Submersible Device Charging Unit with Leakage Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging methods for mobile devices often compromise mobility during recharging, especially for submersible devices, due to inefficiencies and safety concerns related to electrical energy leakage in humid or underwater conditions.

Innovation Solution

A charging system with a power charge unit and a charging unit in the mobile device, featuring at least two electrical contacts, logic circuitry for controlled charging, and a blocking device to prevent energy leakage, ensuring safe and efficient recharging while maintaining device functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If induction-based recharging is used for submersible devices, then submersible charging capability is achieved, but power loss increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubmersible charging capabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces induction-based electromagnetic charging with a direct mechanical contact-based charging system. The charging contacts are physically inserted into the device through a waterproof seal, establishing direct electrical connection without electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the inherent power losses of induction charging while maintaining submersible capability, as the mechanical contact system operates efficiently underwater when properly sealed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible waterproof seal (such as an O-ring or gasket) that creates a water-tight barrier around the charging contacts. This flexible membrane allows the charging pins to be inserted and removed while maintaining submersible integrity. The seal prevents water ingress during charging operations, enabling efficient direct contact charging in underwater environments without the power losses associated with induction methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If electrical wall outlets are used for recharging, then charging efficiency is high, but device mobility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoiddevice mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal charging system where the power charge unit can be attached to the mobile device at any location, not requiring fixed wall outlets. The self-contained power charge unit with its own power source and charging contacts provides charging capability wherever the device goes, maintaining mobility while delivering efficient direct contact charging. This multi-functional design allows the device to be charged during use without being tethered to fixed infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portable power charge unit as an intermediary between the mobile device and external power sources. This intermediate device contains its own power source and charging mechanism, allowing it to transfer energy directly to the mobile device through physical contact. The intermediary eliminates the need for fixed wall outlets, preserving device mobility while maintaining high charging efficiency through direct electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If surface electrical contacts are used for submersible charging, then charging functionality is achieved, but energy leakage occurs creating safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidenergy leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible waterproof seal (O-ring or gasket) that creates a complete water-tight barrier around the charging contacts. This seal prevents water from reaching electrical components during charging operations underwater. The flexible membrane conformally seals the interface between the power charge unit and mobile device, eliminating pathways for energy leakage while maintaining charging functionality in submersible conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses the inherent risk of energy leakage in submersible charging by designing a system where the waterproof seal serves dual purposes: it enables electrical contact for charging while simultaneously preventing water ingress and energy leakage. The seal transforms the potential harm of exposed electrical contacts into a safe, controlled interface that maintains both charging functionality and underwater safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS8184010B2System and method for recharging a mobile, submersible device

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 EXREI

AI summary

There is herein described a charging unit adapted for insertion into a mobile device to enable a charging of a rechargeable battery in the mobile device, the unit comprising: at least two electrical charging contacts for receiving a potential difference from a power source; a blocking device for blocking energy leaking through the at least two electrical charging contacts and out of the rechargeable battery to ensure a neutrality of the at least two charging contacts when the charging is inactive; and a logic circuitry for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery of the mobile device by activating the charging based on the potential difference received at the at least two electrical charging contacts.