Induction Driven Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for powering outdoor decorative lights, such as wreaths, are either unsightly and hazardous (AC power cords), require frequent battery replacements (DC battery packs), or are inefficient in low sunlight conditions (solar panels), making them undesirable for reliable and aesthetic lighting solutions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology using an inductive power system that transmits energy through non-conductive mediums like glass or wood, allowing for the powering of lights without visible wires or batteries, by coupling an inductive power transmitter to an AC power source and a receiver on the opposite side of a window or surface, enabling efficient energy transfer to light strands or other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC power cords are used to power outdoor lights, then reliable power supply is achieved, but the installation becomes cumbersome and unsafe due to visible wires and electrical shock risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power transmission function from physical wires and implements it through electromagnetic fields. The transmitter unit generates electromagnetic fields that penetrate non-conductive materials (glass, wood, plastic) to induce current in the receiver unit, eliminating the need for visible AC power cords while maintaining reliable power supply to outdoor lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the indoor transmitter and outdoor receiver. This intermediary enables power transmission through non-conductive building materials without direct electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and installation safety/convenience.
2Ease of operation
If battery packs are used to power outdoor lights, then installation convenience is improved, but maintenance burden increases due to frequent battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary power supply setup by installing the transmitter unit indoors connected to AC power. This eliminates the need for subsequent battery replacements, as the transmitter continuously generates electromagnetic fields to power the outdoor lights throughout the holiday season without maintenance intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service power supply where the indoor transmitter automatically provides power to the outdoor receiver through electromagnetic coupling. The receiver unit continuously receives power without requiring user intervention for battery replacement, transforming a maintenance-intensive system into a self-sustaining one.
3Ease of operation
If solar panels are used to power outdoor lights, then installation convenience is improved, but reliability deteriorates in areas with insufficient sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal power transmission system that works through multiple non-conductive materials (glass, wood, plastic) and in various environmental conditions. Unlike solar panels that depend on sunlight, the electromagnetic field-based transmitter provides consistent power transmission regardless of weather or time of day, ensuring reliable operation of outdoor lights.
4Reliability
If solar panels with rechargeable batteries are used, then power supply reliability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible panels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power transmission function from visible solar panels and batteries, implementing it through invisible electromagnetic fields. The transmitter unit can be concealed indoors, and the receiver unit on the wreath is small and unobtrusive, eliminating the need for large visible solar panels while maintaining continuous power supply reliability.
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 a reliable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing method for powering outdoor lights and other devices by eliminating the need for visible wires or frequent battery replacements, ensuring consistent illumination regardless of sunlight availability.
Implementation Method 1
the inductive power transmitter is configured to emit an electromagnetic field based on the received AC power
Implementation Method 2
the receiver is configured to receive the electromagnetic field after it has passed through the non-conductive medium and in response develop power
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive power system including an inductive power transmitter coupled to a non-conductive medium, and a power cord that electrically couples the transmitter to an AC power source. The inductive power transmitter is configured to emit an electromagnetic field based on the received AC power. There is an inductive power receiver coupled to the non-conductive medium and separated from the transmitter, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the electromagnetic field after it has passed through the non-conductive medium and in response develop power. A power cord electrically couples the developed power to a power sink.