Pinless Power Coupling With Magnetic Coil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connections using plugs and jacks pose safety risks, such as electrocution hazards, and are not suitable for flat surfaces, while inductive power transfer systems lack efficiency for high-energy devices.
Innovation Solution
A pinless power coupling system with aligned primary and secondary coils behind an insulating layer, using visual, audible, and tactile alignment mechanisms, and an optical signal transfer system for regulating power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plug and jack connections are used, then electrical connection is reliable, but safety risks increase due to exposed contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin-and-socket contact system with an inductive coupling system using electromagnetic fields. The primary coil in the power jack and secondary coil in the power plug transfer energy wirelessly through induction, eliminating exposed conductive surfaces while maintaining reliable power transmission. This substitution of mechanical contact with electromagnetic coupling resolves the contradiction between connection reliability and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inductive power transfer is used, then safety is improved by eliminating exposed contacts, but power transmission efficiency decreases for high-energy devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment mechanisms including visual indicators, audible signals, and tactile feedback that dynamically guide the user to optimize the coupling between primary and secondary coils. These mechanisms enable real-time adjustment of coil alignment and distance, maximizing inductive coupling efficiency while maintaining safety. The dynamic alignment system ensures high power transmission efficiency even for high-energy devices by eliminating suboptimal positioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If power sockets are mounted on walls at standard positions, then installation is simple, but adaptability to different surfaces and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power jack and plug system to be universally applicable across multiple surface types including walls, countertops, and tables. The inductive coupling mechanism works effectively across flat surfaces regardless of material composition, and the alignment mechanisms adapt to various mounting positions. This universal design enables the same power transmission technology to serve multiple locations and surface types without requiring specialized installations for each application.
4Loss of energy
If alignment mechanisms are added to ensure proper coil positioning, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment function into separate, independent mechanisms: visual indicators provide directional guidance, audible signals confirm proper positioning, and tactile feedback verifies optimal coupling. Each alignment component operates independently and can be implemented in modular fashion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high alignment accuracy without requiring a single complex alignment system, thereby improving efficiency while managing overall device complexity through functional decomposition.
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 safe, efficient, and flexible power transfer across flat surfaces, supporting high-energy devices with alignment mechanisms ensuring reliable coupling and power regulation.
Implementation Method 1
A pinless power coupling system with aligned primary and secondary coils behind an insulating layer
Implementation Method 2
an optical signal transfer system for regulating power
Data Source
AI summary
A pinless power plug for receiving wireless power from a pinless power jack comprises at least one secondary coil for inductively coupling with a primary coil. The pinless power plug comprises a first magnet, having an annular shape, arranged around a perimeter of the at least one secondary coil concentric and non-overlapping with the at least one secondary coil. The first magnet is configured to magnetically couple with a second magnet in the pinless power jack. The pinless power plug comprises a third magnet spaced away from and outside of the first magnet. The third magnet is configured to magnetically couple with a fourth magnet in the pinless power jack at a particular orientation.