Tablet Charging Station With Integrated Cables for Multi-Device Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery technology fails to provide adequate solutions for ensuring portable devices, such as smartphones and tablets, remain powered throughout the day, leading to low battery anxiety and limitations in charging multiple devices without recharging themselves.

Innovation Solution

A tablet-charging station combination with a built-in battery system that can charge external devices and manage content distribution based on user location and preferences, using a networked system to optimize charging and content delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional battery technology is used in portable devices, then the device can operate independently, but the battery depletes at an inopportune time and cannot provide adequate solution for ensuring users are able to use their devices throughout the day

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice usage durationVSAvoidbattery depletion
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second battery system as an intermediary energy source that acts as a backup power supply. This second battery system is isolated from the first battery system and can charge external devices through cables in channels, serving as a mediator to transfer energy from a stationary power source to portable devices without requiring the portable device's own battery to be recharged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the battery system into two separate, isolated battery systems: a first battery system that powers the display, processor, and camera, and a second battery system that charges external devices. This segmentation allows each battery system to serve its specific function independently, with the second battery system providing extended charging capability without interfering with the primary power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a tablet computer is designed to charge external devices, then it can reduce battery anxiety, but the device complexity increases with additional battery systems and charging interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidbattery system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tablet computer is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a second battery system that can serve multiple purposes: charging external devices through wired connections via cables in channels, and potentially supporting wireless charging. This universal charging capability allows the device to function as both a portable computer and a charging station, reducing the need for separate charging devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing cables within channels formed in the housing. The cables are stored within the housing structure itself, with channels providing organized pathways for cable routing. This nested arrangement integrates the charging infrastructure within the existing device form factor without requiring external accessories or大幅增加 device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are provided for different connector types, then the device can charge various external devices, but the device complexity and cable management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcable management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different connector types at specific locations (channels) on the housing. Each channel is designed to accommodate specific cable types with appropriate connectors, allowing the device to support multiple device types (smartphones, tablets, headphones, etc.) while maintaining organized, location-specific cable management. This localized approach to connector placement simplifies cable management compared to having all connectors in one location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11824387B2Methods and apparatus for a tablet computer system incorporating a battery charging station
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 LEE DIGITAL LLC
  • US11824387B2 patent drawing
  • US11824387B2 patent drawing
  • US11824387B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A tablet computer includes a housing, a display, a processing system, a camera system comprising a camera sensor, and a battery system, the battery system positioned within the housing. The battery system is configured to charge an external device. A charging cable retainer is configured to retain one or more cables against or within the housing. One or more integral cables are provide. The one or more integral cables include a cable comprising a first end fixedly coupled to the battery system, a first connector of a first type configured to mate with a first type of external device connector, a second connector of a second type configured to mate with a second type of external device connector, and a lens configured to form images on the camera sensor. The charging cable retainer includes a cable channel or magnet.