Pivoting Electrical Connector Chassis with Stabilizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device charging solutions lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between deployed and stored configurations of electrical connectors, and do not effectively distribute the weight of the device during charging, leading to potential stress on the connector.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a chassis with a pivoting electrical connector and a stabilizer that supports the weight of the device, allowing the connector to transition between deployed and stored configurations, and includes a circuit for converting AC power to DC power for charging the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical connector is made deployable to enable charging, then charging functionality is improved, but the connector becomes susceptible to stress and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidconnector durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is designed to be movable between deployed and retracted positions rather than fixed. The connector can pivot or slide along the sidewall, allowing it to adapt between being exposed for charging and protected during transport. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by providing charging functionality when needed while protecting the connector when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is segmented into movable and stationary parts. The connector itself is separated from the main chassis body, allowing independent movement. This segmentation enables the connector to be deployed for charging while the main chassis remains stable, and retracted for protection, thus improving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the electrical connector is exposed for charging, then charging access is improved, but the connector is subjected to stress from device weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging accessVSAvoidstress on connector
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure or stabilizing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the device weight and the electrical connector. When the connector is deployed for charging, the support structure bears the device weight, preventing the connector from bearing the full load. This intermediary element allows easy charging access while protecting the connector from excessive stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure provides counterbalancing force to offset the device weight when the connector is in the deployed position. This counterweight mechanism ensures the connector remains stress-free even while accessible for charging, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If the electrical connector is retracted to protect it, then connector durability is improved, but charging access becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidcharging access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector's movable design allows rapid transition between retracted (protected) and deployed (accessible) states. This dynamic capability ensures the connector is protected during transport while easily accessible when charging is needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient charging by reducing stress on the electrical connector and ensuring stable support during charging, while allowing for easy deployment and retraction of the connector.

Implementation Method 1

a circuit mounted on the chassis that charges the energy storage device when the electrical connector is coupled with a power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAC to DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10027149B2Electrical charging device chassis and cases
Publication Date: 2018.07.17 WARREN WILLIAM J
  • US10027149B2 patent drawing
  • US10027149B2 patent drawing
  • US10027149B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Electrical charging device chassis and cases are provided herein. An example device includes a chassis for a computer, the chassis having a sidewall extending perpendicularly from the chassis, the chassis being configured to enclose computer components of the computer, the computer components having an energy storage device, the chassis comprising an electrical connector that extends from the sidewall. The device also includes a circuit mounted on the chassis that charges the energy storage device when the electrical connector is coupled with a power source.