Secure Tablet Charging System with Internal Conveyor and Central Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current charging systems for electronic devices lack comprehensive administration and control, failing to securely manage and track large numbers of devices, allowing unauthorized access and usage, and unable to coordinate charging activities across multiple chargers or monitor device condition.

Innovation Solution

A secure charging system with an internal conveyor system within a housing that restricts access, integrates identification and authentication, and allows remote management through a central server, enabling controlled charging, tracking, and disinfection of devices, while preventing unauthorized access and usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If basic charging systems are used, then charging functionality is provided, but comprehensive administration and control of multiple devices is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging administration and controlVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A central server acts as an intermediary to coordinate charging activities across multiple physically separated chargers. The server receives commands, processes authentication, and distributes charging instructions to individual charging stations, enabling centralized control without requiring complex peer-to-peer communication between devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system is designed to handle multiple device types (tablets, smartphones, mobile computers) through a universal interface. The central server and charging stations provide multi-functional capabilities including authentication, charging control, tracking, and reporting across diverse electronic devices using standardized protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If devices are stored at insertion aperture for charging, then charging access is convenient, but unauthorized access to devices is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoiddevice access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication is performed in advance before devices are released from storage. The system verifies user credentials and device authorization prior to allowing access, ensuring that only authenticated users can retrieve their devices from the charging stations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system separates the storage function from the access function. Devices are stored in secure compartments within the housing and are segmented from the external environment. Access is controlled through separate authentication mechanisms that do not require physical exposure of devices at the insertion aperture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple physically separated chargers are used, then charging capacity is increased, but coordinated control across chargers is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidcharger coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The central server serves as a coordinating intermediary that manages multiple physically separated charging stations. It receives charging requests, assigns devices to appropriate chargers, monitors charging status, and provides unified reporting, thereby coordinating distributed charging resources without requiring direct communication between chargers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If comprehensive tracking and monitoring is implemented, then device management is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice tracking informationVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where charging stations report device status, authentication results, and charging progress to the central server. The server processes this information and provides real-time updates and alerts, enabling comprehensive tracking through standardized communication protocols rather than complex monitoring infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11591159B1Storage and charging system for dispensing tablets

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 TECH FRIENDS

AI summary

A charging and storage system provides a conveyor system within a housing that conveys electronic devices through the housing to charging devices located withing the housing. Charging contacts on an adjustment arm adjust between a charging position that charges the electronic devices and a transport position that allows movement of the electronic devices through the housing without contacting the charging contacts. A charging device located at each charging location charges the device while the device is stored within the housing. The conveyor system moves the electronic devices to these fixed charging locations to charge the devices while storing the devices. The conveyor system releases the electronic devices to an exit ramp that guides the electronic devices to a release aperture for removal from the housing.