Movable Wall Cradle Aligns Charging Coils for Optical Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recharge cradles for optical information readers face inefficiencies in inductive charging due to the need for precise mechanical alignment of coils, which can complicate the insertion and extraction of the reader and may lead to misalignment during charging.
Innovation Solution
A cradle design featuring a movable wall that automatically adjusts to align the power transmitting and receiving coils upon insertion of the optical information reader, facilitated by magnetic attraction or weight-triggered mechanisms, ensuring efficient energy transfer without relying on tight mechanical tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise mechanical alignment of coils is required for inductive charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle incorporates a movable wall that can dynamically adjust its position between a first operative position (when reader is not inserted) and a second operative position (when reader is inserted). This dynamic adjustment automatically aligns the power transmitting coil with the power receiving coil in the reader, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and simplifying insertion/extraction operations while maintaining charging efficiency
2Reliability
If tight mechanical tolerances are used for coil alignment, then charging reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on tight mechanical tolerances, the invention uses a movable wall mechanism that actively adjusts the position of the power transmitting coil. This dynamic system compensates for manufacturing variations and simplifies the mechanical design while ensuring reliable coil alignment during charging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall automatically positions itself to align the coils when the reader is inserted into the cradle. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex pre-alignment procedures or tight manufacturing tolerances, as the system self-corrects to achieve proper coil alignment
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
This design enhances charging efficiency by simplifying the alignment process, reducing the risk of misalignment, and providing a secure retention mechanism for the reader during charging, thus improving the overall charging experience.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitting coil located at the movable wall which is adapted to transmit power to the power receiving coil when the optical information reader is inserted in the first seat
Implementation Method 2
facilitated by magnetic attraction or weight-triggered mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
a biasing element movable from an unloaded position when the optical information reader is not inserted in the first seat to a loaded position when the optical information reader is inserted in the first seat, and for restoring the base plate to its first operative position when the optical information reader is lifted from the first seat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cradle for wireless power recharging of an optical information reader including a first portion containing a power receiving coil to be charged, the cradle including: i) a first seat adapted to partially house the first portion of the optical information reader, the first seat having a plurality of walls, one of the walls being movable from a first operative position held when the first portion of optical information reader is not inserted in the first seat to a second operative position held when the first portion of the optical information reader is inserted in the first seat; and ii) a power transmitting coil located at the movable wall which is adapted to transmit power to the power receiving coil when the optical information reader is inserted in the first seat and the movable wall is in the second operative position.