Inductive Charging Module for Grab Bar Mounted Transport Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electronic electrical loading devices for transport vehicles, such as rail vehicles, often require cables for recharging electronic devices, which can be inconvenient and hinder ergonomic loading.

Innovation Solution

An electronic electrical loading device equipped with an induction loading module that allows for cable-free charging by using magnetic induction, featuring a maintenance bar with gripping means, a positioning stop, and a positioning magnet to securely hold and align the device during charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cable-based charging is used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cable management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the cable from the charging system by implementing wireless electromagnetic induction charging. The charging device and electronic device communicate and transfer energy through electromagnetic fields without physical cable connection, thereby improving ease of operation while removing cable management complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer electrical energy between the charging device and electronic device. The electromagnetic induction module generates electromagnetic fields that couple with the electronic device's receiving coil, enabling cable-free power transfer and simplifying the user interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless induction charging is implemented, then ease of operation improves by eliminating cables, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen for electromagnetic coupling alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable electromagnetic induction modules that can shift position to maintain optimal coupling with the electronic device. The system dynamically adapts to different device positions and orientations, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances and alignment variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter adjustment mechanisms that modify electromagnetic field characteristics (frequency, intensity, distribution) to optimize charging efficiency across different alignment conditions. By dynamically changing operational parameters, the system compensates for manufacturing precision variations and maintains effective charging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If gripping means are added to secure the device, then stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the gripping function with the existing electromagnetic induction charging module. The gripping means are integrated into the charging device structure, combining stabilization and charging functions in a single unified component, thereby improving stability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-adjusting gripping mechanisms that automatically adapt to the electronic device's size, shape, and weight. The gripping means respond to the device's physical characteristics and apply appropriate holding forces, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining stable positioning

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 convenient, cable-free charging of electronic devices, improving ergonomics and safety by allowing users to charge their devices without pre-planning for cables, while ensuring stable positioning and efficient electromagnetic coupling for effective charging.

Implementation Method 1

the loading module is a induction loading module configured to load by magnetic induction at least one electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic coil 100 emission from the electromagnetic field configured to, when supplied with electrical energy, generate the electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4108522A1Electronic device for electric charging of at least one electronic apparatus, associated set of equipment for a transport vehicle and transport vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP4108522A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4108522A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4108522A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electronic device (20) for electrically charging at least one electronic device (10). The device (20) is intended to be fitted to a transport vehicle comprising at least one grab bar (15). The device (20) is configured to be attached to the grab bar (15) and comprises a charging module (70) for at least one electronic device (10). The charging module (70) is an inductive charging module configured to charge at least one electronic device (10) by magnetic induction.