Inductive Power Transfer for Work Surface Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional contactless power transfer systems for tables and work surfaces require complex and time-consuming mechanical and electrical connections, making it difficult to rearrange and move them, and existing systems do not efficiently distribute power across multiple work units without physical connections.

Innovation Solution

A power transfer system using inductive coupling between primary and secondary winding circuits on adjacent work units, allowing power to be transferred wirelessly and enabling multiple work units to be moved independently while maintaining power distribution through magnetic induction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical and electrical connections are used for power transfer between work units, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to rearrange

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical connections with magnetic induction-based wireless power transfer. Primary and secondary winding circuits are positioned in close proximity to transfer power through magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-socket connections while maintaining reliable power transfer between work units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transfer. The primary winding generates a magnetic field that couples with the secondary winding to transfer power, serving as a non-contact intermediary that replaces direct electrical connections and simplifies the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical connections are used for power distribution, then stable power supply is achieved, but rearrangement and movement of tables become time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidrearrangement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical connection systems entirely by using wireless magnetic induction for power transfer. This allows work units to be moved and rearranged freely without the time-consuming process of disconnecting and reconnecting electrical wires, while power supply stability is maintained through controlled magnetic coupling between primary and secondary windings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If physical electrical connections are used, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but component wear and conductivity loss occur over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with non-contact magnetic induction, eliminating wear and conductivity loss associated with physical connections. Power transfer efficiency is maintained through optimized winding designs and magnetic coupling, while component lifespan is extended by removing mechanical wear mechanisms entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and flexible power distribution across multiple work units without the need for physical connections, simplifying the rearrangement and movement of tables while maintaining reliable power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

A power transfer system uses inductive coupling between primary and secondary winding circuits on adjacent work units, allowing power to be transferred wirelessly and enabling multiple work units to be moved independently while maintaining power distribution through magnetic induction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8937407B2Worksurface power transfer

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 BYRNE NORMAN R

AI summary

A power transfer system (100) is used with a primary table (102) and one or more secondary tables (170). Incoming power is supplied from a source outlet receptacle block (108) to raceway assemblies (120, 134) and an energy center (140) on the primary table (102). The raceway assemblies (120, 134) are connected to a primary winding circuit (136) having a primary winding (160). A secondary table (170) also includes raceway assemblies (120, 134) connected to a secondary winding circuit (176). When the tables (102, 170) are in close proximity, magnetic flux generated from current flowing through the primary winding (160) commonly flows through the secondary winding (186), thereby inductively generating power which can be applied to the raceway assemblies (120, 134) associated with the secondary table (170).