Modular Mobile Power Station for Expandable Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile power stations lack a modular and efficient design for power distribution and expansion, limiting their versatility and usability in providing power to multiple devices and tools.
Innovation Solution
A mobile power station with a base containing battery cells and a modular design, where modules with electrical terminals can be removably coupled to the base via recesses and cleats, allowing for flexible power distribution and expansion by forming electrical interfaces that enable power transmission from the battery cells to various modules, including outlets and chargers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed non-modular design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power station is divided into a base unit and multiple detachable modules. The base contains battery cells and power management components, while modules contain electrical outlets and charging ports. This segmentation allows users to configure different module combinations based on specific power needs, enhancing versatility without permanently increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal electrical interfaces (recesses and cleats with electrical terminals) that can accommodate multiple types of modules. Each module provides different electrical output functions (AC outlets, DC ports, USB charging), making the base unit universally compatible with various power distribution needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical outlets are integrated into a single unit, then power distribution capability is improved, but the device becomes less mobile and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical outlets are separated into individual detachable modules rather than being integrated into a single large unit. Users can attach only the modules they need for current tasks, reducing the overall size and improving mobility when full power distribution capability is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Modules can be attached or detached based on real-time power distribution needs, allowing the system to adapt its configuration and size dynamically rather than being fixed.
3Reliability
If modules are permanently fixed to the base, then electrical connections are more reliable, but the system loses flexibility for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical terminals are pre-positioned on the base (recesses) and modules (cleats) to ensure proper alignment during attachment. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable electrical connections are established automatically when modules are coupled to the base, without requiring additional connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical terminals act as intermediaries between the base and modules. These dedicated electrical contact points ensure reliable power transmission while allowing mechanical detachment, bridging the need for both connection reliability and reconfiguration flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If a modular design with detachable modules is used, then versatility and ease of configuration are improved, but the risk of connection errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleats on modules are designed to fit into specific asymmetric recesses on the base, ensuring correct orientation and alignment. This asymmetric design prevents incorrect module installation and ensures electrical terminals align properly, reducing connection errors while maintaining ease of configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The module attachment mechanism is designed to self-align and self-connect electrically when brought close to the base. The recesses and cleats automatically guide the module into the correct position and establish electrical connections without requiring user intervention or complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile power station includes a frame having a handle and a base coupled to the frame. The base includes battery cells disposed therein. A first module is couplable to the base forming a first-base interface. The first module receives power from the battery cells through the first-base interface. A second module is couplable to the first module forming a second-first interface. The second module receives power from the battery cells through the second-first interface.