Retractable Charging Contacts in Handheld Game Cradle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers for hand-held electronic devices often expose electrical contacts to damage and prevent game operation during charging, especially for hand-held electronic video game devices.
Innovation Solution
A cradle with spring-based locators and an actuator button that automatically engages charging contacts when the device is loaded, protecting contacts when not in use and allowing game operation and card access during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charger stand is used to charge hand-held electronic devices, then charging function is provided, but electrical contacts are exposed to damage and game operation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into separate functional zones: the cradle housing contains retractable charging contacts that only engage when needed, while the game device maintains separate access to its own buttons and card slot. This segmentation allows charging functionality to be isolated without interfering with game operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging contacts are made dynamic through the actuator button mechanism that allows them to extend from a retracted protective position to an engaged charging position. This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between contact protection mode and charging mode, resolving the contradiction between protecting contacts and enabling charging.
2Ease of operation
If charging contacts are exposed on the charger stand, then charging connection is established, but contacts are subject to damage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle provides preliminary protection by keeping charging contacts in a retracted position within the housing before charging is needed. This preliminary anti-action prevents external factors from damaging the contacts during non-use periods, while still allowing charging connection when required through the actuator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator button is positioned to be pressed by the game device during insertion, which automatically triggers the extension of charging contacts in advance of actual charging need. This preliminary action ensures contacts are ready for charging while remaining protected until the moment of engagement.
3Reliability
If a charger stand is used for charging, then battery charging is provided, but game control access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle design adds a vertical dimension to contact engagement through the actuator button mechanism, allowing charging contacts to extend upward from the housing. Simultaneously, game control buttons and card slots are positioned on the lateral edges of the game device, creating spatial separation that enables both charging and game operation to function concurrently without interference.
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 cradle effectively protects electrical contacts, enables game operation, and facilitates charging without exposing contacts to damage, providing a stable and functional charging solution for hand-held electronic game devices.
Implementation Method 1
The cradle also provides spring-based locators that aid in locating and holding the game device relative to the cradle
Implementation Method 2
an actuator button on the first surface operatively connected to the pair of charging contacts, such that in use, upon engaging the electronic game device with the first surface, the button is depressed, causing the pair of charging contacts to move to the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A charging cradle for an electronic game device incorporating a rechargeable battery includes a housing having first and second surfaces with a peripheral edge wall therebetween, the housing forming a substantially closed interior chamber. At least one port is provided in the peripheral edge wall adapted to receive a charging wire connector, the port electrically connected to charging contacts supported within the closed interior chamber and movable from a normal retracted position to a use extended position where tips of the contacts project from the housing. An actuator button on the first surface is operatively connected to the pair of charging ports, such that upon engaging the electronic game device with the first surface, the button is depressed, causing the pair of charging contacts to move to the extended position to engage corresponding charging ports on a peripheral edge of the electronic game device.