Portable Charger Nest Locking for Scalable Charging Station Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging systems face challenges in optimizing the number and placement of portable charging facilities, leading to either underutilization or overutilization, and lack efficient management and maintenance strategies.

Innovation Solution

A charging station ecosystem that includes indoor and outdoor stations, a subscription model, and a system for locking chargers until authorized removal, with features like nests for charger storage, solar energy recharging, and a networked system for user interaction and data analysis to optimize charger usage and placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If built-in chargers are installed in tables or fixed locations, then charging capability is provided, but setup and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidsetup and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is divided into separate modular components: portable battery chargers that can be independently deployed and replaced. Instead of installing fixed charging infrastructure throughout a space, individual charging units are distributed and can be moved or replaced as needed, reducing overall setup and maintenance costs while maintaining charging availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portable battery chargers are designed to be self-contained units that users can carry and use independently. The chargers automatically recharge when docked at charging stations, requiring minimal manual intervention for maintenance. This self-service capability reduces the burden on facility operators while ensuring charging reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If too many charging facilities are deployed, then charging availability increases, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidnumber of charging facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable battery chargers are designed as universal units that can be used across multiple locations and with various mobile devices. A single charger design serves multiple functions and can be deployed in different settings, reducing the need for location-specific charging infrastructure while maintaining broad charging availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system transitions from static fixed installations to dynamic portable units that can be moved and redistributed based on demand. This dynamic approach allows the charging infrastructure to adapt to changing user needs and location requirements without requiring permanent installations throughout the space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If too few charging facilities are deployed, then cost decreases, but charging availability and user satisfaction decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidcharging availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Portable battery chargers serve as intermediary devices between fixed charging stations and mobile devices. Users can pick up chargers from distributed stations, use them anywhere, and return them to any station. This intermediary approach provides broad charging availability with minimal fixed infrastructure, as the portable chargers act as mobile charging resources that can be positioned where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If portable battery chargers are provided to users, then charging availability increases, but users must carry additional devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring users to carry full charging stations or large battery packs, the system provides portable chargers with sufficient capacity for typical usage scenarios. The chargers are designed to be compact and lightweight, providing just enough charging capability to address common needs without becoming cumbersome accessories that users are reluctant to carry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 a scalable and efficient distribution of portable chargers, optimizing their use and extending their lifespan through data-driven management, reducing setup and maintenance costs while ensuring chargers are always available where needed.

Implementation Method 1

outdoor stations that utilize solar energy to recharge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11942809B1Method and apparatus for a battery charging station infrastructure including individual battery chargers

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 MUKHABBATOV NASIM

AI summary

A charger system comprising a charging station including a plurality of nests for chargers is described. Each of the plurality of nests is designed to partially eject the charger when instructed to do so, and further comprises a nest lock to lock in the charger into the nest when not ejecting. The charger system interacting with a user account, enabling a user to request the charger, wherein the charger is ejected from the nest for a valid request.