Inductive Charging Circuit for Wall Powerline Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices in premises that require power often face issues with battery replacement or costly professional installation for custom power delivery systems, leading to potential non-functionality during critical times.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a rechargeable battery, inductor coil, rectifier circuit, DC-DC converter, and feedback circuit that uses inductive charging to draw power from powerlines within walls, allowing for self-installation and reduced battery replacement frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batteries are used to power the devices, then the devices can be installed without running wires, but the user must periodically change the batteries and the devices may become nonfunctional during critical times
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-charging by utilizing the existing power line infrastructure in the premises. The inductive charging system automatically draws power from nearby power lines without requiring user intervention for battery replacement or manual connection to power sources, enabling the device to sustain itself indefinitely.
Solution Approach 2:
The device can operate in multiple power modes: it can function with battery power alone, switch to inductive charging when power lines are detected, or operate in a hybrid mode combining both power sources. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation regardless of the available power source.
2Ease of manufacture
If a custom power delivery system is used involving splicing wires behind walls, then professional installation is avoided, but professional installation is required which can be expensive for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of wire splicing and physical connection with an inductive charging system that uses electromagnetic fields. The device detects and charges from power lines through electromagnetic induction without requiring physical contact, wire cutting, or electrical splicing, thereby eliminating the need for professional installation while maintaining electrical safety.
3Ease of operation
If inductive charging is used to draw power from powerlines, then professional installation is not required and battery replacement frequency is reduced, but the device requires complex circuitry including inductor coils, rectifier circuits, and DC-DC converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated circuits: the rectifier circuit converts AC to DC, the DC-DC converter regulates voltage, and the control system manages power distribution. These functions are merged into a unified power management system that automatically handles power acquisition, conversion, and distribution without requiring separate discrete components for each function.
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 self-installation of electronic devices without professional assistance and reduces the need for frequent battery changes by using inductive charging to power devices from existing powerlines, ensuring continuous functionality.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, with the electronic device, a magnetic field generated by current in a powerline within a wall of the premises
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier circuit connected to the inductor coil to output a direct current (DC)
Implementation Method 3
a DC-DC converter connected to the rectifier circuit, configured to trickle charge the battery with current received from the rectifier circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided, including a housing having a back surface. The device includes a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, an inductor coil connected to the capacitor, the inductor coil being disposed around an axis oriented perpendicular to the back surface, a rectifier circuit connected to the inductor coil to output a direct current (DC), a DC-DC converter connected to the rectifier circuit, configured to trickle charge the battery with current received from the rectifier circuit, a test load switchably connected to the DC-DC converter, and a feedback circuit configured to detect a voltage level of the test load and provide an indication of the voltage level.