Furniture Induction Charger Embedding for Hidden Wireless Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional furniture systems lack integrated solutions for convenient charging of electronic devices and aesthetic integration of electronic components, as outlets are often not conveniently located and wiring is unsightly and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

The development of space-saving furniture systems with integrated induction chargers, internal speaker systems, and electrical power sources, where induction chargers are embedded within the furniture structure, such as in the base or transverse members, and can be hidden from view, allowing for wireless charging and seamless integration of electronic components without visible wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If outlets and charging cables are used to charge devices, then charging functionality is provided, but wiring becomes unsightly and cumbersome and outlets are not conveniently located

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of chargingVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the charging functionality directly into the furniture structure by integrating induction charging coils within the furniture components (such as the base or transverse members). This merging eliminates the need for separate charging cables and outlets, providing convenient wireless charging while maintaining clean aesthetics without visible wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If outlets are installed near furniture for charging, then charging accessibility is improved, but visible wiring and outlets create unsightly appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging accessibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The induction charging coil is nested within the furniture structure itself, specifically integrated into the base or transverse members. This nesting approach allows the charging functionality to be embedded inside the furniture, making it accessible to users while completely hiding the charging components from view, thus maintaining clean aesthetic appearance without visible outlets or wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If induction charger is integrated into furniture, then wireless charging convenience and aesthetic appearance are improved, but electronic components must be hidden from view and touch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging convenienceVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The induction charging coil is strategically positioned within specific furniture components (base or transverse members) where it can effectively charge devices placed on or near those surfaces. This local integration provides wireless charging convenience at the point of use while the furniture's existing structure and upholstery naturally conceal the electronic components, managing integration complexity through targeted placement.

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 comfortable seating with integrated charging and audio capabilities while maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance, as users can charge devices wirelessly and enjoy high-quality sound without the clutter of visible charging cables or outlets.

Implementation Method 1

integrated induction chargers, internal speaker systems, internal electrical power sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11178487B2Electronic furniture systems with integrated induction charger
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 THE LOVESAC CORP
  • US11178487B2 patent drawing
  • US11178487B2 patent drawing
  • US11178487B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A furniture system including a base and transverse member, with an induction charger provided in the transverse member and/or base, hidden from view and feel, embedded, e.g., at least 10 mm below the charging surface. In an embodiment, the transverse member includes a frame having an upper panel and an induction charger elastically secured at least partially above the upper panel such that the induction charger is elastically pushed down toward or through the upper panel when a force is exerted downward onto the induction charger. The induction charger elastically yields downward or otherwise toward or into the furniture system in response to loads, such as loads from sitting on the induction charger, to prevent damage thereto. The induction charger can elastically yield as such and still be positioned close enough to the surface of the furniture system to effectively charge electronic devices placed thereon.