Inductive Power Transmitter for Wireless Window Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for powering outdoor miniature electric lights, such as those used in wreaths and other ornaments, are either cumbersome (AC power cords), battery-dependent (requiring frequent replacements), or unreliable (solar-powered, which may not function in areas with insufficient sunlight, and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology that allows for the transmission of energy through non-conductive mediums like glass or wood, using an inductive power system with a transmitter and receiver, enabling power delivery from a hidden AC source to a power sink, such as lighted wreaths, without visible wires or batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC power cords are used to power outdoor lights, then the lights can be powered reliably, but the cords are bulky, unsightly and introduce electrical shock danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical AC power cord connection system with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. The transmitter is mounted on the interior side of the window and the receiver on the exterior side, eliminating the need for physical power cords and thereby removing the hazards of electrical shock and unsightly cord visibility while maintaining reliable power supply to outdoor lights
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the interior and exterior environments. The field passes through the window glass, which acts as a mediator, enabling power transmission without direct physical connection and thereby eliminating the harmful effects of exposed electrical cords
2Ease of operation
If DC battery packs are used to power outdoor lights, then the installation is simple and safe, but the batteries require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous operation by automatically recharging batteries through wireless power transfer during daylight hours when the transmitter is activated. The receiver continuously charges the battery pack without human intervention, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement while maintaining the safety and simplicity of DC battery-powered operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous power availability by using the wireless transmitter to continuously recharge the battery pack during daytime. This ensures the batteries remain charged and ready for nighttime operation, eliminating interruptions and the need for periodic battery replacement while maintaining the ease of battery-based installation
3Reliability
If solar panels with rechargeable batteries are used to power outdoor lights, then battery replacement is eliminated, but sufficient sunlight is required which may not be available in all geographic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the building's window glass as an intermediary to transmit electromagnetic power from the interior to the exterior. This indoor-outdoor wireless power transfer system eliminates dependence on external sunlight conditions, allowing reliable operation in any geographic location where the building has windows, thereby maintaining continuous operation without battery replacement while achieving universal geographic adaptability
4Reliability
If solar panels are placed to ensure sufficient charging, then power availability is improved, but the placement may be inconvenient or distract from the desired esthetic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the visible exterior environment and relocates it to the interior space. The transmitter is mounted inside the building on the interior side of the window, hidden from external view, while the receiver on the exterior side wirelessly receives power. This eliminates the need for visible solar panels, maintaining aesthetic quality while ensuring reliable power charging through the window glass
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, aesthetically pleasing, and safe method for powering outdoor electric lights by transmitting power through non-conductive materials, eliminating the need for visible wires or frequent battery replacements, and 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.