Inductive Sensor Power Module for Mains Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered smoke detectors are difficult to maintain due to the need for frequent battery checks and replacements, which can be hazardous and often neglected, while AC-powered detectors with battery backups are complex to install, leading to potential failures from dead or weak batteries.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system for lighting technologies that includes a power converter with a module to inductively tap electric power from mains wiring, allowing wireless communication to increase power draw when needed, and is designed for easy installation and maintenance, featuring a ferrite core and secondary winding, and optionally a clip for isolation, enabling operation even in standby mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery-powered smoke detectors are used, then installation is simplified and ease of operation is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases due to frequent battery checks and replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery insertion/removal system with an electromagnetic induction power transfer system. The sensor housing includes a first coil that inductively couples with a second coil in the base, enabling wireless power transfer. This eliminates the need for physical battery handling, solving both the installation simplicity and maintenance difficulty by making power supply automatic and contactless.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service power supply where the sensor automatically receives power through electromagnetic induction when placed on or near the base. The wireless power transfer occurs automatically without user intervention, and the system includes automatic power management that switches between inductive power and battery power based on availability, making the device self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If AC-powered detectors with battery backup are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual power systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless power transfer intermediary (electromagnetic induction field between coils) that simplifies the power supply architecture. Instead of direct AC power connection requiring wiring and safety certifications, the system uses inductive coupling as an intermediary to transfer power wirelessly, reducing electrical complexity while maintaining reliability through the same dual-power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a charging station for inductive power transfer and as a repository for spare batteries. The sensor can automatically switch between receiving power wirelessly from the base and using its internal battery, creating a universal power solution that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but power availability worsens when converter is in standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the sensor continuously monitors power availability and automatically adjusts its operation mode. When the converter is in standby mode and inductive power is insufficient, the sensor seamlessly transitions to battery power. The system dynamically switches between power sources and can also wake the converter from standby by signaling power needs, ensuring continuous operation regardless of converter state.
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
The solution provides a reliable and easy-to-maintain power supply for smoke detectors and other sensors, ensuring continuous operation by allowing wireless communication to increase power consumption when necessary, reducing the risk of failure due to battery issues and simplifying installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the module designed for inductively tapping off electric power out of said main supplying wiring
Implementation Method 2
the power supply comprises a ferrite core and a secondary winding
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (110) for lighting technology, the sensor (110) comprising a power supply (110a), the power supply (110a) being provided with a module (112) configured to mechanically engage a wire of a mains supplying wiring and designed for inductively tapping off electric power out of said main supplying wiring.