Active Packaging for Electronic Media Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional packaging for electronic media devices does not allow for interaction with the device while it is housed, nor does it enable the presentation of content or firmware updates without draining battery power, due to the inability to provide external power or data.
Innovation Solution
Active packaging that supplies power and data to electronic media devices through direct connections or wireless methods, allowing for the presentation of content and firmware updates, and includes features like transparent encasings and wireless power transfer for retail display and consumer handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional packaging is used to house electronic media devices, then protection from shock and damage is achieved, but interaction with the device and content presentation are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of transparent conductive coatings and antenna structures integrated into the packaging. These intermediaries enable wireless power transfer and data communication between the packaged device and external sources without requiring physical opening of the package, thus enabling device interaction while maintaining packaging integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, enables wireless power transfer, allows data communication, and permits content presentation on the device screen. The transparent conductive coating serves both as a structural element and as an antenna for wireless communication, demonstrating multi-functionality
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional packaging is used, then device protection is maintained, but power supply and firmware updates are not available without draining battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wireless power transfer as an intermediary mechanism to deliver power through the packaging material without physical contact. The transparent conductive coating acts as a mediator that allows electromagnetic energy to pass through while maintaining the packaging's protective function, enabling power supply without opening the package
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging material's electrical properties are modified by applying transparent conductive coatings that change the material's characteristics from purely insulating to having controlled conductivity. This parameter change enables the material to transmit electromagnetic energy for wireless power transfer while maintaining its mechanical protective properties
3Illumination intensity
If the packaging is made transparent to allow viewing, then product visibility is improved, but structural strength and protection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction combining transparent protective materials with transparent conductive coatings. This composite structure maintains optical transparency for display visibility while the layered composite provides enhanced structural strength and enables additional functions like wireless power transfer
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power transfer is implemented, then external power supply is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical power transfer mechanisms (such as conductive contacts requiring physical connection) with wireless electromagnetic power transfer. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and physical contact, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling power supply through the packaging
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 interaction with and presentation of content on electronic media devices within packaging, extends battery life by managing charging, and facilitates firmware updates without external power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The power may be provided by a direct power connection to an external power supply or by one or more wireless power techniques
Data Source
AI summary
Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.