Bi-directional Induction Power Pack for Wet Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable power packs and devices are not adapted for use underwater or in high humidity conditions, lacking bi-directional power transfer capabilities and being prone to water damage and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional rechargeable/replaceable induction power pack with sealed induction coils and a water-resistant housing that allows for magnetic induction-based power transfer both to and from electronic devices, enabling charging and powering in wet environments without exposing internal components to water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If exposed contacts and open components are used in power packs, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to water damage and corrosion in wet environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sealed induction coils as an intermediary mechanism that enables power transfer without direct physical contact between electrical components. The induction coils transmit electrical energy through electromagnetic fields across a sealed barrier, eliminating the need for exposed contacts while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sealed housings and protective enclosures that act as flexible barriers between electrical components and the external environment. These sealed structures prevent water and moisture ingress while allowing the device to function in wet conditions, solving the contradiction between sealed protection and operational capability.
2Reliability
If sealed induction coils are used for power transfer, then reliability is improved by preventing water damage, but device complexity increases due to the need for sealed housings and induction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects internal components from water, provides structural support for the induction coils, and acts as one of the magnetic pathways for induction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective housing function with the induction coil support structure and magnetic pathway function into a single integrated assembly. By combining these functions, the design reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, managing complexity while achieving the desired protection and power transfer capability.
3Ease of repair
If traditional transformers with exposed components are used, then ease of repair is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot function underwater or in high humidity conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transfer system into separable modules: a sealed power pack unit with induction coils and protective housing, and a corresponding receiver unit. This segmentation allows the sealed unit to be replaced or serviced as a complete module, maintaining ease of repair while the sealed design enables underwater and high-humidity operation.
4Ease of operation
If removable power packs with exposed terminals are used, then ease of operation is improved for battery replacement, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to water and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed induction interface acts as an intermediary that enables power transfer between removable power packs and devices without requiring exposed electrical contacts. The induction mechanism transmits energy through the sealed housing barrier, allowing easy replacement of power packs while maintaining water resistance and reliability in wet environments.
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 reliable and safe charging and powering of electronic devices underwater or in high humidity conditions by using sealed induction coils for bi-directional power transfer, preventing corrosion and water damage while maintaining the integrity of electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
the exterior magnetic induction coil acts in combination with an interior magnetic induction coil to convert magnetic energy into electric current in a charging mode
Implementation Method 2
to release electromagnetic energy through an interior magnetic induction coil in a discharging mode
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional rechargeable/replaceable induction power pack and method employing sealed induction coils to power an electrical device underwater, in liquids, or in high humidity conditions.