Shopping Cart Wheel Charging Electrode Automatic Escalator Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shopping carts with integrated electronic devices face service efficiency issues due to the need for frequent battery charging, disrupting normal operation when battery power is low.
Innovation Solution
A shopping cart charging device with charging electrodes on the wheels, which connect with power supply electrodes on an escalator to facilitate automatic charging as the cart is used, utilizing a mechanism of electrode units and ranging sensors to ensure contact and polarity matching for efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shopping carts are equipped with battery units for electronic devices, then the shopping experience is enhanced with various electronic functions, but the service efficiency deteriorates due to frequent suspensions for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The shopping cart automatically charges itself by utilizing the escalator's power supply electrode during normal operation. The charging electrode on the cart wheel makes automatic contact with the power supply electrode on the escalator when the cart is pushed onto the escalator, enabling self-charging without manual intervention or service interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The escalator serves dual functions: transporting shoppers and simultaneously charging shopping carts. The power supply electrode on the escalator structure enables the escalator to function both as a transport device and as a charging station, eliminating the need for separate charging infrastructure
2Ease of operation
If the shopping cart is equipped with charging electrodes on wheels, then automatic charging is enabled during use, but the device complexity increases due to additional charging modules and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The charging electrode is integrated into the existing wheel structure of the shopping cart, combining the wheel's rotational function with the charging function. The charging electrode is disposed on the wheel surface and makes contact with the escalator's power supply electrode during normal escalator operation, merging structure and function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical charging mechanisms (such as manual plug insertion or dedicated charging stations) with a simple electrostatic contact system. The charging electrode on the wheel and power supply electrode on the escalator create a direct electrical connection through physical contact during normal operation, eliminating the need for complex charging control mechanisms
3Reliability
If multiple electrode units with ranging sensors are distributed on the wheel, then reliable charging contact is ensured, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into multiple electrode units distributed around the wheel's circumference. Each electrode unit includes a charging electrode and a ranging sensor, allowing independent operation and contact establishment at different positions. This segmentation ensures that at least one electrode unit maintains reliable contact with the power supply electrode on the escalator during wheel rotation
Solution Approach 2:
Ranging sensors are integrated with each electrode unit to detect the distance between the charging electrode and the power supply electrode on the escalator. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor contact status in real-time and adjust or alert when charging contact is established or lost, ensuring reliable charging operation
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
Enables convenient and efficient charging of shopping carts while in use, improving service efficiency by allowing continuous operation without manual intervention and ensuring reliable contact for charging.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of electrode units further includes: a permanent magnet; a spring; and an electromagnet, which is disposed on the wheel surface and is connected with the permanent magnet through the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A shopping cart charging device, a charging system, an escalator and a shopping cart is disclosed. The shopping cart charging device includes a charging electrode configured to be disposed on a wheel of a shopping cart. The charging electrode is configured to allow electrical connection with a power supply electrode disposed on an escalator, so as to charge the shopping cart.