Power-Assisted Cooler Wheels with Force Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable insulated coolers with integrated electronic devices face challenges in power charging due to the absence of reliable electrical power sources and varying charging cable configurations, and transporting these coolers with added components becomes cumbersome, especially for individuals with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power-assisted wheels with force-sensing sensors and a controller to reduce the force required for transportation, along with wireless charging capabilities and adjustable handle mechanisms to enhance user convenience and independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If power-assisted wheels with force-sensing sensors and controllers are integrated into the cooler, then the force required for transportation is reduced, but the weight of the cooler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power-assist system is divided into separate functional modules: force-sensing sensors mounted on the handle, a controller unit, and motorized wheel assemblies. This segmentation allows the heavy components to be distributed and mounted only on the wheel assembly rather than the entire cooler body, reducing the overall weight impact while maintaining the force-reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pushing/pulling system is replaced with an electromechanical power-assist system. Force-sensing sensors detect user input forces, and motorized wheels provide supplemental propulsion force, substituting pure mechanical human effort with an automated electromechanical system that reduces the required user force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices and power supplies are integrated into the cooler, then charging capabilities are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler integrates multiple functions into a single device: insulation for food storage, power supply for electronic devices, wireless charging capability, and power-assisted transportation. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate devices (cooler, battery charger, wireless charging pad, and wheeled transport system) into one unified system, managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit, wireless charging transmitter, and electronic device charging ports are merged into an integrated power management system. The battery pack serves dual purposes: powering the motorized wheels for transportation and providing energy for wireless charging and electronic device charging, thereby reducing the number of separate power systems needed.
3Ease of operation
If the cooler is designed to be easily operable for all users, then independence of users with mobility issues is increased, but the device complexity increases due to sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensing sensors automatically detect the user's pushing or pulling force on the handle and the system autonomously adjusts motor output to provide proportional power assistance. The controller automatically manages power distribution between wheel motors and electronic device charging based on detected usage patterns, eliminating the need for manual controls or user intervention to optimize system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Force-sensing sensors mounted on the handle continuously monitor the user's applied force and provide real-time feedback to the controller. The controller processes this feedback signal and dynamically adjusts the motorized wheel output to match user intent, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user needs without requiring complex manual controls or interfaces.
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
This solution enables efficient wireless charging of electronic devices and reduces the effort needed to transport heavy coolers, improving user independence and convenience by providing supplemental power assistance and adaptable handling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of force-sensing sensors sensing pressure within the handle or on the insulated cooler body due to acceleration or deceleration, the force-sensing sensors generating a proportional signal in response to sensed pressure
Implementation Method 2
outputting the control signal to a motor controller for controlling at least one of the plurality of wheels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a structure which may include an outer housing, an inner lining, an insulation space in between, a top, an inner platform, a charging station, a wireless charging panel, power-assist wheels with intelligent torque control for transport, a storage compartment, a removable innner liner, and a handle. The structure may comprise a portable container, such as an insulated cooler for storing cooled food and beverages for social and leisure activities.