Solar-Charging Mounting Bracket for A/V Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Recharging audio/video recording and communication devices, such as video doorbells, can be cumbersome as they often require removal from their mounting brackets and loss of functionality during the charging process.

Innovation Solution

A solar-charging mounting bracket with integrated solar panels that automatically charges the rechargeable battery of the device without the need to remove it from the bracket, maintaining functionality during charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the A/V device is unmounted and connected to a power source for recharging, then the battery can be recharged, but the device loses its functionality and must be moved from its original position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery rechargingVSAvoiddevice functionality during charging

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting bracket and charging station into a single integrated unit. The mounting bracket includes a rechargeable battery and charging circuitry that can automatically charge the A/V device when mounted, eliminating the need to unmount the device for recharging. This merging of functions allows the device to remain mounted and functional while being recharged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is equipped with its own battery and charging capabilities, allowing it to serve as a self-contained charging station. When the A/V device is mounted on the bracket, the bracket's battery automatically charges the device's battery through contact points, enabling the system to recharge itself without external intervention or device removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If the rechargeable battery is removed from the doorbell for separate charging, then the doorbell can be recharged, but the doorbell loses functionality during charging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery rechargingVSAvoiddowntime during charging

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting bracket and charging station into a single integrated unit. The mounting bracket includes a rechargeable battery and charging circuitry that can automatically charge the A/V device when mounted, eliminating the need to unmount the device for recharging. This merging of functions allows the device to remain mounted and functional while being recharged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket maintains continuous functionality by providing an alternative power source through its own battery. While the A/V device's battery is being recharged through the bracket, the bracket's battery ensures the device remains operational, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous useful action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the device is moved to another place for charging, then the battery can be recharged, but the device cannot remain at its original mounted position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery rechargingVSAvoiddevice location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting bracket and charging station into a single integrated unit. The mounting bracket includes a rechargeable battery and charging circuitry that can automatically charge the A/V device when mounted, eliminating the need to unmount the device for recharging. This merging of functions allows the device to remain mounted and functional while being recharged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables continuous functionality of the device during charging, eliminating the need for manual recharging and reducing downtime, as the solar panels provide a power source without moving the device from its original position.

Implementation Method 1

The present embodiments provide such an advantage by providing a mounting bracket with integrated solar panels. Such a mounting bracket automatically charges the rechargeable battery(ies) of an A/V recording and communication device using the electrical power generated by the solar panels.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11082591B2Solar-charging mounting bracket for audio/video recording and communication devices

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 RING INC

AI summary

Some aspects of the present embodiments provide a mounting bracket for automatically charging one or more rechargeable batteries of an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device. The mounting bracket of some of the present embodiments includes one or more integrated solar panels that generate the electrical power for charging the rechargeable battery(ies) of the A/V recording and communication device.