Hall Sensor Power Coupler for Furniture Alignment Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical circuits integrated into furniture lack efficient mechanisms for selectively coupling and managing power distribution between multiple compatible electrical systems, leading to potential over-current conditions and improper connections.

Innovation Solution

The use of ferromagnetic metals and Hall Effect sensors in power couplers, along with control units, allows for selective power transfer when compatible couplers are aligned, preventing over-currents and ensuring proper connections by detecting magnetic fields and controlling electrical switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical circuits are integrated into furniture to provide flexibility and interconnections, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the risk of over-current conditions and improper connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of electrical circuit integrationVSAvoidrisk of over-current conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of proper connection alignment using Hall Effect sensors and ferromagnetic metals before allowing power transfer. The controller detects when couplers are properly aligned and connected, and only then enables power flow, preventing over-current conditions before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses Hall Effect sensors to continuously monitor the magnetic field and detect the alignment status of connected couplers. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to determine when proper connection is achieved and to control the power transfer accordingly, ensuring safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If conventional electrical outlets are used in furniture, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to selectively couple and manage power distribution between multiple systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of plugging in appliancesVSAvoidselective power distribution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical power distribution system is divided into separate modular couplers that can be independently controlled. Each coupler can detect and manage power transfer separately, allowing selective coupling and management of multiple electrical systems while maintaining ease of operation through simple alignment-based connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power couplers are aligned and connected to extend power distribution, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of detecting and measuring proper alignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution extension capabilityVSAvoidalignment detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Ferromagnetic metals are used as intermediaries between the magnets and Hall Effect sensors. The ferromagnetic metals concentrate and guide the magnetic field, making the alignment detection more reliable and easier to measure while enabling the coupling of multiple power distribution systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables safe and efficient electrical 'ganging' of furniture articles, ensuring power is only transferred when couplers are properly aligned, preventing over-currents and allowing for flexible and reliable power distribution within predetermined thresholds.

Implementation Method 1

a hall sensor operable to detect a magnetic field in the first ferromagnetic metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first ferromagnetic metal adjacent to a first magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10177507B2Electrical power load switch with connection sensor

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 BYRNE NORMAN R

AI summary

An electrical power coupler is configured to convey electrical power upon detecting that a compatible other coupler is properly aligned and no undesirable operating conditions are detected. The power coupler includes a first ferromagnetic metal adjacent a first magnet, a hall sensor for detecting a magnetic field in the first ferromagnetic metal, and at least two first electrical contacts. A control unit is in electrical communication with the power conductors, and includes an electrical switch operable to selectively allow a flow of electricity from a power source through the associated power conductors when the hall sensor detects the magnetic field, such as when the first electrical contacts are in contact with at least two second electrical contacts of another electrical power coupler. The second electrical contacts make contact with the first electrical contacts upon proper alignment of a correspondingly configured other electrical power coupler.