Cable Reel Assembly for Inductive Energy Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charging systems for battery-operated vehicles and tools are cumbersome, vulnerable to contamination and moisture, and require multiple devices for cable handling and inductive charging, limiting their portability and flexibility in charging locations.

Innovation Solution

A cable reel assembly integrating inductive power transfer using magnetic resonance, with a primary and secondary coil module, control, and communication means for energy transfer, allowing for compact, portable, and versatile charging or driving operations without the need for pre-installed inductive charging points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional charging devices with loose cables are used, then electrical connections can be established, but the system becomes vulnerable to contamination and moisture exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcontamination and moisture exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical cable connections with inductive power transfer using electromagnetic fields. The primary coil in the cable reel assembly generates an electromagnetic field that induces current in the secondary coil of the electrical device, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts and thereby preventing contamination and moisture exposure at connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the electrical device. The electromagnetic field acts as a mediator to transfer energy without requiring direct physical contact, thus avoiding the harmful effects of moisture and contamination that affect conventional cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate devices are used for cable handling and inductive charging, then each function can be performed, but the system complexity increases and portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cable storage and inductive charging functions into a single integrated cable reel assembly. The assembly includes a reel for winding the power cable, a primary coil for electromagnetic power transfer, and control circuitry, thereby eliminating the need for separate cable management devices and charging devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable reel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a cable storage device, a power transfer device, and a charging device simultaneously. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of devices needed while maintaining full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If long loose cables are used for charging, then power can be transmitted to distant devices, but cable handling becomes troublesome and space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable lengthVSAvoidcable handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a reel mechanism where the power cable is wound and stored in a compact nested configuration. The cable can be extended when needed for power transmission and automatically retracted and stored on the reel when not in use, eliminating the handling difficulties associated with long loose cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 efficient, moisture-resistant, and flexible energy transfer for various electric devices, reducing the need for multiple devices and allowing charging or driving operations in diverse environments, including harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The cable reel assembly comprises control and communication means for communication between the primary and secondary module and controlling the transfer of energy. The primary and secondary coil are arranged in an operative position to form an inductive coupling for transfer of energy from the primary coil to the secondary coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A cable reel assembly integrating inductive power transfer using magnetic resonance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11084389B2Cable reel assembly

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 GYLAND GEIR OLAV

AI summary

The invention concerns a cable reel assembly for inductive transfer of energy to an electrical device. The cable reel assembly comprises—a cable reel having an outer surface provided for the storage of a power cable, the cable reel is configured for accommodation of a primary side module comprising a primary coil provided for connection to the power cable, a secondary side module comprising a secondary coil provided for connection to the electrical device, control and communication means for communication between the primary side module and secondary side module and controlling the transfer of energy, the primary and secondary coil are arranged in an operative position to form an inductive coupling for transfer of energy from the primary coil to the secondary coil. The invention also concerns an electrical bicycle, an electrical tool and battery packet cable reel assembly comprising the cable reel assembly.