Modular Charging System for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for power in portable electronic devices has outpaced the capabilities of rechargeable batteries, leading to frequent recharging needs and inadequate access to electrical outlets in public areas, with existing solutions requiring bulky AC-to-DC converters.
Innovation Solution
A modular power delivery system that converts AC power to DC power, allowing multiple power delivery units to be connected in series or parallel to provide DC power with adjustable voltage and current, eliminating the need for additional converters and enabling convenient charging of multiple devices away from electrical outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple AC-to-DC converters are used to power multiple devices, then each device can be charged independently, but the system becomes bulky and inconvenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple AC-to-DC converter functions into a single power supply unit that can charge multiple devices simultaneously through multiple output ports. This consolidation eliminates the need to carry multiple separate converters, reducing overall weight and bulk while maintaining the capability to independently charge multiple electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single AC-to-DC converter provides power to multiple different types of electronic devices through various output ports and cables. This universal design allows one device to perform the function of multiple dedicated chargers, improving portability and convenience.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical outlets are installed in peripheral walls for safety, then electrical hazards are reduced, but accessibility from seating areas becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into modular components including a central power supply unit and multiple portable power delivery units that can be distributed throughout the space. This segmentation allows power access points to be placed in convenient locations away from peripheral walls, maintaining electrical safety while improving accessibility from seating areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable power delivery units as intermediaries between the main power supply and electronic devices. These intermediary units can be placed in optimal locations for user accessibility while drawing power from the main supply, effectively decoupling the safety requirements of wall outlets from the accessibility requirements of user interfaces.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend device usage, then operational duration is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the portable electronic devices themselves and relocates it to external power delivery units. By taking out the heavy battery requirement from the device, the device can maintain low weight and size while the external power units provide extended operational duration through their own power sources and energy storage capabilities.
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 system provides efficient and convenient DC power delivery to multiple devices, reducing the need for bulky converters and allowing flexible placement in public areas, while integrated 'smart' features manage power distribution and protection.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-to-DC power supply configured to convert input AC power to output initial DC power
Implementation Method 2
a first power delivery unit being configured as a DC-to-DC power converter which converts the output initial DC power to provide converted DC power, the converted DC power having a different voltage and/or a different current than the output initial DC power
Data Source
AI summary
A power delivery system includes: an AC-to-DC power supply configured to output initial DC power; a first power delivery unit connected to the power supply and having at least one output port, the first power delivery unit being configured as a DC-to-DC power converter to provide converted DC power through the at least one output port, the converted DC power having a different voltage and/or a different current than the output initial DC power; and a second power delivery unit connected to the power supply or the first power delivery unit through an input port and having at least one output port, the second power delivery unit being configured as a DC-to-DC power converter to provide an output DC power through the at least one output port which has a different voltage and/or a different current than the power received through the input port.