Reversible Charging Cradle Adapter for Covered Device Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing charging cradles for mobile devices are often incompatible with devices equipped with protective covers due to differences in external profiles, requiring multiple cradles to accommodate various device configurations, which increases cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A reversible charging cradle adapter system that includes a perimeter wall with distinct device interfaces and a cradle interface, allowing the adapter to couple with the cradle in different orientations to align and retain both devices with and without covers, thereby accommodating multiple device configurations within a single cradle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cradles are used to accommodate different device configurations, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various device configurationsVSAvoidnumber of cradles required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging cradle is designed with a universal adapter system that can accommodate multiple device configurations (with and without protective covers) through a single cradle unit. The adapter includes interchangeable interfaces that can be coupled to the cradle to support different device types, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cradles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging cradle system is divided into modular components: a base cradle unit and interchangeable adapter components. Each adapter is designed for specific device configurations, allowing users to swap adapters rather than replacing entire cradles. This segmentation enables multi-functionality while keeping individual components simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cradles are used to accommodate different device configurations, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various device configurationsVSAvoidnumber of cradles required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple device interface capabilities into a single cradle system through the use of interchangeable adapters. Instead of having separate cradles for different device types, the system merges multiple functions into one unified platform that can be reconfigured via adapter swaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If protective covers are added to devices, then device protection is improved, but compatibility with charging cradles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidcompatibility with charging cradles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the charging cradle and the device with protective cover. It provides the necessary interface adaptation, allowing the cradle to communicate and charge devices regardless of whether they have protective covers or not. The adapter mediates the physical and electrical connection between incompatible components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the device or cradle to achieve compatibility, the solution inverts the approach by providing a separate adapter component that bridges the compatibility gap. The adapter is designed to fit both the cradle interface and the device interface, reversing the traditional approach of direct connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12003128B2Reversible charging cradle adapter systems

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

An adapter for a charging cradle includes: a perimeter wall defining a channel between first and second ends; a first device interface on an inner surface of the perimeter wall in communication with the first end, the first device interface configured to receive and align a first mobile device configuration with the charging cradle; a second device interface on the inner surface of the perimeter wall in communication with the second end, the second device interface configured to receive and align a second mobile device configuration with the charging cradle; a cradle interface on an outer surface of the perimeter wall, and configured to couple the adapter to the charging cradle in one of (i) a first orientation to expose a connector of the charging cradle via the first end of the channel, and (ii) a second orientation to expose the connector via the second end of the channel.