Inductive Baseplate Connection for Reorientable Vehicle Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle accessory attachment systems face challenges in providing flexible and efficient electrical power supply and mechanical attachment, limiting the ability to easily switch between different accessories and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A modular inductive electrical power system with a baseplate and accessory configuration, utilizing inductive power generation and receiver modules, Hall effect sensors, and a magnet-activated securing mechanism for wireless electrical power link and quick connect/disconnect capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wired electrical connection is used for accessory attachment, then reliable power supply is achieved, but flexibility and ease of switching between accessories is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wired electrical connections with an inductive wireless power transfer system. The baseplate contains an inductive power generation module that wirelessly transmits electrical power to accessories through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical electrical connectors and wires. This substitution provides reliable power supply while significantly improving flexibility and ease of switching between different accessories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting orientations are provided for accessory flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attachment interface where the baseplate provides multiple apertures arranged to accommodate accessories in multiple mounting orientations. The inductive power generation module works across all orientations, allowing a single baseplate design to support various accessory configurations without requiring separate connection mechanisms for each orientation, thus achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect when an accessory is properly attached in any orientation and autonomously activate the inductive power transfer. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual switching or complex control systems, allowing the accessory to immediately begin receiving power upon attachment without user intervention.
3Productivity
If quick connect/disconnect capability is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability of electrical connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical wired connections with inductive wireless power transfer, the system enables quick connect/disconnect operations without compromising reliability. The inductive coupling maintains stable power transmission during attachment and detachment operations, eliminating contact wear and connection failures associated with repeated mechanical plugging and unplugging of wired connectors.
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 flexible and efficient electrical power supply to accessories, allowing easy switching and reorientation of accessories, enhancing the modular attachment system with durable wireless power delivery and mechanical attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the baseplate and the accessory configured to electrically connect to each other through a wireless electrical power link that comprises an inductive power generation module associated with the baseplate and an inductive power receiver module associated with the accessory
Implementation Method 2
the inductive power generation module receives power from a vehicle power supply and includes power generating coils and a plurality of sensors to detect a magnetic field, wherein the plurality of sensors comprise Hall effect sensors with one Hall effect sensor being positioned at each different mounting orientation on the baseplate
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory attachment system includes a baseplate that provides an attachment interface on a support surface. The baseplate is configured to engage with an accessory to secure the accessory to the support surface. The baseplate and the accessory are configured to electrically connect to each other through a wireless electrical power link.