Push Trolley Electrical Docking for Shared Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern push trolley systems face challenges in maintaining an efficient electrical power supply and charging management, particularly when operating independently without a cable connection, as they require frequent recharging of electrical storage devices and lack effective methods for energy transfer and signal transmission between trolleys.
Innovation Solution
The push trolley system incorporates two contact elements that establish an electrical connection automatically when trolleys are pushed into each other, allowing for the transmission of electrical power and signals, and features control logic for load flow management to balance charging levels and prioritize trolleys based on usage, ensuring continued operation and efficient energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push trolleys are equipped with electrical storage units to operate independently without cable connection, then operational autonomy is improved, but the frequency of recharging increases and energy management complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables push trolleys to charge themselves automatically by docking with other trolleys or charging stations. The electrical connection is established autonomously through mechanical docking elements that simultaneously create both mechanical support and electrical contact, allowing the trolley to recharge without user intervention or cable handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs charging actions in advance by automatically docking trolleys with charging stations or other trolleys having sufficient charge. The control logic monitors charge levels and initiates charging operations before the trolley's energy is depleted, ensuring continuous operational readiness without requiring frequent manual recharging interventions.
2Productivity
If automatic electrical contact elements are implemented between push trolleys, then power and signal transmission is improved, but the complexity of electrical connection management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines mechanical docking and electrical connection functions into a single integrated operation. The same mechanical elements that provide structural support and positioning during trolley docking also serve as electrical contacts, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection mechanisms and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support for docking, establish electrical connections for power and signal transmission, and enable automatic alignment between trolleys. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the complexity of electrical connection management.
3Reliability
If rigid contact elements are used for automatic electrical connection when push trolleys dock, then connection reliability is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to alignment errors and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs resilient or spring-loaded contact elements that can dynamically adjust their position and contact force. This resilience allows the electrical contacts to compensate for misalignments caused by manufacturing tolerances or docking variations, maintaining reliable electrical connection without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient contact elements are designed with pre-compression or spring force that anticipates and compensates for potential alignment errors before they affect connection reliability. This prior cushioning through elastic deformation ensures that the electrical contact is maintained even when docking alignment is not perfect.
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 self-sufficient operation of push trolleys by automatically establishing electrical connections, facilitating power and signal transmission, and optimizing charging management to maintain consistent operation and reduce the need for frequent recharging.
Implementation Method 1
a first contact element of the push-cart forms an electrical contact with a second contact element of a second, corresponding and preferably identically designed push-cart, controlled by a sliding movement of this push-cart into a second push-cart
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a push trolley (3), which can be configured as a shopping trolley or luggage trolley. The push trolley (3) has contact elements (65, 66). When a push trolley (3b) is pushed into a second corresponding push trolley (3a), the contact elements (65, 66) form an electrical contact (72) between the push trolleys (3a, 3b). An electrical power supply can be provided via this electrical contact (72), whereby, using a charge flow management system, a storage device (47) of a first push trolley (3b) is charged from a storage device (47) of at least one other push trolley (3a, 3c).