Movable Connector Battery Pack for On-Demand Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a charging system that can supply power to portable handheld electronics on demand, especially when users cannot connect them to a traditional wall outlet, due to the frequent depletion of battery stores and the inconvenience of waiting for recharging.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack device with a housing, electrical contacts, connectors, and a moveable control device, which includes a torsion spring mechanism for releasing and retracting connectors, a variable power supply circuit, and a charge level indicator, designed for use in rental kiosks to provide power to various devices via different connectors like Lightning, micro-USB, and 30-pin connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional wall outlet charging system is used, then the charging infrastructure is simple and reliable, but users cannot charge devices on demand when away from outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into portable battery packs that can be independently rented and used, separating the charging function from fixed infrastructure. Each battery pack is a self-contained unit with its own power supply and connectors, enabling distributed charging without requiring complex centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
A kiosk system acts as an intermediary between users and battery packs, automating the rental and return process. The kiosk manages battery pack distribution, tracking, and recharging, reducing the complexity burden from users while enabling on-demand charging availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types are provided for different devices, then the adaptability to various devices is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed with multiple connector types (Lightning, micro-USB, 30-pin) integrated into a single housing, allowing one product to serve multiple device types. This universal design enables a single battery pack model to charge various devices without requiring separate specialized packs for each connector type.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be extended or retracted based on which connector type is needed. This dynamic configuration enables the battery pack to adapt its interface to match different device requirements while maintaining a compact form factor when connectors are retracted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connectors are made movable for different device types, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Torsion springs are pre-installed on each electrical connector to provide automatic tension and ensure reliable contact. The springs are configured to maintain constant pressure between the connector and device interface, compensating for any misalignment or wear and ensuring consistent electrical connection reliability across multiple uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are designed to change their position and contact pressure dynamically. When extended, the connectors engage with devices at optimal contact points; when retracted, they return to a neutral position. This parameter change enables both versatility in connecting different devices and reliability through controlled engagement forces.
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 on-demand charging of portable devices through rental battery packs, allowing users to rent or purchase packs based on charge level and duration, with automated kiosk systems optimizing the distribution and charging of packs, ensuring efficient and convenient power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include a plurality of torsion springs wherein each torsion spring is secured to a respective one of the plurality of electrical connectors and adapted to rotate the respective electrical connector through the aperture when the moveable control device is activated to release the torsion spring.
Implementation Method 2
The device may include a linear spring adapted to maintain the moveable control device in a deactivated position when the linear spring is uncompressed.
Implementation Method 3
The battery may be contained within the housing and in electrical communication with each of the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical contacts.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack device including a housing, a plurality of electrical contacts, a plurality of electrical connectors, a moveable control device, and a battery. The housing may have a chamfered edge. The plurality of electrical contacts may be carried by an outer surface of the housing. The plurality of electrical connectors may be carried within the housing. The moveable control device may be adapted to position at least one of the plurality of electrical connectors through an aperture located in the housing when activated. The battery may be contained within the housing and in electrical communication with each of the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical contacts.