Modular Sled for Balanced Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile devices face limitations in simultaneous operation with peripherals due to inconvenient charging connections and uneven power usage when connected, restricting their cooperative functionality.

Innovation Solution

A modular system with a rigid backbone, smart power regulator, and supplemental power pack enables convenient physical and electronic connectivity between mobile devices and peripherals, allowing for simultaneous charging and power regulation, supporting various devices and modules like passport readers without blocking communication or charging ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple peripheral devices are connected to a mobile device, then device functionality is expanded, but power management becomes uneven and charging connections become inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcharging connection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sled acts as an intermediary device between the mobile device and multiple peripheral devices. It provides a centralized power management system with a smart power regulator that automatically distributes power to connected devices, and includes its own rechargeable battery to serve as a power buffer, eliminating the need for multiple direct charging connections to the mobile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sled combines multiple functions into a single device: it serves as a physical mounting platform for peripherals, a power bank with rechargeable battery, a smart power regulator for automatic power distribution, and a hub for connecting multiple devices. This consolidation simplifies the system architecture and improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple peripheral devices are connected simultaneously, then cooperative functionality is enhanced, but power distribution becomes uneven causing some devices to drain faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooperative functionalityVSAvoidpower distribution balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The smart power regulator continuously monitors the power status of connected devices and automatically adjusts power distribution in real-time. It detects battery levels and power consumption patterns of each device, then dynamically allocates power from its rechargeable battery to maintain balanced charging across all connected peripherals, preventing any single device from draining faster than others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid backbone structure is used to attach peripherals, then physical stability is improved, but device portability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical stabilityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

While the sled uses a rigid backbone for structural stability, the attachment mechanism employs a flexible case that can accommodate various mobile device sizes and shapes. The case provides protection and secure mounting without adding excessive weight, and the modular design allows users to attach only the peripheral devices they need at any given time, maintaining portability while ensuring stability when devices are connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10520999B1Modular sled for cooperative power management and physical combination between a mobile device and associated peripheral devices

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 KOAMTAC INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method offering a specialized modular sled systems for combination, both in a physically proximate sense, and power usage-wise, mobile devices with peripheral devices without the need for cables, and with structural capabilities that offer the ability for a user to employ the same in substantially simultaneous fashion through a consolidated physical integration that eliminates uneven and/or problematic charging of the same.