Contactless Power and Data Transmission via Single Magnetic Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for contactless data and power transmission in vehicles are cumbersome, heavy, and costly due to the need for multiple electromagnetic transducers and uneven surfaces caused by cable routing, which limits flexibility and passenger comfort in reconfigurable vehicle cabins.
Innovation Solution
A system using a single magnetic circuit with primary and secondary windings for simultaneous contactless transmission of electrical power and data, where data is modulated onto an alternating voltage and demodulated at the receiving end, reducing the need for multiple transducers and allowing for a lightweight, robust, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cables and connectors are used for power and data transmission, then reliability and ease of maintenance are improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data transmission into a single cable assembly, eliminating the need for separate cables and connectors. This merging reduces overall weight while maintaining reliable connections through an integrated electromagnetic coupling system that simultaneously transfers both power and data signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable assembly serves multiple functions: it transmits both electrical power and data signals, and provides both mechanical support and electromagnetic coupling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each purpose, reducing complexity and weight.
2Ease of manufacture
If wired connections with cables are used, then ease of installation and maintenance are improved, but adaptability for reconfigurable seating is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coupling system enables dynamic reconfiguration of seating arrangements by allowing seats to be moved to different positions without being constrained by fixed cable routing. The system adapts to changing configurations while maintaining reliable power and data connections through its flexible wireless coupling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic coupling system. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of cables and connectors, allowing for easier reconfiguration of seating arrangements while maintaining reliable power and data transmission through field-based coupling.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cable ducts are installed to cover cable routes, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but manufacturing complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cables from the physical routing infrastructure by using wireless electromagnetic coupling for power and data transmission. This eliminates the need for cable ducts, cut-outs, and drill holes in floor panels, thereby removing the associated manufacturing complexity and weight while maintaining safety through the contactless transmission method.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adequate cable lengths are provided for variable seat pitch, then adaptability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coupling system replaces the mechanical cable system, eliminating the need for long, heavy cables that must accommodate variable seat pitch. The wireless coupling provides adaptability through field-based transmission without the weight and complexity of extensive cabling infrastructure.
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 and cost-effective simultaneous transmission of power and data without the weight and cost burdens of multiple transducers, while maintaining a smooth and uniform surface in vehicle cabins, enhancing flexibility and passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transducer with a primary winding in a first core and a secondary winding in a second core... the alternating voltage being transmitted by way of the secondary winding to the signal input port
Implementation Method 2
the frequency of said alternating voltage being modulated depending on the data that is input at the data input port
Implementation Method 3
the second control unit being adapted to demodulate the data and provide it at the data output port, from the frequency-modulated alternating voltage present at the signal input port
Data Source
AI summary
A system for contactless data and power transmission between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component includes a first control unit, a second control unit, and a transducer with a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first control unit is adapted to generate an alternating voltage at a signal output port from a voltage present at a voltage input port, where the frequency of the alternating voltage is modulated depending on the data that is input at a data input port, and wherein the second control unit is adapted to demodulate the data and provide it at the data output port.