Inductive Power Outlet Eliminates Overheating in Host Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical power infrastructure is inadequate to meet the increasing demand for power in environments like modern kitchens, where high-power appliances and movable gadgets require multiple connections, leading to hazards such as overheating and water exposure, and lacks integration with existing mains power lines for inductive power solutions.
Innovation Solution
Integrating inductive power outlets into host electrical devices, which include a driver and primary inductive coil connected to a power source, allowing inductive coupling with external secondary coils for power transmission without additional infrastructure, and optionally incorporating ferromagnetic cores for flux guidance and data channels for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple appliances are connected to a single power outlet via power strips, then the power distribution capability is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to overheating and fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-socket connection system with an inductive power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. Power is transferred wirelessly through inductive coupling between primary and secondary coils, eliminating physical contact points that can overheat and spark, thereby resolving the safety issue while maintaining power distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inductive power outlet as an intermediary device between the mains power line and multiple appliances. This intermediary converts electrical energy to electromagnetic energy for wireless transmission, allowing multiple devices to be powered simultaneously without direct electrical connections, thus preventing overheating and fire hazards
2Ease of operation
If conventional plug-and-socket connectors are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to sparking and water exposure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-socket insertion/removal operation with a simple approach-and-couple operation. The secondary coil automatically couples with the primary coil when brought close, eliminating the mechanical connection steps that create sparking hazards and water exposure risks, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation
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 provides safe, efficient, and waterproof power distribution to multiple devices without overloading risks, utilizing existing mains power lines and eliminating the need for additional infrastructure, while allowing data exchange between devices.
Implementation Method 1
The driver applies an oscillating electric potential across the inductive coil which serves as the primary coil of an inductive couple. The oscillating electric potential induces an oscillating magnetic field which may induce an oscillating electrical current in a secondary coil placed close to the primary coil.
Implementation Method 2
The oscillating electric potential induces an oscillating magnetic field which may induce an oscillating electrical current in a secondary coil placed close to the primary coil. In this way, electrical energy is transmitted from the primary coil to the secondary coil by electromagnetic induction without the two coils being conductively connected.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical appliance comprising a connection to a power source and a principle electrical load, wherein the appliance additionally comprises at least one inductive power outlet, the inductive power outlet comprising: at least one driver, connectable to the power source, the driver for providing an oscillating voltage supply; and at least one primary inductive coil connected to the driver, the primary inductive coil for inductively coupling with an external secondary inductive coil wired to a second electrical load.