Modular Contactless Toy Power Transfer for Flexible Charging Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless energy transfer systems for toys lack flexibility and user-friendliness, limiting their ability to efficiently recharge multiple function modules with varying energy needs and spatial arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A modular toy system with energy source and distribution devices that create customizable energy transfer zones through detachable interconnectable elements, allowing for contactless energy transfer via inductive or capacitive coupling, and adaptive energy distribution based on relative position and orientation of toy elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed charging base with separate induction coils is used for each function module, then each module can be charged independently, but the system lacks flexibility in spatial arrangements and requires multiple separate coils increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate induction coils into a single planar induction coil structure that can simultaneously charge multiple function modules. The planar coil is divided into multiple charging zones, each capable of independently charging a function module placed upon it, thereby reducing the total number of separate coils while maintaining the ability to charge multiple modules simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar induction coil is segmented into multiple distinct charging zones within a single continuous structure. Each charging zone can be independently activated and controlled, allowing flexible spatial arrangements of function modules while using a unified coil structure rather than multiple separate coils.
2Ease of operation
If wired connections are used for charging electronic toys, then reliable energy transfer is achieved, but user convenience is reduced due to the need for physical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an inductive coupling system. The function modules contain receiving coils that wirelessly receive energy from the planar induction coil through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-socket connections while maintaining reliable energy transfer through the coupling between transmitting and receiving coils.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate function modules with individual batteries are used, then each module has independent energy storage, but recharging requires separate charging circuits increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal charging approach where all function modules use the same inductive charging interface and can be charged by the same planar induction coil. This eliminates the need for different wired charging circuits in each module, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining independent charging capability for each module through the standardized wireless interface.
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
Enables flexible and efficient energy transfer to multiple electronic toy elements, accommodating various spatial arrangements and energy demands, while reducing component costs and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the energy transfer circuit is configured to receive electrical energy from an energy source and, when the energy source device is in operational connection with a first energy distribution device of the one or more energy distribution devices, to energize the one or more external conductive loops of the first energy distribution device so as to create a time-varying electromagnetic field
Data Source
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Figure 4~5B
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A toy system comprising a plurality of toy construction elements, each toy construction element comprising coupling members for detachably interconnecting the toy construction elements with each other to create one or more coherent spatial structures; wherein the plurality of toy construction elements comprises: an energy source device comprising a housing and, accommodated within the housing, an energy transfer circuit; one or more energy distribution devices, each configured to provide respective one or more external conductive loops extending outside the housing and defining a respective external energy transfer zone in a proximity of the respective one or more external conductive loops; wherein the energy source device is configured to be brought into operational connection with one or more of the energy distribution devices; and wherein the energy transfer circuit is configured to receive electrical energy from an energy source and, when the energy source device is in operational connection with a first energy distribution device of the one or more energy distribution devices, to energize the one or more external conductive loops of the first energy distribution device so as to create a time-varying electromagnetic field in an external energy transfer zone defined by the first energy distribution device in a proximity of the one or more external conductive loops of the first energy distribution device.