Modular Tile Wireless Power Transmitter Using Magnetic Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless electrical power transmission technologies face inefficiencies in power transfer, safety concerns due to high frequency magnetic fields, limited distance and power capacity, high production costs, and inability to adapt to various device sizes and brickwork structures, restricting widespread application and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A modular device employing inductive coupling technology with a bracket structure for installation on tiles or flooring, using a self-amplified LC circuit to transmit at least 100 watts with 80% efficiency at 20 mm distance, below 100 kHz frequency, and featuring a quick-release coupling system and hardware-only control to prevent accidental activation and ensure easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electromagnetic radiation is used for wireless power transmission, then power can be transmitted without conductors, but transmission efficiency decreases due to power attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic radiation (electromagnetic field approach) with magnetic induction (magnetic field approach). The emitter uses an inductor to generate a magnetic field that couples with a receiver inductor, transferring power through magnetic induction rather than electromagnetic radiation. This substitution of the physical mechanism resolves the contradiction by achieving wireless transmission while maintaining high efficiency, as magnetic fields experience minimal attenuation compared to electromagnetic waves.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from high frequencies (>100 kHz) used in electromagnetic radiation methods to low frequencies (<100 kHz) for magnetic induction. This parameter change reduces power attenuation and improves transmission efficiency while maintaining wireless operation. The low frequency operation also enhances safety by staying below thresholds that could harm the human body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If high frequency magnetic fields (>100 kHz) are used for wireless power transmission, then transmission efficiency can be maintained, but safety concerns arise due to harmful effects on the human body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidhuman body safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter from high (>100 kHz) to low (<100 kHz). This parameter change simultaneously achieves two objectives: maintaining acceptable transmission efficiency through magnetic induction while eliminating harmful effects on the human body. The low frequency operation stays below safety thresholds defined in household regulations, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If wireless power transmission distance is increased beyond 17 mm, then application range expands, but transmission efficiency drops below 80%

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic radiation with magnetic induction, which has fundamentally different propagation characteristics. Magnetic fields generated by the inductor emitter couple directly with the receiver inductor over distance, experiencing minimal attenuation. This mechanism substitution enables efficient power transmission at distances of 20-50 mm and beyond, resolving the contradiction between transmission distance and efficiency.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If wireless power transmission capability is added to existing devices, then device functionality expands, but device size and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice size and design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless power transmission system into separate emitter and receiver components. The emitter can be installed in the environment (flooring, walls), while the receiver remains a small module that can be integrated into various devices. This segmentation allows existing devices to gain wireless power capability without significant redesign, as they only need to incorporate the compact receiver component, resolving the contradiction between functionality expansion and design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The emitter is designed as a universal component that can be installed in various environments (flooring, walls, surfaces) and serve multiple devices simultaneously. The receiver is designed to be universally compatible with different device types. This universality allows a single emitter design to support multiple applications and devices, reducing overall system complexity while expanding functionality.

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

5Adaptability or versatility

If wireless power transmission is implemented in brickwork structures, then architectural integration improves, but transmission distance requirements cannot be met with existing technology

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearchitectural integrationVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic radiation with magnetic induction, which enables power transmission through non-conductive materials like brickwork and flooring. The magnetic field generated by the emitter penetrates these materials with minimal attenuation, allowing the emitter to be integrated into architectural structures while maintaining transmission distance of 20-50 mm to devices on the other side, resolving the contradiction between architectural integration and transmission distance capability.

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

6Ease of operation

If integrated logic systems and software are used to control wireless power transmission, then transmission control improves, but production costs and hardware complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission controlVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic control systems (logic systems and software) with a passive magnetic induction mechanism. The emitter and receiver use purely electromagnetic components (inductors, capacitors, resistors) that automatically establish power transfer when in proximity, without requiring microcontrollers, sensors, or software. This mechanical/physical substitution eliminates complex electronics, reducing production costs and hardware complexity while maintaining reliable control through the physical presence of the receiver, resolving the contradiction between control capability and manufacturing cost.

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

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 solution enables efficient, safe, and reliable wireless power transmission exceeding existing limits, supporting a wide range of devices and brickwork applications while maintaining aesthetic and structural integrity, with reduced production costs and enhanced reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A further object of the present invention is to provide an emitter/transmitter based on inductive coupling technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the production of a time-variant magnetic field capable of inducing, in a receiver inductor, an electrical current sufficient to power an electrical load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3243257B1Modular device for wireless transmission of electrical power
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 FERRARI BK SRL
  • EP3243257B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3243257B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3243257B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A modular device (D) for transmitting electrical power in wireless mode, comprises a plane element (1) of the tile type, the bottom surface (Si) of which is adapted for an inductor group (4) to be fitted; said inductor group (4) comprising electrical board means and contact connector means (10).