Inductive Baseplate Mounting for Flexible Accessory Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vehicle upfit systems face challenges in easily switching between different accessory configurations due to hard wiring and physical attachment methods, limiting flexibility in using various accessories for different applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular inductive electrical power system with a baseplate and pucks that provide wireless electrical power links, allowing for quick connect/disconnect of accessories and enabling adjustable mounting orientations, along with a setup feature to determine puck locations for efficient power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hard wiring and physical attachment methods are used, then electrical connection and mechanical attachment are reliable, but flexibility in switching between different accessory configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in switching between accessory configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of electrical connection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the attachment interface into separate mechanical and electrical components. The baseplate contains multiple puck holes for mechanical attachment, while inductive power modules are positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of mechanical attachment flexibility and electrical power delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces hard wiring with inductive power transmission. Instead of physical electrical connections between the baseplate and accessories, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power wirelessly through the puck holes, eliminating the need for complex wiring harnesses while maintaining reliable power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mounting positions are provided, then versatility of accessory placement is improved, but difficulty in determining puck locations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of mounting positionsVSAvoiddifficulty in determining puck locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses visual indicators (such as colored markings or illuminated elements) at each puck hole location to clearly identify where inductive power modules should be positioned. This visual coding system makes it easy to determine correct puck locations even when multiple mounting positions are available, eliminating confusion during setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If inductive power modules are positioned at specific locations, then wireless power transmission is enabled, but setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessory attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of inductive power system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic detection and configuration capabilities that eliminate manual setup complexity. When accessories are attached to the baseplate, the system automatically detects the presence and position of inductive power modules, configures the power delivery parameters, and establishes wireless power transmission without requiring user intervention or complex calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 attachment and detachment of accessories, providing a durable wireless power system that supports multiple mounting configurations and automatic power-up of accessories, enhancing usability across different applications.

Implementation Method 1

one of the at least one puck and the at least one accessory includes an inductive transmitter and the other of the at least one puck and the at least one accessory includes an inductive receiver such that the at least one puck in the baseplate and the at least one accessory electrically connect to each other through a wireless electrical power link between the inductive transmitter and the inductive receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12184086B2Baseplate inductive electrical connection system

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An inductive connection system includes a baseplate that provides an attachment interface on a support surface. The baseplate is configured to engage with at least one accessory via the attachment interface to secure the accessory to the support surface. The attachment interface provides a plurality of different mounting positions for the at least one accessory. At least one puck is selectively coupled to the attachment interface to provide a desired one of the plurality of different mounting positions. One of the at least one puck and the at least one accessory includes an inductive transmitter and the other of the at least one puck and the at least one accessory includes an inductive receiver such that the at least one puck in the baseplate and the at least one accessory electrically connect to each other through a wireless electrical power link between the inductive transmitter and the inductive receiver when the at least one accessory is mounted in the desired one of the plurality of different mounting positions.