Universal Mobile Unit Charging Adapter with Pivoting Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile unit charging systems require multiple cradles for different devices, leading to space inefficiencies and maintenance challenges due to the need for specific cradles for each device type, especially when updating software necessitates individual updates for each unit.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter that includes a body to receive a mobile unit or charging cradle, with connectors to establish electrical connectivity to an external device, allowing for multiple connector types to be used with a single charger or charging station, featuring a locking mechanism for secure attachment and compatibility with various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific cradles are used for different mobile unit types, then each device type can be properly charged and updated, but the space required for charging increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal charging cradle that can accommodate multiple mobile unit types through the use of interchangeable adapters. The single cradle design with adapter support allows one charging station to serve multiple device types, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cradles and thereby reducing the total space required for charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where adapters are inserted into the universal cradle, and mobile units are then placed into the adapters. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple device types within a single charging station footprint, optimizing space utilization while maintaining full compatibility across different mobile unit form factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific cradles are used for different mobile unit types, then each device type can be properly charged and updated, but the number of devices to maintain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal cradle with adapter support consolidates multiple dedicated cradles into a single multi-functional device. This reduces the total number of cradles that need to be maintained while preserving full compatibility with different mobile unit types through the adapter interface, thereby simplifying maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging system into a universal cradle base and interchangeable adapters. This segmentation allows the main cradle structure to remain simple and easy to maintain, while adapter-specific variations are isolated to removable components that can be independently replaced or updated without affecting the core cradle system.
3Area of stationary object
If a universal adapter is used to support multiple connector types, then space requirements are reduced and maintenance is simplified, but the adapter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal interface component that can accommodate multiple connector types through a standardized mounting structure. This universal design allows the same adapter body to support different connector variations, reducing space requirements while managing structural complexity through modular design principles.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the adapter to the cradle, then connection reliability improves, but the adapter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the adapter is properly inserted into the cradle, without requiring manual operation. This self-acting locking feature improves connection reliability while minimizing the addition of complex manual locking components, as the locking action is triggered automatically by the insertion process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes an adapter and associated method of use for mobile unit (MU) charging and communication that enables multiple connector types to be utilized with a single charger or charging station. The adapter enables standardization of a connector scheme on newer MUs while maintaining compatibility with current or older MU devices. Specifically, the adapter resides between the MU and a charging device or station. The adapter may include various connector features mimicking connectors of various different MUs, thus allowing it to interface with a device of a different connector design. Advantageously, the adapter enables enterprises to deploy various cradles throughout facilities and achieves universal connections for a plurality of different MUs. In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter provides connectivity between various MUs and their associated cradles and a hook and pivoting latching system.