Removable Power Source Geometry for Multi-Orientation Charging Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable power sources in lighting devices often require precise alignment and orientation to connect charging ports, leading to potential damage and user frustration due to incorrect fitting.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable power source with a symmetrical first end and corresponding inner casing design allows for multiple finite radial orientations, ensuring charging ports align with openings in the device body regardless of orientation, eliminating the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment and orientation are required to connect charging ports, then charging reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to potential damage and user frustration from incorrect fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the first end of the power source with a non-circular symmetric shape (such as oval, triangular, or rectangular) that corresponds to a matching non-circular opening in the end cap assembly. This asymmetric design creates a key-way mechanism where the power source can only be inserted in specific orientations, ensuring that charging ports align correctly with the openings in the device body. The asymmetric shape prevents incorrect insertion while maintaining reliable charging connection.
2Ease of operation
If a symmetric design with multiple finite radial orientations is used, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating precise alignment requirements, but device complexity increases due to the need for corresponding inner casing design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the first end of the power source with a non-circular symmetric shape that provides multiple finite radial orientations (e.g., a rectangular shape provides 4 possible orientations, an oval provides 2). This universal design allows the power source to be inserted correctly regardless of its initial orientation, as it can be rotated to any of the finite radial positions and still align with the corresponding opening in the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly is designed with a matching symmetric opening that accommodates all valid orientations, making the charging connection universally achievable without precise alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable power source design is implemented, then adaptability is improved by allowing power source replacement, but reliability deteriorates due to potential connection issues and damage from repeated insertion/removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the power source and end cap assembly with pre-aligned charging ports and corresponding openings that are positioned to automatically align when the power source is inserted. The non-circular symmetric shape of the power source's first end and the matching shape of the end cap opening create a self-aligning mechanism that ensures correct port alignment before the connection is fully made. This preliminary alignment feature protects the charging ports from damage during repeated insertion and removal operations, maintaining connection reliability while enabling removable power source design.
Data Source
AI summary
A light source having a body with a cavity is disclosed. A rechargeable power source is disposed within the cavity of the body. The rechargeable power source has a first end and a second end. The first end of the rechargeable power source has a symmetric shape with a plurality of finite orientations shaped to fit into a portion of the body. The portion of the body is shaped to correspond to the symmetric shape of the rechargeable power source.