uCharge // A Revolutionary Charging Dock

uCharge is an innovative creation which is designed to primarily fit the needs of the consumer. This invention is a charging dock that features multiple chargers. It was brought to life by two freshman, Joe Hart and Connor Thomson, who realized that in a technological era, everything revolves around you and your electronical devices! Joe and Connor also realized that not everybody has the same devices; some people just have an iPhone, whereas others may have an iPhone, an iPad Mini, or a MacBook Air. They subsequently created a blueprint of a revolutionary charging dock that would give the consumer freedom and easy accessibility when it came to charging their devices. This revolutionary dock is simply a wooden box with PVC Pipes, a Power Adapter, Extension Ports, and a hint of creative thinking ;) uCharge helps the consumer charge their electronics by him/her the ability to personalize their charging dock based upon the devices they have.

*Please note that uCharge functions only with Apple™ products*

Step 1: Materials Needed to Build UCharge & Steps Necessary to Follow While Building UCharge

Materials Needed to Build uCharge:

-Table saw
-Sanding tool or sand paper
-Drill
-Workbench
-Wooden box
-iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini charging port, which is a PVC Pipe - The length of the PVC Pipe is up to you
-MacBook Air charging port, which is a PVC Pipe - The length of the PVC Pipe is up to you
-Three-outlet prong
-USB Extension Port
-One charging cord for each device (The iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini don't need the USB Power Adapter)
-Wood Vanish of your choice
-Spray Paint of your choice
-Miter Saw
-Power Drill
-Plunge Saw/ Bone Daw
-Die Ginder
-Razor Knife
-Philip Head Screwdriver
-Hammer & Center Punch
-Nail Gun
-Bit 11/64 for Screws
-Bit 3/8 for Plug Holes
-Bit 1/2 to champher the Plug Holes
-File

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*Below is a List of Where You Can Find the Necessary Items and How Much They Will Cost*

Michaels:

-12X9 Wooden Box w/lid $8.65

Ace Hardware:

-¾” Schd 40 PVC Pipe – 2’ $1.38
-1” Schd 40 PVC Pipe – 1’ $.69

Home Depot:

-36”x3/4”x1/8” Zinc Flat Bar $3.52
-8 8-32x3/4” Machine Screws $1.18
-8 #8 Washers $1.18
-8 8-32 Wing Nuts $2.36
-16/2 8’ Power Cord w/no Plug $7.58
-15 A 125v 3-Wire Connector $3.29
-Miniwax Polyshades GLS $7.98
-2” Utility Brush $2.97
-3 Gang Electrical Plug $1.38

Hobby Lobby:

-Small Silver Spray Paint $3.54
-Flat Black Spray Paint $3.54

eBay:

-4 Slot UBS Chargers $14.99 each

*THE TOTAL WILL VARY DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU HAVE THE DESIRE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO YOUR PRODUCT*

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Necessary Steps to Follow When Constructing uCharge:

1. Create a Jig to safely cut the pipe using your Table Saw
2. Cut the pipe to fit the devices with your Table Saw and Jig - Cut the pipe a little bit larger than the device's width
3. Cut the Band Iron with a Die Grinder to reinforce the Device Mount - Make sure they fit the inside of the box
4. Drill all the holes using a 11/64 Bit Power Drill
5. Assemble the Device Mount using #8-32x5/8 Screws and Wing Nuts
6. Notch the box for the Plug using a Plunge Saw
7. Drill a hole for the device's Power Plugs using the 3/8 Bit, or use a Drill Bit that is about the same size as the device part of the charger if the devices are Apple ™ 5th Generation or newer - Use a 1/2 Bit to remove the sharp edges from the steel by lightly drilling it
8. Cut a square for the laptop on side of the box if needed - At this point you can disassemble your box and paint the PVC Pipes/wood
9. Attach the Plung Saw to the back of the box using a form of adhesive
10. Add all the wiring and neaten the cords in the inside of the box
11. Add feet to the bottom of the box

Step 2: Making the Jig

Create a Jig to safely cut the pipe using your Table Saw

Step 3: Cutting the PVC Pipes

Cut the pipe to fit the devices with your Table Saw and Jig (The PVC Pipes should look like a "c") - Cut the pipe a little bit larger than the device's width

Step 4: Grinding the Band Iron

Cut the Band Iron with a Die Grinder to reinforce the Device Mount - Make sure they fit the inside of the box

Step 5: Drilling

Drill all the holes using a 11/64 Bit Power Drill

Step 6: Assembling

Assemble the Device Mount using #8-32x5/8 Screws and Wing Nuts

Step 7: Notching the Box

Notch the box for the Plug using a Plunge Saw

Step 8: More Drilling :)

Drill a hole for the device's Power Plugs using the 3/8 Bit, or use a Drill Bit that is about the same size as the device part of the charger if the devices are Apple ™ 5th Generation or newer - Use a 1/2 Bit to remove the sharp edges from the steel by lightly drilling it - Then, add charging wires.

Step 9: Disassembling and Painting

Cut a square for the laptop on side of the box if needed - At this point you can disassemble your box and paint the PVC Pipes/wood (We painted the PVC Pipes with Spray Paint and the actual box itself with Wood Varnish)

Step 10: Attaching the Plug

Attach the Plug to the back of the box using a form of adhesive

Step 11: Wiring and Organizing

Add all the wiring and neaten the cords in the inside of the box (We tied all the wires with Zip-Ties...They seem to work the best)

Step 12: Final Product!

Once you have done all these steps, your project is complete! ENJOY YOUR REVOLUTIONARY CHARGING DOCK!

Step 13: The Creators' Sign-off

Both Joe and I hope you enjoy this product. We made uCharge with the intention of letting other people throughout the world join in on the action and have a revolutionary charging dock for themselves. Therefore, we wish you the best of luck on your journey to build a uCharge and hope it comes into handy for you for years to come. Once again, thank you and enjoy!

Happy Building,

Joe Hart and Connor Thomson

*Please be sure to view and favorite our product and leave us comments!*

*IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, DIRECT MESSAGE ME ON INSTAGRAM @connor.thomson*