Modular Non-Contact Power Supply Unit for Scalable Cart Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact power supply units for charging electronic devices on shopping carts are inflexible and cannot accommodate varying numbers of carts across different retail stores, leading to inefficient power transmission and storage.
Innovation Solution
A configurable non-contact charging cart station composed of connectable units with wheel guides and non-contact power supply devices, allowing for adjustable positioning and increased charging capacity by aligning power transmitting and receiving units, and incorporating connectors to expand charging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed non-contact power supply device is installed, then the power transmission stability is improved, but the adaptability to different store requirements and cart quantities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-contact power supply device is divided into multiple independent power transmission units, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different numbers of carts by activating only the necessary units, while each unit maintains stable power transmission independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable power transmission units that can be dynamically positioned along the cart passage. This dynamic configuration enables the power supply capacity to be adjusted according to the actual number of carts present, providing both adaptability and stable power transmission through optimized positioning.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of power transmission units is increased to accommodate more carts, then the charging capacity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple standardized, modular power transmission units that can be independently controlled. Each unit has simplified internal structure and can be managed separately, reducing overall system complexity while enabling scalable charging capacity through selective activation of units based on actual cart quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power transmission unit is designed as a universal module that can serve multiple functions: power transmission, positioning adjustment, and independent control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high charging capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable power transmission units are used to adjust charging capacity, then the adaptability to different cart quantities is improved, but the alignment precision between power transmitting and receiving units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection units that continuously monitor the positional relationship between power transmission and reception units. Based on feedback from these detectors, the control unit automatically adjusts the position of movable power transmission units to maintain optimal alignment, thereby preserving alignment precision while retaining adaptability through movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual or mechanical alignment methods with automated detection and control mechanisms. Sensors and control units work together to precisely position the movable power transmission units, achieving higher alignment precision than purely mechanical systems while maintaining the ability to adapt to different cart quantities.
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 wireless charging of multiple carts by ensuring optimal alignment of power transmission and receiving units, accommodating different store layouts and capacities, and facilitating easy expansion of charging sites.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact power supply device configured to perform wireless charging of the cart
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact power supply unit includes connectable units. Each of the connectable units includes a cart wheel guide, a non-contact power supply device configured to perform wireless power charging of a cart, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector is connectable to the second connector of another connectable unit and the second connector is connectable to the first connector of another connectable unit. The cart wheel guides of the connectable units are aligned with each other when connected.