Modular Charging Cradle with Interchangeable Electronics Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic charging devices lack versatility and efficiency in accommodating various electronic devices and converting AC power to DC power effectively, particularly in providing a secure and stable charging solution with interchangeable components.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a cradle with side rail tracks and an interchangeable electronics assembly with electrical conductors, which can be coupled with the electronic device, transforming AC power into DC power using components like printed circuit boards, flyback transformers, and inductive charging bases, ensuring secure retention and efficient charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing electronic charging devices use a fixed charging structure, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility in accommodating various electronic devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in accommodating various electronic devicesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is divided into separate modular components: a cradle structure and interchangeable electronics assemblies. Each assembly can be independently designed and swapped, allowing the system to accommodate different electronic devices without redesigning the entire charging unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cradle is designed with universal side rail tracks that can accommodate multiple types of electronic devices. By using a standardized interface and interchangeable electronics assemblies, a single cradle structure serves multiple charging functions across different device types.

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

2Productivity

If existing charging devices lack interchangeable components, then the device structure is simple, but the efficiency in converting AC power to DC power for different devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidinterchangeable components complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Electronics assemblies can be exchanged based on the specific charging requirements of different devices, optimizing the AC to DC conversion efficiency for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different electronics assemblies are designed with specific electrical parameters optimized for different device types. By changing the assembly based on device requirements, the system achieves optimal charging efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If existing charging devices do not have secure retention mechanisms, then the device structure is simple, but the stability during charging is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging stabilityVSAvoidretention mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle incorporates pre-designed retention features including side rail tracks and engaging structures that automatically secure the electronics assembly during insertion. This preliminary structural preparation ensures stable retention without requiring complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution provides a versatile and efficient charging system that securely retains electronic devices and effectively converts AC power to DC power, ensuring reliable charging across different devices and power ranges, with features like magnetic coupling and stabilizers for stability.

Implementation Method 1

transforming AC power into DC power using components like printed circuit boards, flyback transformers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

inductive charging bases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

features like magnetic coupling and stabilizers for stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9997882B1Electrical charging devices and assemblies
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 WARREN WILLIAM J
  • US9997882B1 patent drawing
  • US9997882B1 patent drawing
  • US9997882B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Electrical charging devices and assemblies are provided herein. An example apparatus includes a cradle configured to receive and retain an electronic device, side rail tracks extending below the cradle, an electronics tray defining a recess that receives an interchangeable electronics assembly, the interchangeable electronics assembly having electrical conductors, means for electrically coupling the interchangeable electronics assembly with the electronic device, when the electronics tray is coupled with the side rail tracks, and the interchangeable electronics assembly being disposed inside the recess such that the electrical conductors protrude from the electronics tray.