Portable Power Tower With Interchangeable Outlets and Battery Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for convenient access to electrical power and data outlets for portable electronic devices, as they become increasingly ubiquitous, but existing solutions often require a fixed power source and lack portability and versatility in outlet types.
Innovation Solution
A portable tower with interchangeable electrical outlets, powered by either an onboard rechargeable battery or an external power source, including wireless charging capabilities, allowing users to conveniently access power and data signals at various locations without relying on a fixed power connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed power source is used, then electrical outlets are reliably powered, but portability and mobility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into a portable tower unit with onboard battery and a separate charging station. The tower can be moved independently to provide power wherever needed, while the charging station remains fixed for recharging the tower's battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable tower acts as an intermediary between the fixed charging station and the electronic devices needing power. It receives power from the charging station via wireless or wired connection and then provides power through its own outlets, enabling mobile access to electricity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlet types are provided, then versatility for different devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is designed with multiple electrical outlets of different types (AC outlets, USB ports, etc.) that can simultaneously serve different electronic devices. This multi-functionality allows a single tower unit to power various devices without requiring multiple separate charging solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet configuration is made dynamic through the ability to interchange different outlet modules on the tower. Users can reconfigure which outlets are active based on current needs, allowing the system to adapt to different device requirements without permanent complex wiring.
3Ease of operation
If an onboard battery is used, then portability is improved, but energy capacity and duration of operation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tower's battery is recharged in advance by connecting the tower to a charging station when power is available. This preliminary charging action ensures the tower is ready for portable use whenever needed, eliminating the need for carrying external chargers or power banks.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower is equipped with an onboard rechargeable battery that can be recharged automatically when docked at a charging station. The system self-manages its power needs by returning to the charging station for recharging, reducing user intervention for power management.
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 portable tower provides users with flexible and convenient access to different types of electrical outlets, enabling the charging and powering of devices at any desired location, both with and without a conventional power source, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the base housing portion includes a wireless electrical power transmitter for transmitting electrical power wirelessly
Implementation Method 2
The first electrical outlet is mounted at the upper housing portion, and the second electrical outlet is mounted at the base housing portion. The electrical conductors extends through the base housing portion, through the upstanding central housing portion, and through the upper housing portion, and is in electrical communication with an electrical source such as an onboard rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A portable tower with electrical capability includes a housing with base, central, and upper housing portions, and with electrical power and/or data outlets including at least one outlet at either or both of the upper and lower housing portions. The central housing portion projects upwardly from the base housing portion and supports the upper housing portion at an elevated position spaced above the base housing portion. The electrical power and/or data outlets are in electrical communication with a power or data source, such as a remote source or an onboard source as in a rechargeable battery or capacitor. Where an onboard source is provided, the portable tower is positionable in substantially any desired location and is capable of providing electrical power to other devices when there is sufficient energy stored in the onboard source.