Portable Charging Apparatus for Battery Light Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for recharging portable battery-operated light units are time-consuming and laborious, requiring the removal and replacement of batteries, which necessitates a stock of spare batteries and lacks efficient charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A portable charging apparatus with a robust container equipped with receiving means for light units, electricity supply connection and regulation, and optional inductive charging, powered by a variety of sources including solar panels and wind turbines, allowing for automatic connection and disconnection, and enabling charging without the need to remove batteries from the units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are removed and replaced manually for recharging, then the light units can be recharged, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery, charging circuitry, and light unit into an integrated system. The battery is permanently housed within the light unit with built-in charging ports, eliminating the need for battery removal. Multiple light units can be charged simultaneously by connecting them to a central power source through these integrated ports, making the charging process efficient and non-laborious.
Solution Approach 2:
The light units are equipped with self-charging capability through integrated rechargeable batteries and charging ports. The system automatically manages charging when connected to a power source, eliminating manual battery handling. The batteries serve themselves by being recharged in place without requiring user intervention for removal or replacement.
2Duration of action of moving object
If spare batteries are stocked for replacement, then continuous operation is maintained, but storage space and inventory management are required
Solution Approach 1:
The charging apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as a power source for charging multiple light units simultaneously, a storage container for the light units, and a portable power station. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate battery storage and management systems. The apparatus can charge all light units in its custody, ensuring operational continuity without requiring external spare batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of battery storage, charging infrastructure, and light unit custody into a single integrated apparatus. The charging system is built into the container housing the light units, creating a self-contained ecosystem that maintains operational continuity without external spare battery inventory.
3Strength
If a robust container is used for protecting light units, then protection during transport is improved, but the apparatus becomes heavier and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction for the container, likely combining lightweight materials such as aluminum alloys, reinforced plastics, or composite panels that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The container structure incorporates protective elements like foam padding, rubber bumpers, or molded recesses that offer cushioning without adding significant weight. This composite approach ensures robust protection during transport while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container provides differential protection: critical areas such as corners, edges, and battery compartments receive enhanced reinforcement, while non-critical areas use lighter construction. This localized strengthening approach ensures adequate protection during transport without uniformly increasing the weight of the entire apparatus, thus maintaining portability while providing necessary strength.
4Productivity
If multiple light units are charged simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but the charging apparatus becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging ports or slots within the apparatus, each capable of charging a light unit independently. This modular segmentation allows simultaneous charging of multiple units through parallel connections to the power source, increasing charging productivity while keeping each charging circuit relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging apparatus uses a universal power distribution system that can simultaneously serve multiple light units through standardized charging ports. The single power source distributes electricity to multiple units in parallel, achieving efficient simultaneous charging without requiring complex individual charging systems for each unit, thus maintaining system simplicity while improving productivity.
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 apparatus provides a rapid, efficient, and cableless charging system for multiple light units, reducing labor and storage needs, and enabling independent power supply for outdoor events, with the ability to recharge units in situ or during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus may include a lid comprising solar panels
Implementation Method 2
or from a gasoline/petrol/diesel generator. This electricity supply may be provided at approximately 220 volts or 110 volts. However, it is also possible that the apparatus includes its own electricity generating means. This could be a gasoline/petrol or diesel generator. Alternatively, it could be a means for generating electricity from renewable energy such as a wind turbine or solar panel.
Implementation Method 3
The electricity supply regulating means may include a rectifier, and/or an inverter, for converting the incoming electricity supply from AC to DC in the case of the former, or from DC to AC in the case of the latter.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable charging apparatus for electrically charging one or more portable battery operated light units, comprising a container having one or more receiving means for receiving one or more portable battery operated light units, electricity supply connection means for electrically connecting with the one or more portable battery operated light units, and electricity supply regulating means.