Laser-Powered Door Accessories Without Cords or Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door operating systems face challenges with powering remotely located accessories, as traditional methods using long power cords or batteries are cumbersome, unsightly, and require maintenance, such as charging or battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
A door operating system that utilizes a laser transmitter to convert AC power into a laser beam, which is received by a laser receiver to power accessories, eliminating the need for long power cords and batteries as a primary source of power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power cords are used to supply line AC power to accessories, then accessories can be powered reliably, but cords become cumbersome and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power cord connection system with an optical power transmission system using laser beams. The laser transmitter converts electrical power to optical energy, which is then received and converted back to electrical energy by the laser receiver, eliminating the need for physical cords while maintaining power supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the power source and accessories. The laser transmitter and receiver act as intermediary devices that convert between electrical and optical energy, enabling wireless power transmission without direct physical connection.
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used to power accessories, then power can be supplied without cords, but batteries require maintenance such as charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous power supply without manual intervention for charging or replacement. The laser-powered system automatically provides power as long as the laser beam is received, eliminating the need for user maintenance activities associated with batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the battery chemical energy storage system with an optical power transmission system. Instead of storing energy chemically in batteries, the system transmits energy continuously via laser beams, converting electrical energy to optical energy and back, thereby eliminating battery maintenance requirements.
3Ease of operation
If laser transmitters are used to convert AC power to laser beams, then power can be transmitted wirelessly to accessories, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser transmitter and receiver components serve multiple functions: the transmitter converts electrical power to optical power while also providing a visual indication beam, and the receiver converts optical power back to electrical power while detecting beam presence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power transmission and signal indication functions into a single laser beam system. The same laser beam that carries power also provides visual feedback, merging multiple functions into one integrated system rather than requiring separate components for each function.
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 clean, maintenance-free, and aesthetically pleasing method to power door system accessories, ensuring reliable operation without the logistical issues associated with cords and batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a laser transmitter configured to convert AC power into a laser
Implementation Method 2
a laser receiver configured to receive power from the laser
Data Source
AI summary
A door operating system includes a door operator; a laser transmitter; and an accessory device operatively connected to a laser receiver, the accessory device is powered, at least in part by, energy received by a laser shining at the laser receiver. A method of providing power to accessory devices associated with a door opening system includes: configuring a laser receiver to receive power from a laser; configuring the laser receiver to provide power to an accessory device; configuring a laser transmitter to convert AC power to a laser; controlling the laser transmitter with a controller that also controls a door operator.