Multifunctional Tray for Mobility Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal mobility devices, such as strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers, lack integrated features for temperature-controlled beverage storage, entertainment, and charging, limiting user convenience and enjoyment during use.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional tray attachable to personal mobility devices, featuring thermally controlled beverage receptacles, wireless audio connectivity, and USB charging, with a control panel for temperature management, a speaker for audio entertainment, and adjustable attachment structures for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If personal mobility devices include basic platform storage, then user convenience is improved, but device functionality remains limited without temperature control, entertainment, or charging capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent functions (beverage heating, beverage cooling, audio entertainment, and electronic device charging) into a single integrated tray assembly that attaches to personal mobility devices. This merging approach allows the tray to serve as a multifunctional hub, simultaneously providing thermal control via a thermoelectric module, audio output via a speaker, and power delivery via USB ports, thereby dramatically increasing adaptability while managing complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: it heats and cools beverages using a thermoelectric module controlled by a control panel, provides audio entertainment through a wireless speaker, and charges portable electronic devices via USB ports. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace several separate accessories, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple separate attachments
2Ease of operation
If thermal elements are added to control beverage temperature, then user comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thermoelectric module that can operate in both heating and cooling modes by changing the direction of electrical current flow. The control panel allows users to select between heating and cooling functions, and the system automatically adjusts the magnitude and direction of electrical parameters to achieve the desired beverage temperature. This parameter control enables precise temperature management while optimizing energy consumption by only activating the thermal element when temperature adjustment is needed
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
Enhances user experience by providing temperature-controlled beverages, mobile audio entertainment, and charging capabilities, making the use of personal mobility devices more enjoyable and convenient.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal element is a thermoelectric module that can to provide heating and cooling
Implementation Method 2
A pair of resistive heaters located within the tray housing are mounted at each beverage receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional tray includes a portable tray housing that defines a beverage receptacle. The beverage receptacle can be selectively heated by a thermal element mounted within the tray housing. A control panel mounted to the tray housing can be used to control the heating function of the thermal element by selectively energizing the thermal element with a power source. Optionally, the tray is selectively attachable to a personal mobility device via a pair of attachment elements mounted at opposing ends of the tray housing. The tray may also include wireless connectivity capabilities that allow a user to play music and other audio entertainment from a portable electronic device through a speaker that is mounted to the tray housing.