Portable Charger System With Cloud Management And Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable charging solutions for densely populated facilities often lack AC power outlets, and current solutions either occupy too much space, do not provide AC output, or require users to temporarily relinquish access to their devices during charging.
Innovation Solution
A system of portable, stackable chargers with AC output capabilities and inductive charging, managed through cloud-based resources, allowing remote monitoring and deployment, and enabling seamless AC power delivery to multiple devices while maintaining correct electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable power chargers are provided via a kiosk, then charging capability is provided, but the kiosk takes up a substantial amount of space at a facility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging function into individual portable charger units that can be distributed throughout the facility rather than consolidated in a single large kiosk. Each charger is a standalone unit that can be placed on desks or surfaces, providing charging capability without requiring dedicated kiosk space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a horizontal space-consuming kiosk to vertical stacking of portable chargers. Multiple chargers can be stacked vertically on a single base station, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal floor space, thereby reducing the footprint while maintaining charging capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AC power outlets are added to densely populated facilities, then charging availability is improved, but the infrastructure cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the AC-to-DC conversion function from the facility's fixed infrastructure and relocates it to portable charger units. The base station contains the AC power interface and power supply circuitry, while individual chargers contain only battery and DC output components, making the system portable and avoiding expensive facility retrofits.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary between the facility's AC power infrastructure and the portable chargers. It provides centralized power distribution to multiple chargers, eliminating the need for individual AC outlets at each charging location while maintaining charging availability throughout the facility.
3Area of stationary object
If portable chargers are stacked one upon another, then space efficiency is improved, but the chargers must sense adjacent chargers requiring sophisticated charging logic
Solution Approach 1:
Each portable charger is equipped with automatic detection circuitry that senses the presence of adjacent chargers through electrical contacts when stacked. The chargers autonomously establish charging connections without requiring complex control logic, as the physical stacking itself triggers the charging sequence through built-in sensors and automatic power negotiation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inductive charging is added to portable chargers, then charging versatility is improved, but the complexity and cost of the charger increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines both wired and inductive charging capabilities within the same portable charger unit. The charger includes both physical connection ports for cable-based charging and an integrated inductive charging coil, allowing it to serve multiple charging needs through a single device without requiring separate charging solutions.
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
The system provides efficient, space-saving AC power charging for multiple devices, ensuring continuous access and reducing infrastructure costs by enabling remote management and monitoring of chargers, thus addressing the shortage of AC power outlets in densely populated areas.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive charging employs an electromagnetic field to transfer energy from the charger to the device being charged through electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a device activation module and a system monitoring module in resources accessible to the system operator over the wide area network. In one embodiment, the method operates to process collateral received by the resources from a client device possessed by a user interested in activating a charging output included in a charger selected by the user from the plurality of portable chargers. Further, if the collateral is accepted, an authorization is wirelessly communicated from the device activation module to the client device, a device activation signal wirelessly communicated from the client device following a receipt of the authorization is received by the charger selected by the user, and the charging output included in the charger selected by the user is activated following a receipt of the device activation signal.