Portable Charger with Locking Mechanism and GPS Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic charging devices are vulnerable to theft after being left plugged in and unattended once the connected device is fully charged, and there is a need for a solution to locate lost or stolen mobile electronics.
Innovation Solution
A portable charging apparatus with a locking mechanism, GPS module, and solar-powered rechargeable battery, featuring USB ports for device charging and communication with a mobile software application to track its location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electronic charging device is left plugged in after the mobile electronics device is fully charged, then the charging function is completed, but the charging device becomes vulnerable to theft or unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a charging device with a padlock locking mechanism into a single integrated unit. The charging device housing incorporates a lockable compartment that can secure the mobile electronics device during charging, while the padlock portion provides external security to prevent theft of the entire charging device. This merging resolves the contradiction by adding security functionality without requiring a separate charging device.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the charging device to prevent theft, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The padlock portion of the integrated device serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier to prevent unauthorized access to the charging device, provides a secure mounting point for attaching the device to fixed surfaces, and incorporates a GPS tracker for location monitoring. By combining these multiple security functions into a single padlock component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive anti-theft protection.
3Reliability
If GPS technology and location tracking features are added to locate lost or stolen devices, then device recovery capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS tracking system in the padlock portion operates periodically rather than continuously. The device can be configured to transmit location data at set intervals or only when triggered by specific events such as movement detection or unauthorized access attempts. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective location tracking capability for recovering lost or stolen devices.
4Ease of operation
If the charging device is made portable and lockable, then mobility and security are improved, but the charging capacity and power sharing capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is segmented into two distinct functional portions: a padlock portion for security and portability, and a charging device portion for power delivery. The padlock portion contains a smaller battery optimized for GPS tracking and electronic lock functions, while the charging device portion has a larger battery capacity for actual device charging and power sharing. This segmentation allows the overall system to maintain portability while providing sufficient charging capacity through the separate charging compartment.
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 solution provides secure charging, anti-theft protection, and location tracking of the charging device and associated mobile electronics, ensuring secure and convenient charging while enabling real-time location determination.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell is included to provide electrical current to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A lock portable charging apparatus includes a case defining an interior area that is enclosed and a locking device situated in the case. A shackle assembly is operatively coupled to the locking mechanism and is functional to selectively secure the case to a support structure. The case defines a key inlet for receiving a key in to operate the lock mechanism. A battery, processor, and memory storing programming are situated in the case. A primary and auxiliary USB port are positioned on the case and electrically connected to the battery for receiving AC power to recharge the battery and share battery power with other electronic devices, respectively. A GPS module is in the case for determining a global location of the case. A solar cell is included to provide electrical current to the battery. Programming is included to locate a mobile phone associated with the case.