Switched-Mode Charger Plug with Wireless Data Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal care appliances often lack the necessary communication circuitry to transmit data over specific wireless standards, limiting their ability to efficiently communicate appliance-related data without requiring additional communication interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A switched mode power supply charger device with a two-compartment design, where the first compartment houses a waterproof AC/DC converter and the second compartment contains a wireless communication circuit, allowing for data transmission over IEEE 802.11 standards without needing the appliance to have built-in communication circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the appliance is equipped with communication circuitry for wireless standards, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidappliance structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication circuit in the charger device that acts as an intermediary between the appliance and the wireless network. The charger receives appliance-related data from the appliance through the power supply connection and transmits this data wirelessly to a network, eliminating the need for the appliance itself to have communication circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The charger device is designed to perform multiple functions: it charges the appliance battery and simultaneously serves as a data transmission hub. By integrating the communication circuit into the charger, the same device that provides power also enables wireless communication, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the appliance includes built-in communication circuitry, then wireless data transmission is enabled, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The charger serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the simple appliance and the wireless network. The communication circuit is manufactured separately in the charger device, allowing appliances to be produced without expensive communication components while still achieving wireless data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into two functional parts: the appliance (which only needs power reception) and the charger (which contains the communication circuitry). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with appropriate complexity levels, improving overall manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the power plug contains both converter and communication circuit, then integration is improved, but water sealing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidsealing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power plug housing is segmented into two separate compartments: a first compartment containing the AC/DC converter and a second compartment containing the communication circuit. This segmentation allows each compartment to be independently sealed and protected, simplifying the overall sealing structure while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each compartment is provided with appropriate sealing measures tailored to its specific requirements. The first compartment housing and second compartment housing can have different sealing designs optimized for their respective functions and environmental exposures, rather than requiring a single complex sealing solution for the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 transmission of appliance-related data to a wide or local area network, facilitating maintenance and user convenience while allowing for easy manufacturing and recyclability of the charger device.

Implementation Method 1

an AC/DC switched mode converter disposed in the first compartment, the converter comprising a converter input and a converter output galvanically separated from the converter input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4297237A1A switched mode power supply charger device, kit, and methods of manufacturing and using such a power supply device

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 BRAUN GMBH

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AI summary

A switched mode power supply charger device (50) for a personal care appliance (20, 30) comprises a power supply cable (54) and a power plug (51). The power plug comprises a housing (63, 69) comprising a first compartment (61) and a second compartment (62) adjacent the first compartment (61). A converter (71) is disposed in the first compartment (61). A communication circuit (90) is disposed in the second compartment (62).