Laptop Charging Cabinet With Conductive Plate Auto-Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for mobile devices, particularly laptops, require manual connection and are inefficient, leading to issues such as forgotten charging, obstructed walkways, and increased wear on cables, while inductive charging systems are limited in power throughput and incur significant electrical losses.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device enclosure with a receiver containing electrical prongs that automatically connect to a base unit with charging plates, allowing for automatic charging and asset management, integrated with software for monitoring and controlling power delivery to multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual charging connection is used, then students can charge their devices, but students often forget to connect the charger and cables fray and fail over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic charging by detecting when a device is placed in the cabinet and autonomously establishing the charging connection, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The controller automatically activates the appropriate charging port and monitors the charging process, making the system self-servicing and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection of power cords with an automated electronic control system. The controller electronically activates charging ports based on device detection, substituting the mechanical act of plugging and unplugging cables with an automated electronic switching system that is more reliable and maintenance-free.
2Reliability
If power cord and charger are run to student's desk, then device can be charged, but cord obstructs walkways in the classroom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging function from the traditional power cord and outlet configuration and relocates it to an integrated cabinet-based system. The charging infrastructure is separated from the classroom walkways and consolidated into a dedicated storage cabinet with built-in charging ports, eliminating the need for cords to traverse the classroom space.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cabinet serves as an intermediary between the power source and the student devices. Instead of running power cords directly from wall outlets across the classroom to student desks, the cabinet acts as an intermediate charging station that receives power centrally and distributes it to multiple devices within the cabinet, eliminating walkway obstructions.
3Ease of operation
If inductive charging system is used, then direct electrical connection is avoided, but power throughput is limited and electrical losses are greater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conductive charging plates that replicate the functionality of traditional power connections through contactless electrical contact. The charging plates create electrical contact points that efficiently transfer power to device charging ports without requiring full cable connections, achieving a balance between convenience and energy efficiency.
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 devices without manual intervention, reduces cable wear, and provides comprehensive asset management, ensuring optimal power delivery and device tracking.
Implementation Method 1
two electrical prongs establish electrical contact with two of the charging plates housed within the base unit. When this contact is made, current flows from the charging plates to the electrical prongs
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.