Stackable Shopping Cart Charging Using Front and Rear Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging systems for shopping carts with automated checkout capabilities require manual intervention for individual charging, leading to inconvenience and potential under-charging due to user neglect.
Innovation Solution
A stackable charging system where shopping carts are automatically charged when stacked, utilizing front and rear charging connectors for power transfer between carts, with a charging station providing power to a stack of carts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual charging is used for each shopping cart, then charging can be performed, but user convenience deteriorates and charging reliability worsens due to user neglect
Solution Approach 1:
The shopping cart system performs charging automatically without user intervention. When the cart is placed in the charging area, the charging connector automatically connects to the power source and initiates charging, eliminating the need for users to manually connect cables and ensuring reliable charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging infrastructure is pre-positioned at strategic locations (store exits, parking areas) where carts naturally return. The charging connectors are pre-configured and ready to engage automatically, so charging action is prepared in advance before the user needs to use the cart again.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual charging cables are used for each cart, then charging functionality is provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple charging connectors are integrated into a single stationary charging station or dock. Instead of each cart having a separate charging cable and port configuration, multiple carts can simultaneously connect to one consolidated charging infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging connector design is universal across all shopping carts in the system. A single connector type and charging protocol serves all carts, eliminating the need for different cables or ports for different cart models, thereby simplifying the charging system.
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
Facilitates easy and intuitive charging of shopping carts by stacking, reducing the need for manual connection and ensuring batteries are maintained, thereby enhancing user convenience and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the front charging connector of the first shopping cart connects with the rear charging connector of the second shopping cart. Electrical power can flow to the first shopping cart via the second shopping cart to charge a battery of the first shopping cart
Data Source
AI summary
An automated checkout system uses a shopping cart that is automatically charged when stacked into another shopping cart. Each shopping cart has a front charging connector and a rear charging connector. When a first shopping cart is stacked into a second shopping cart, the front charging connector of the first shopping cart connects with the rear charging connector of the second shopping cart. Electrical power can flow to the first shopping cart via the second shopping cart to charge a battery of the first shopping cart. The second shopping cart may be similarly stacked into a third shopping cart, wherein the second shopping cart receives electrical power from the third shopping cart. The second shopping cart may use this electrical power to charge its own battery or may provide some or all of the electrical power to the first shopping cart to charge the first shopping cart's battery.