Magnetic Lighting Device with Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices do not incorporate their lighting status into their appearance, lacking dynamic visual effects and aesthetic appeal when turned on or off.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a magnetically-coupled light source that moves between positions, changing intensity and appearance, using electromagnetic induction for power, and featuring a drive arrangement hidden within the support to create a visually engaging experience by simulating sunrise or sunset effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the light source is physically connected to the drive arrangement and power source, then reliable power supply and control are achieved, but the appearance is compromised and visual effects are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effectVSAvoidphysical connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical connections with electromagnetic field-based interactions. The drive arrangement uses magnetic coupling to move the light source without physical contact, and electromagnetic induction to transfer power wirelessly. This substitution eliminates visible cables and mechanical linkages, creating a cleaner aesthetic while maintaining functional reliability through field-based energy and motion transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as intermediaries between the drive arrangement and light source. Magnetic fields mediate the motion transfer, while electromagnetic induction creates an intermediate energy transfer field. These intermediary fields enable power and control signal transmission without direct physical contact, preserving the light source's visual purity while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the drive arrangement is visible, then structural support is provided, but aesthetic appeal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the drive arrangement from visible view by positioning it within the support structure itself. The magnetic coupling mechanism and power transfer components are housed inside the support, leaving only the essential functional elements visible. This extraction maintains structural integrity while eliminating visual clutter, allowing the support to serve its structural purpose without compromising aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests the drive arrangement within the support structure. The magnetic coupling mechanism and electromagnetic induction components are integrated into the internal volume of the support, creating a nested configuration where the drive system is contained within the structural element. This nesting approach provides structural support while hiding the mechanical complexity from external view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Illumination intensity

If the light source remains stationary, then structural simplicity is maintained, but dynamic visual effects are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic visual effectVSAvoidmovement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical movement mechanisms with magnetic coupling. The light source is attracted and moved by magnetic forces from the drive arrangement, eliminating the need for motors, gears, or other mechanical transmission components. This magnetic actuation provides smooth, controlled movement with minimal mechanical complexity, enabling dynamic visual effects while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables movement of the light source, and transfers power through electromagnetic induction. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to achieve dynamic visual effects without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby maintaining relative simplicity while enabling complex behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device provides an aesthetically pleasing, dynamic lighting experience by integrating lighting status into its appearance, offering varying brightness and position changes, enhancing the visual effect through controlled movement and power generation without physical connections.

Implementation Method 1

The light source is magnetically-coupled to the drive arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetic induction is used to generate a voltage/current in the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3186544B1Lighting device
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 SAL LONDON
  • EP3186544B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3186544B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3186544B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting device for illuminating a room or enclosed space comprising: a light source; and a support adapted to support the light source, the support having a surface which defines a guide path. The light source is adapted to be movable relative to the support along the guide path between first and second lighting positions.