Staggered Cradle Charging Station for Mixed Device Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing consumer electronic systems fail to concurrently support and charge a mix of devices, particularly larger devices like tablet computers alongside smaller ones, often resulting in inefficient energy use and improper orientation, which can lead to damage from liquids or dust.
Innovation Solution
A consumer electronic system with three cradles in a staggered configuration, allowing a larger device to be positioned behind two smaller ones, with support walls that prevent the larger device from blocking the front cradles and provide a surface for stable positioning, while also incorporating USB ports for simultaneous charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple wall warts are used to charge multiple devices, then each device can be charged simultaneously, but energy is wasted and A/C power is drained even when devices are not charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple charging functions into a single charging station with multiple USB ports. Instead of using separate wall warts for each device, the station integrates power conditioning circuits and multiple output ports, allowing multiple devices to be charged simultaneously through one A/C connection. This eliminates the energy waste of having multiple idle wall warts plugged into A/C power.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station provides universal charging capability through standardized USB ports that can charge various types of consumer electronic devices. The station includes multiple USB female connectors that can concurrently charge multiple devices with different power requirements, making a single device serve multiple charging purposes.
2Reliability
If multiple separate charging stations are used for different devices, then each device can be charged properly, but the system becomes complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple charging functions into a single unified charging station. Instead of requiring separate charging stations for different device types, the station includes multiple USB ports and support structures that can handle various device sizes and power requirements in one location, simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station is divided into multiple independent charging zones with individual USB ports and cradles for different device types. Each zone can operate independently, allowing users to charge different devices simultaneously without interference, while maintaining a compact single-unit design.
3Productivity
If larger devices like tablets are placed in front cradles, then they can be charged, but they block the view and access to smaller devices in front
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges cradles in a staggered configuration along the depth dimension rather than placing them side-by-side in a single row. Larger devices are positioned in rear cradles while smaller devices occupy front cradles, creating a multi-level arrangement that allows users to access all devices easily without blocking views or requiring device removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station uses asymmetric cradle placement where cradles are positioned at different depths and heights. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes space utilization and ensures that larger devices in rear positions do not obstruct access to smaller devices in front positions, improving overall ergonomics and usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A consumer electronic system for holding and providing power to as many as three consumer electronic devices has three cradles in a staggered configuration. One of the cradles is positioned behind and between the remaining two cradles. Thereby the cradle positioned behind the other two cradles is capable of supporting a larger consumer electronic device without blocking the front two cradles. The support walls of the front two cradles provide a surface that supports the larger consumer electronic device.