Modular Electronics System with Wireless Power and Data Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of electronic devices in households and workspaces leads to cluttered environments due to multiple power and data cables, and existing solutions do not completely eliminate this issue, nor do they provide a convenient and quick setup or disassembly method for these devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronics system with a base that allows for wireless communication of high voltage and low voltage power, and data signals, enabling modules to be stacked and configured in various orders without the need for multiple cables, using interface couplers for alignment and secure connection, and incorporating a router for WiFi communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electronic devices are connected using traditional cable-based power and data transmission, then reliable electrical communication is achieved, but workspace clutter and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single wireless interface. The base unit integrates both high-voltage power delivery and low-voltage DC power/d data signals through one wireless connection point, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables. This merging of functions directly reduces workspace clutter while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power and data transmission system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based system. By using wireless power and data transmission technologies, the invention eliminates physical cables entirely, substituting mechanical connections with electromagnetic fields for both power delivery and data communication.
2Manufacturing precision
If electronic devices are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability and ease of reconfiguration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic system into modular components: a base unit and multiple stackable modules. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces that can be independently manufactured with high precision. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing while enabling flexible reconfiguration by stacking different modules in various orders to create customized device configurations.
3Ease of operation
If devices are designed for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but setup and disassembly time increases due to multiple cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power and data connections into a single wireless interface, eliminating the need to connect and disconnect multiple cables during setup and disassembly. Users simply need to stack or unstack modules, dramatically reducing the time required to set up or pack away portable electronic configurations while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If traditional cable-based connections are used, then electrical communication reliability is maintained, but workspace area occupied increases due to cable accumulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical cable-based electrical communication with wireless electromagnetic field-based communication. This elimination of physical cables removes the need for cable management space entirely, freeing up workspace area while maintaining reliable power and data transmission through wireless technologies.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular system of interfacing consumer electronics devices. The system includes a powered base hub and additional modular components with interface couplers providing electrical continuity between modules. Data transmission between modules may be through the interface couplers or wireless. The system includes a power cord for providing power to the base or wireless pad, but it need not include any additional power or data cords or cables.