Solar-Charging Storage Container With Water-Resistant Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a solution that effectively protects and keeps rechargeable mobile electronic devices charged while they are carried outdoors, especially around water, as existing solutions fail to provide adequate protection and charging capabilities in these environments.
Innovation Solution
A solar-charging storage container apparatus with a container body and lid that form a water-resistant seal, incorporating a solar-charging module with a solar array and electrical connectors, along with features like hinges, latches, sealing gaskets, anchors, and straps for secure mounting to external structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage container is designed to be water-resistant for outdoor protection, then device protection is improved, but charging capability is lost due to inability to connect electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into water-resistant storage compartments and a separate solar-charging module. The charging module with electrical connectors is positioned to extend through the lid, allowing electrical connection while maintaining the water-resistant seal of the main storage compartment. This segmentation allows the container to provide both protection and charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves as an intermediary element between the water-resistant storage compartment and the solar-charging module. The lid structure allows integration of the charging module with connectors that extend through it, enabling electrical connection to devices in the storage compartment while the lid itself maintains the water-resistant seal when closed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a solar-charging module is integrated into the container lid, then charging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar-charging module is merged with the container lid structure, combining two functions (storage and charging) into a single integrated unit. The solar array, electrical connectors, and lid are combined into one assembly, reducing the need for separate charging devices and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The container lid is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the closure for the water-resistant storage compartment and as the housing for the solar-charging module. This universal design allows the lid to perform multiple functions, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate charging equipment.
3Ease of operation
If electrical connectors are exposed interiorly for charging connection, then charging accessibility is improved, but water resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors are segmented from the main water-resistant storage compartment. The connectors extend through the lid structure, allowing them to be accessible for charging while the main storage compartment maintains its water-resistant seal. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between accessibility and water resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary structure that houses the electrical connectors. The connectors extend through the lid, which itself maintains the water-resistant seal when closed. This intermediary structure allows electrical connection functionality while preserving the water-resistant barrier of the storage compartment.
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 apparatus ensures that electronic devices are both protected from water and kept charged using solar power, with the ability to be securely attached to various outdoor structures, addressing the concerns of protection and charging during outdoor trips.
Implementation Method 1
a solar-charging module incorporated by the container lid and having a solar array on an outer portion of the module being exposed exteriorly of the container lid to receive solar rays
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-charging storage container apparatus includes a container body having a top rim, a container lid having a bottom rim and being adapted to overlie the container body such that the container body and the container lid form a storage compartment, an arrangement of mechanisms positioned proximate the top rim of said container body and the bottom rim of the container lid and being adapted to removably fit the top and bottom rims together so as to form a water resistant seal therebetween, and a solar-charging module incorporated by the container lid and having a solar array on an outer portion of the module being exposed exteriorly of the container lid to receive solar rays and at least one electrical connector on an inner portion of the module being exposed interiorly of the container lid for electrical connection to an electronic device stored in the storage compartment.