Portable Power System Docking Assembly with Actuator-Driven Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable power systems (PPS) face challenges in secure transport and electrical connection within vehicles, lacking flexibility for extended use away from the vehicle, and are not easily detachable for independent power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A portable power system assembly featuring a dock with a PPS holding tray and an actuator arm that pivots from a first to a second position, allowing the PPS to transition from a receiving to a securing station for electrical engagement and secure locking, facilitating easy detachment when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PPS is securely locked in the dock during transport, then security and stability are improved, but ease of removal for independent use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator arm transitions between a locked position (during transport) and an unlocked position (for removal), making the securing mechanism dynamic rather than static. This allows the system to adapt between security and ease of removal based on operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages the actuator arm with the PPS abutment region when the PPS is inserted, providing self-securing without manual intervention. For removal, the user simply pulls the PPS which automatically disengages the spring mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the PPS remains in the vehicle for extended periods, then charging convenience is improved, but flexibility for use away from vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dock system allows the PPS to transition between a secured docked state (for charging) and an independent removed state (for portable use), providing dynamic adaptability between vehicle-dependent and independent operation modes
3Power
If a dual battery system is used in vehicle, then power supply capacity is improved, but portability and flexibility for outdoor use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply into two independent components: the vehicle's dual battery system for high-capacity vehicle operations, and the removable PPS for portable outdoor use. This allows each system to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The PPS extracts the essential power storage and delivery functions from the vehicle's fixed dual battery system, creating a standalone portable unit that can be removed and used independently for outdoor activities
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power system assembly that includes a portable power system (PPS) and a dock. The dock is mountable to a vehicle and includes a PPS holding tray and an actuator arm, with the actuator arm capable of being pivoted from a first position to a second position, the holding tray including a PPS receiving station and a PPS securing station, and the securing station including electrical supply terminals. The PPS includes a housing with opposing ends, there being mating electrical terminals at one end and at least one abutment region at the other end for engagement with the actuator arm. The actuator arm engages with the abutment region of a PPS in the receiving station to move, during pivoting of the actuator arm from its first position to its second position, the PPS from the receiving station to the securing station for mating electrical engagement of the PPS and dock electrical terminals, and, in its second position, the actuator arm engages with the PPS in the securing station to releasably lock the PPS in the securing station.