Symmetrical Charging Cable Assembly for Multi-Battery Heated Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging cables for heated wearables are bulky, difficult to connect, and often require specific orientations, limiting their usability in various power sources and environments, and lack the ability to simultaneously charge multiple batteries while monitoring charge capacity.
Innovation Solution
A compact battery charging cable assembly with reversible symmetrical USB Type C connectors and optional magnetic connectors, integrated with an intelligent charger that can charge multiple batteries simultaneously, monitor charge capacity, and provide visual feedback, allowing for easy connection to standard power sources and adaptable to different battery types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard USB connectors are used, then power input can be converted to different power output, but the connectors are bulky and require specific orientations for connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs symmetrical connectors (such as USB Type-C) that are asymmetric in design but symmetric in functionality, allowing connection from any orientation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling universal power conversion adaptability while eliminating the orientation-specific connection requirement of traditional asymmetric USB connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable assembly is designed with universal connectors that can interface with multiple power sources (USB, USB-C, magnetic adapters) and charge various battery types simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach allows a single cable to adapt to different power inputs and battery outputs without requiring orientation-specific connections.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual access connectors are used, then connection orientation can be determined, but the connectors are massive and difficult to connect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses symmetrical connectors that eliminate the need for visual orientation detection. The symmetric design allows the connector to be inserted from any direction, removing the complexity of determining correct orientation while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connectors incorporate self-aligning magnetic fields that automatically guide the connector into proper alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for visual access or manual orientation adjustment. This self-service mechanism reduces connector size while simplifying the connection process.
3Productivity
If multiple charging cables are carried, then simultaneous charging of multiple batteries is possible, but the cables are encumbering to the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple charging cables and power conversion circuits into a single compact assembly housed in a portable case. This merging of multiple functions (multiple cables, power conversion, monitoring) into one unit enables simultaneous charging of multiple batteries while eliminating the need to carry separate cables, thereby reducing overall weight and bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can charge multiple battery types simultaneously through a single unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to carry multiple specialized cables, reducing the weight and bulk of equipment while maintaining the capability to charge multiple batteries at once.
4Ease of manufacture
If power supplies are supplied with charging cables, then complete charging solutions are provided, but it is not ecological and economical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal charging cable assembly that can interface with standard power sources already available in most environments (USB ports, USB-C ports, magnetic adapters). This universality allows the cable to function as a complete charging solution without requiring a dedicated power supply unit, thereby reducing material waste and promoting ecological sustainability.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charging cable assembly for heated wearables is comprised of a first cable section having an input connector at one end for receiving a converted dc supply voltage. The first cable section is connected at another end to an input of an intelligent battery charger mounted in a housing. The housing has one or more output symmetrical female receptacle connectors for receiving a symmetrical male plug connector secured at one end of a respective one of two output charging cables. Each of the two output charging cables has a further symmetrical male plug connector or a magnetic male connector secured at an opposite end thereof for connection to a symmetrical female receptacle connector or female magnetic connector of a connecting port associated with a battery or battery pack to provide charging voltage and current thereto. The intelligent battery charger provides a rated charging voltage to each of said battery or battery pack while independently monitoring the battery capacity of the battery or battery pack.