, then each device can be charged independently, but the management complexity of the fleet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cradle is designed with a universal interface that can charge both mobile devices and battery packs through the same contact structure. The cradle includes a contact plate with multiple contacts that can electrically engage with either a mobile device or a battery pack, allowing a single charging station to serve multiple functions and eliminate the need for separate charging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed as a separate, interchangeable module that can be detached from the mobile device. This segmentation allows the battery pack to be independently charged in the cradle while the mobile device remains operational, enabling flexible fleet management where battery packs can be recharged without removing or disabling the mobile devices.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the mobile device internal battery capacity is increased to meet operational requirements, then operational time is extended, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into the mobile device's internal battery and a separate auxiliary battery pack. The auxiliary battery pack contains the additional capacity needed for extended operational time, while the mobile device maintains its original lightweight design. The battery pack can be attached to the mobile device when extended operational time is needed and removed when not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery capacity is extended in a separate dimension rather than within the mobile device housing. The auxiliary battery pack provides additional energy capacity in an external, detachable form factor, allowing the mobile device to maintain its original size and weight characteristics while gaining access to extended battery life through the attachable pack.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the mobile device internal battery capacity is increased to meet operational requirements, then operational time is extended, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into the mobile device's internal battery and a separate auxiliary battery pack. The auxiliary battery pack contains the additional capacity needed for extended operational time, while the mobile device maintains its original compact design. The battery pack can be attached to the mobile device when extended operational time is needed and removed when not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery capacity is extended in a separate dimension rather than within the mobile device housing. The auxiliary battery pack provides additional energy capacity in an external, detachable form factor, allowing the mobile device to maintain its original size and volume characteristics while gaining access to extended battery life through the attachable pack.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging cradle includes: a cradle housing having a base portion, and a socket portion configured to interchangeably receive (i) a mobile device, (ii) a battery pack for the mobile device, and (iii) the mobile device in combination with the battery pack; the socket portion including: a shared base surface having disposed thereon a set of shared charging contacts; a first set of guide surfaces extending from the shared base surface and defining a first socket configured to receive the mobile device and, in the absence of the battery pack, to engage the shared charging contacts with a first set of contacts on the mobile device; and a second set of guide surfaces extending from the shared base surface and defining a second socket configured to receive the battery pack and engage the shared charging contacts with a second set of contacts on the battery pack.