Portable Device Case With Retained Battery Pack Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices require physical tethering to a power outlet for charging, limiting user convenience and flexibility in carrying and using devices with varying functionalities.

Innovation Solution

A case design that integrates a portable electronic device and a battery device, allowing the battery to provide charging power and communicate with an external device, while being securely retained and easily interchangeable, minimizing the number of separate devices carried.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a charging cord is used to charge the battery in a portable electronic device, then the device can be recharged, but the device must be physically tethered to a power outlet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery charging capabilityVSAvoiduser mobility and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the charging function into separate components: a power source device (with its own battery) and the portable electronic device. The power source device can be independently carried and connected to the portable device via wireless communication, eliminating the need for a physical tether to a power outlet while maintaining charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are carried to provide varying functionalities, then device functionality is enhanced, but device clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidnumber of devices carried

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The power source device is designed to be a multi-functional unit that can serve as both a portable power source for charging and a functional device that communicates with the portable electronic device. This universal design allows a single device to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the total number of separate devices needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the power source functionality with additional device functionalities into a single integrated unit. By merging the battery power source with communication capabilities and other functions, the system reduces device clutter while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230420961A1Case for portable electronic devices

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

A case can facilitate operation with a portable electronic device and a battery device that can be connected to another, external device. To minimize the number of separate devices carried by a user, a battery device can be held within the case that also holds the portable electronic device. The case can hold the portable electronic device continually and receive the battery device when the user wants to group the devices together. The battery pack can provide charging power to the external device (e.g., wearable device) while held within the case. The case can provide engagement with the battery device to retain it and/or a communication link to communicate with it.