Spring-Loaded Hinge Assembly for Portable Vaping Charger
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable and efficient charging solution for electronic vaping devices that can conveniently charge both the devices and their batteries, providing a compact and user-friendly interface with charging status indicators.
Innovation Solution
A portable charging case with a hinge assembly, biasing component, and spring mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing, along with charging contacts and indicator lights, is designed to accommodate electronic vaping devices and batteries, featuring a die-cast construction and USB port for charging and battery status monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a portable charging case is designed to be compact, then portability is improved, but ease of operation for charging multiple devices may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging case is designed to accommodate and charge multiple types of vaping devices (e-cigarettes, vaporizers, batteries) simultaneously through multiple slots, making a single compact unit serve multiple charging functions that would otherwise require separate chargers for each device type
Solution Approach 2:
The charging case integrates multiple charging slots and components within a compact nested structure, allowing smaller charging compartments to be arranged within the overall case volume, maximizing space utilization while maintaining portability
2Ease of operation
If a hinge assembly with spring mechanism is added, then ease of opening/closing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded hinge assembly automatically provides opening and closing force without user intervention, enabling the cover to pop open when pressed and to snap shut when released, making the operation self-serving and eliminating the need for additional motors or actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical spring hinge replaces more complex electronic opening mechanisms (such as motorized lids or magnetic holders), achieving reliable cover operation through simple mechanical means that reduce overall device complexity while improving ease of use
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging slots and indicator lights are included, then charging versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging case is divided into multiple independent charging slots, each with its own charging contacts and indicator light, allowing each slot to independently charge different devices simultaneously, thereby improving versatility while maintaining manageable manufacturing through modular slot design
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 portable charging case effectively charges electronic vaping devices and batteries, offering a compact and user-friendly solution with tactile and visual feedback on charging status, ensuring convenient and efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is arranged about the first end portion. The first end portion extends through a surface of a housing such that the spring is compressed between the surface of the housing and the spring stop on the pin.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable charging case configured to contain and charge an electronic vaping device or a battery thereof is provided. The portable charging case includes a body, a cover hingedly connected to the body at a hinge axle, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a biasing component including a pin having an integrally formed straight first end portion and a curved second end portion. The biasing component also includes a spring arranged about the straight first end portion of the pin. The pin extends through an opening in a housing, such that the spring presses against a bottom surface of the housing and against a base of the curved second end portion of the pin.