Inductive Shelf Power for Product Packaging Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product packaging methods that use batteries to power lights or screens for advertising are costly, have limited battery life, and continue to consume power after purchase, making them inefficient for attracting buyers on store shelves.

Innovation Solution

Inductive power coupling between shelves and packaging, using coils to transmit alternating current and power lights or screens, ensuring they remain operational only when in close proximity to the shelf, thus conserving energy and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a battery is installed in the packaging to provide power for the light, then the light can be turned on to attract buyers, but the packaging cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight visibilityVSAvoidpackaging cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an inductive coupling system as an intermediary between the power source and the light element. The shelf contains a primary coil that generates an electromagnetic field, which couples inductively to a secondary coil in the packaging, thereby transferring power without direct electrical connection or battery installation in the packaging itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of using a physical battery that requires installation, housing, and chemical maintenance, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power wirelessly through inductive coupling between coils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If a battery is installed in the packaging to provide power for the light, then the light can attract buyers, but the battery life is limited and may drain before the buyer sees it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight visibilityVSAvoidpower lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the power supply dynamic and conditional rather than static. The inductive power transfer activates only when the packaging is in close proximity to the shelf (during display), and automatically deactivates when removed. This dynamic power supply ensures the light operates only when needed for advertising, eliminating the problem of premature battery depletion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If a battery is installed in the packaging to provide power for the light, then the light can attract buyers on the shelf, but the light continues to consume power after purchase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight visibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive coupling system provides automatic feedback-based power control. When the packaging is placed on the shelf, the electromagnetic field couples the primary and secondary coils, enabling power transfer. When the packaging is removed, the coupling is broken and power transfer automatically stops. This feedback mechanism ensures energy is consumed only during the advertising phase on the shelf.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Illumination intensity

If a battery is installed in the packaging to provide power for the light, then the light can be turned on, but the packaging structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight visibilityVSAvoidpackaging structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source and its associated complexity from the packaging itself. Instead of installing a battery and power management circuitry within the packaging, the system extracts these functions and places them in the shelf infrastructure. The packaging only contains the simple secondary coil and light element, significantly reducing its structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 cost-effective and energy-efficient means to maintain product visibility on store shelves, enhancing advertising without unnecessary power consumption after purchase.

Implementation Method 1

Inductive power coupling between shelves and packaging, using coils to transmit alternating current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7923938B2System and method for providing inductive power to improve product marking and advertising

Publication Date: 2011.04.12 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A system and method are described in which power is inductively supplied to a product or a package containing a product. This power is received via a coil and used by a light source to further enhance the presentation of the product or packaging. The illuminated light draws more attention to the product or package and thereby increases the probability that a prospective buyer will buy the product. Power is supplied to the package via a coil mounted to a shelf system. The frequency of the power supplied to the shelf coil may be changed to change the frequency at which the light source in the product or package illuminates.