Planar Power Transfer Grid with Magnetic Switches for Orientation-Independent Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power transfer methods for electronic devices require alignment and fixed power outlets, leading to a messy and limited setup when multiple devices are charged, especially for devices with rechargeable batteries.
Innovation Solution
A planar stationary unit with embedded conductive plates connected to a power grid, combined with a mobile unit set featuring distinct signaling for phase and zero ports, allowing for power transfer without alignment and utilizing magnetic or electromagnetic switches for safe contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug and socket methods are used for power transfer, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but alignment precision and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for precise plug-socket alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer system is segmented into multiple independent conductive plates arranged in a grid pattern, where each plate can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the receiving device to make contact with multiple plates simultaneously, ensuring reliable power transfer without requiring precise alignment of a single plug-socket interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a point-to-point contact interface (single plug-socket) to a planar surface contact interface (multiple plates). By distributing contact points across a two-dimensional plane, the system eliminates the need for precise linear alignment while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Power
If multiple devices are charged using conventional power outlets, then power supply capability is sufficient, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to messy wire tangles and limited outlet availability
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power delivery functions are merged into a single planar surface. Instead of requiring separate outlets and individual cable connections for each device, the conductive plate grid provides simultaneous power transfer to multiple receiving devices placed on the surface, eliminating wire tangles and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar power transfer surface serves multiple functions: it provides power to various devices simultaneously, acts as a charging mat for portable devices, and eliminates the need for traditional outlets and cables. This multi-functional design resolves the complexity of managing multiple separate charging connections.
3Productivity
If conductive plates are always connected to power grid, then power transfer readiness is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of electric shock from exposed live plates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection to identify the presence and orientation of a receiving device before activating the conductive plates. This preliminary action ensures that plates are only energized when needed, maintaining power transfer readiness while eliminating the continuous hazard of exposed live plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors to detect the presence, orientation, and contact status of receiving devices. Based on this feedback, the control system dynamically activates or deactivates specific conductive plates, ensuring safety by keeping plates unenergized when no device is present while maintaining readiness for immediate power transfer when a device is detected.
4Reliability
If mobile unit plates are made larger to cover multiple stationary plates, then power transfer reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to the need for precise plate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamically adaptive to the position and orientation of the mobile unit on the planar surface. Rather than requiring the mobile unit to be precisely positioned over specific stationary plates, the system can detect which stationary plates are contacted and activate those specific plates, accommodating various positions and orientations without stringent manufacturing precision requirements.
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 efficient and safe power transfer to multiple devices in various orientations, reducing clutter and increasing flexibility by ensuring only live plates are in contact when needed, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic switches are of a type which are closed by the action of a magnet when this is brought in proximity to the switch
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic switches are of a type which are closed by the action of an electromagnetic coil when this is brought in proximity to the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for transferring power from a stationary unit to a mobile unit are introduced in order to improve on the existing methods of supplying power to appliances and mobile devices.The stationary unit is comprised of multiple magnetic and electromagnetic switches, which are activated only when in close proximity to a mobile unit comprising of a set of magnets of opposite polarity to the magnetic and electromagnetic switches in the stationary unit thus ensuring a safe and easy to use system for supplying power from the stationary unit to the mobile unit.The stationary unit may be large enough to allow the connection of multiple mobile units on a single stationary unit. Each mobile unit can then adjust the voltage supplied by the stationary unit to fit the requirements of its own appliance or mobile device thus allowing different types of devices to connect to the same source (the stationary unit).