Tabletop Multimedia Display With Wireless Charging for Longer Dwell Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Restaurants face challenges in providing customized entertainment at tables without readily available power sources, limiting the ability to increase user engagement and dwell time, which affects revenue and customer experience.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device apparatus with a base, energy storage device, and wireless charging capabilities is deployed at tables to provide digital multimedia content and charge users' devices, allowing for interactive experiences and increased engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices are used to connect to networks in restaurants without wired electrical connections, then restaurant patrons can access network services, but user engagement and dwell time remain limited due to lack of charging capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The tabletop device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it provides network connectivity through wireless communication capabilities, offers charging services via integrated energy storage and wireless charging mechanisms, and delivers entertainment through digital multimedia display. This multi-functional integration transforms a simple table into a comprehensive engagement platform that simultaneously addresses connectivity, power supply, and entertainment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabletop device acts as an intermediary between the restaurant infrastructure and patrons' personal devices. It receives power from restaurant power sources, stores energy in its energy storage device, and wirelessly transmits power to patrons' devices. This intermediary role enables power transfer without direct electrical connections to individual tables, solving the infrastructure limitation while extending dwell time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital multimedia displays are installed at tables to provide entertainment, then user engagement increases, but device complexity and installation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a tabletop unit containing the display, energy storage device, and wireless charging mechanism; and portable electronic devices held by patrons. This segmentation allows the entertainment system to be deployed without complex wiring to each table, as each table receives a self-contained modular unit that can be easily installed and relocated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems with wireless technologies. Instead of wired electrical connections to each table, the system uses wireless power transfer through the energy storage device and wireless charging mechanism. This substitution eliminates complex installation requirements while maintaining full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tables are made movable without affixed electrical connections, then restaurant flexibility increases, but power delivery to tables becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is pre-charged from restaurant power sources before being deployed to tables. This preliminary charging action ensures that power is already stored and ready for immediate use when the tabletop unit is placed on a table, eliminating the need for reliable real-time power delivery to moving tables. The system proactively stores energy in advance of when it is needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enhances user engagement and dwell time by providing entertainment and charging services, potentially increasing revenue through extended stays and additional purchases.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes an energy storage device disposed within the base and a wireless charger disposed within the base
Data Source
AI summary
An example of an apparatus to provide content to a user is provided. The apparatus includes a base to rest on a surface. The apparatus further includes an energy storage device disposed within the base. In addition, the apparatus includes a charging device to couple with a portable electronic device of a user. The charging device is to transfer energy stored in the energy storage device to the portable electronic device. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a screen mounted on the base. The screen is to provide content to the user to engage the user.