Reusable Packaging with Inductive Charging and Magnetic Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging for electronic devices is typically temporary and disposable, offering limited protection and functionality beyond shipping and retail handling, failing to provide a robust, reusable solution for storing and powering devices throughout their lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The packaging incorporates a base shell with a tray assembly and a magnet to securely hold the device, along with an inductive charging element that can pivot to optimize power transfer, providing both protection and charging capabilities within a compact, reusable package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional temporary packaging is used for electronic devices, then the packaging can be easily manufactured and disposed of, but it fails to provide robust protection and reusable charging functionality throughout the device's lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection and charging functionalityVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging base is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as protective packaging during shipping, provides a stable base for the device during use, and incorporates an inductive charging element to power the device. This multi-functionality transforms a single-use packaging into a reusable accessory that extends the device's operational capability throughout its lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the packaging base with an inductive charging element into a single integrated structure. The charging element is embedded within the base shell, merging the protective packaging function with the power supply function, thereby eliminating the need for separate charging accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a magnet is added to securely hold the device in the packaging, then the device retention is improved, but the packaging structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice retentionVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is integrated into the base shell structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of the retention mechanism with the packaging base minimizes additional complexity while achieving secure device holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If an inductive charging element is incorporated into the packaging, then continuous power transfer is enabled, but the packaging structure and manufacturing become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive charging element transforms the packaging from a passive container into an active power supply device. This enables continuous power transfer to the device whenever it is placed on the packaging, making the packaging a reusable charging accessory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging element is embedded within the base shell, merging the power supply functionality with the packaging structure. This integration allows the packaging to serve as both protective housing and charging station simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the packaging is designed for repeated use throughout the device's lifespan, then the convenience and protection are enhanced, but the initial manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusable convenienceVSAvoidpackaging manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is designed as a reusable accessory that provides ongoing value throughout the device's lifespan. By incorporating the charging element and retention features, the packaging transitions from a disposable item to a long-term utility that enhances user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 offers enhanced protection and convenience by securely holding the device and providing continuous power through inductive charging, making it suitable for repeated use and extending the device's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet disposed within the cavity between the base and the tray assembly, and wherein the magnetic field of the magnet extends above the upper surface of the tray assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the charging element includes an inductive coil and power is transferred to the device via an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10283996B2Packaging for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 APPLE INC
  • US10283996B2 patent drawing
  • US10283996B2 patent drawing
  • US10283996B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Packaging is disclosed. The packaging may include a charging element to charge an electronic device contained within the packaging. The charging may be performed by inductive charging. The packaging may include a magnet to position and retain an item within the packaging. The packaging may include protective surfaces formed of microfiber to help protect an item contained therein. The microfiber may be debossed around its periphery to minimize interruption between the microfiber and an underlying surface to which it is applied.