Umbrella Hub Battery Pack Assembly for Cord-Free Power Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable battery packs are inconvenient due to the need for charging cords and adapters, and there is a lack of a convenient power source on umbrellas for direct connection.
Innovation Solution
An umbrella hub assembly with a battery pack that includes a hub body and support portion, allowing direct connection and alignment features for easy coupling and power transfer without cords or adapters, integrated with a solar panel for power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable battery packs are used, then power supply capability is provided, but convenience deteriorates due to need for charging cords and adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery pack and charging receptacle into a single integrated unit that attaches to the umbrella hub. This merging eliminates the need for separate charging cords and adapters, as the receptacle directly accepts power input while attached to the umbrella, resolving the contradiction between portability and charging complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella hub assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the umbrella, acts as a mounting point for the battery pack, and incorporates a charging receptacle for direct power connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging equipment, improving convenience while reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If battery pack is integrated with umbrella hub, then direct power connection is enabled, but device complexity increases due to coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the battery pack itself, the coupling mechanism with projection and recess, and the charging receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling direct power connection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism uses a nested structure where the projection on the battery pack fits into a corresponding recess on the umbrella hub. This nested design provides secure attachment while maintaining simplicity, allowing direct power connection without complex coupling mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment features are added for clocking, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clocking features use asymmetric geometry with specific protrusions and recesses positioned at predetermined locations. This asymmetric design provides precise alignment when the battery pack is attached to the umbrella hub, ensuring proper orientation of electrical contacts while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are pre-positioned during manufacturing of the battery pack and umbrella hub components. The protrusions and recesses are formed as integral parts of the respective components, allowing precise alignment to be achieved without additional assembly steps or complex manufacturing processes.
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
Provides a convenient and adaptable power source for electronic devices at various locations, enabling direct connection and power transfer without additional charging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The battery cell is disposed in the housing and configured to supply or receive power through an electrical connection
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a solar panel for power generation
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided that includes an umbrella hub and a battery pack. The umbrella hub includes a hub body and a support portion. The hub body to be disposed about an umbrella pole. The hub body including an upper surface and a lower surface. The support portion disposed at the lower surface of the hub body. The battery pack includes a housing, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, a projection, and a battery cell. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The outer periphery and the inner periphery are each defined in part by the first portion and the second portion. The projection extends from the inner periphery. The projection to rest on the support portion of the umbrella hub to couple the battery pack to the umbrella hub. The battery cell disposed in the housing to supply or receive power through an electrical connection.