Marine Cupholder Power Interface With NFC Accessory Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accessory holders do not provide a means for delivering power to accessories in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A marine-grade cupholder with integrated power delivery system, featuring conductive rings, an annular PCB, and NFC modules for secure and controlled electrical connection, and optionally inductive loops for electromagnetic induction, ensuring safe and marine-compatible power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional accessory holders are used, then the accessory can be held securely, but power delivery capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical holding function and power delivery function into a single integrated accessory holder system. The conductive rings are embedded within the holder structure itself, eliminating the need for separate power delivery devices and reducing overall system complexity while adding versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory holder is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical support and retention of accessories, wireless power delivery through conductive rings, and NFC-based authentication. This multi-functional design increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conductive rings are embedded in the sidewall for power delivery, then electrical connection is enabled, but risk of unintended electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC module acts as an intermediary authentication layer between the accessory holder and the accessory. Before allowing electrical connection through the conductive rings, the NFC modules must successfully authenticate, preventing unintended connections with unauthorized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC authentication occurs before the electrical connection is established. This preliminary verification ensures that only authorized accessories can access the power delivery function, eliminating the risk of unintended connections before they can occur.
3Reliability
If NFC modules are used for authentication, then authorized accessories are ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC authentication system is self-contained within the accessory holder and accessory units. The authentication process occurs automatically without requiring external verification systems or complex centralized control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
4Reliability
If the annular PCB is coated in waterproof material, then marine environment compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB coating transforms the electrical and environmental properties of the substrate, changing it from a non-waterproof state to a waterproof state. This parameter change enables marine environment compatibility through a relatively simple coating process rather than complex manufacturing steps.
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 safe and reliable power delivery to accessories in marine environments by preventing unintended electrical connections and ensuring compatibility with authorized accessories, while maintaining insulation from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive loop within the connection portion
Implementation Method 2
a first conductive ring embedded in the sidewall and extending radially from the inner surface toward the outer surface. The cupholder may also include a second conductive ring embedded in the sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a cupholder includes a tubular receptacle with a first open end, a second capped end, and a sidewall therebetween. The second capped end defines a central drain port. The cupholder further includes an annular PCB adjacent the second capped end, the annular PCB having a central aperture. The central drain port extends through the central aperture.