Pinless Power Coupling With Insulated Coils for Flat-Surface Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems, particularly those using plugs and jacks, pose safety risks due to exposed live wires and are not suitable for flat surfaces, leading to inconvenient and unsightly power connecting cables, and lack efficiency in providing high energy requirements for many devices.
Innovation Solution
A pinless power coupling system with a primary coil shielded behind an insulating layer for inductive coupling to a secondary coil, utilizing alignment means such as visual, audible, and tactile indicators to align the power plug and jack, allowing rotation and efficient energy transfer across flat surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plug and jack connections are used, then electrical power can be transmitted, but exposed live wires create safety risks and require additional protective measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based plug and jack system with an inductive coupling system using electromagnetic fields. The primary coil in the power jack and secondary coil in the power plug transmit electrical energy wirelessly through induction, eliminating exposed conductive surfaces and the need for mechanical insertion and contact maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If power jacks are mounted on flat surfaces, then convenient power access is provided, but traditional socket configurations are not suitable for flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional socket mechanism with a flat-surface-compatible inductive power jack featuring a primary coil that can be embedded in or mounted on flat surfaces. The corresponding power plug with a secondary coil approaches the surface and couples inductively, enabling power transmission without protruding elements and allowing installation on tables, countertops, and other flat surfaces.
3Reliability
If inductive coupling is used for power transmission, then safety and flat surface compatibility are improved, but alignment between power plug and jack becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual alignment indicators that change color or illuminate to guide users in properly aligning the power plug with the power jack. These indicators typically involve LED lights or color-coded markings on both the plug and jack that show when they are correctly positioned for optimal inductive coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment indicators as an intermediary communication mechanism between the plug and jack systems. These indicators provide real-time feedback to users about alignment status, mediating the interaction and making the alignment process intuitive without requiring complex mechanical guidance structures.
4Reliability
If pinless inductive coupling is implemented, then safety from electrocution is improved, but efficient power transmission for high energy requirements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the inductive power transmission system by adjusting key parameters including coil winding configurations, core materials with appropriate permeability, operating frequencies, and coil spacing. These parameter changes enable the system to transmit high power levels efficiently while maintaining the safety advantages of pinless inductive coupling.
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 pinless power coupling system provides a safe, efficient, and cost-effective means of power transmission across flat surfaces, enabling high energy transfer while eliminating the need for exposed contacts and reducing cable clutter, allowing devices to be powered anywhere on a flat surface.
Implementation Method 1
A pinless power coupling system with a primary coil shielded behind an insulating layer for inductive coupling to a secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
A pinless power plug for receiving wireless power from a pinless power jack is disclosed. The pinless power plug may comprise at least one secondary coil for inductively coupling with a primary coil. The primary coil may be associated with the pinless power jack. The primary coil may be shielded behind an insulating layer. The pinless power plug may comprise an annular magnetic anchor arranged around a perimeter of the at least one secondary coil concentric and non-overlapping with the at least one secondary coil. The annular magnetic anchor may be configured to magnetically couple with an annular magnetic snag in the pinless power jack. The pinless power plug may comprise at least one magnet spaced away from and outside of the annular magnetic anchor. The at least one magnet may be configured to magnetically couple with a magnet in the pinless power jack at a particular orientation or angle.