Stackable Charging System for Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices, such as notebook computers, have limited battery life, necessitating efficient charging solutions, especially in settings like education and medical markets where multiple devices need to be charged simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A stackable configuration for computing devices that allows charging via a single power supply using wireless or surface charging methods, with conductive surfaces on the devices enabling power transfer between them, and algorithms to manage charging based on device prioritization or equal distribution of power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional charging trolleys with individual power connections are used, then each device can be charged reliably, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging functions into a single power supply unit. Instead of requiring separate power connections for each device, the system allows multiple portable computing devices to be charged simultaneously from one power supply through wireless or surface charging methods, reducing the number of power connections and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging trolley is designed with universal charging capability that can serve multiple different devices simultaneously. The single power supply can charge various portable computing devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) through different charging methods (wireless, surface charging), making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different device types.
2Reliability
If multiple individual power connections are provided, then each device can be charged independently, but the space and area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple power connection points into a single power supply source. By enabling wireless charging and surface charging capabilities, the system eliminates the need for multiple individual power cables and connection points, thereby reducing the physical space required on the charging trolley surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar charging (requiring multiple cable connections on the same surface level) to three-dimensional charging arrangements. Devices can be stacked vertically or positioned at different heights, with power transmitted through air (wireless) or contact surfaces, effectively utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space.
3Ease of operation
If wireless or surface charging is used, then the charging flexibility and ease of operation improve, but the energy transfer efficiency may be reduced compared to wired connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conductive surfaces as an intermediary medium for power transfer. Instead of direct wired connections or purely wireless electromagnetic induction, the system uses surface contacts (such as conductive coatings on device bottoms or charging surfaces) to facilitate efficient energy transfer, combining the convenience of wireless/surface charging with the efficiency of conductive contact.
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 efficient and simultaneous charging of multiple devices without the need for solid wires, allowing for flexible orientation and configuration, ensuring that devices are charged effectively and efficiently, even in varying numbers.
Implementation Method 1
charging all the computing devices may be accomplished via wireless charging or surface charging
Implementation Method 2
Surface charging, as will be further described, may include the use of conductive surfaces between the computing devices in the stackable configuration, to receive power from the single power supply
Data Source
AI summary
In an example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a method may include determining how many computing devices are in a stackable configuration and selecting an algorithm for charging the computing devices while in the stackable configuration. The method may include, based on the number of computing devices in the stackable configuration, charging the computing devices according to the selected algorithm.