Power Regulator for Self-Illuminating Display Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing power to self-illuminating display objects require electrical connections to separate power supplies, incorporate complex electronics, and are costly, posing safety concerns and inefficiencies, especially when the objects are removed from display.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a power regulator with a primary inductor to generate a magnetic flux for a secondary inductor integrated into the display object, allowing for self-contained, low-cost, and safe illumination without external connections, using passive electronic elements and conductive ink or polymer for manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If electrical wires are provided from the EL panel to a hidden power supply, then the EL panel can be illuminated, but the product cannot be removed from display without disconnecting wires and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from a separate hidden power source and integrates it directly into the packaging container. The container itself becomes the power source through embedded batteries, eliminating the need for external wiring and hidden power supplies. This resolves the safety issue by removing exposed electrical connections while maintaining illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply (batteries) and illumination source (LEDs) directly into the packaging container structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external power connections and creates a self-contained illuminated packaging system that is safe for consumer handling and removal from display.
2Illumination intensity
If a battery and LEDs are incorporated within the packaging, then self-illumination is achieved, but switching electronics and separate power sources are required for each article
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal illuminated packaging system where the container structure itself serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical containment, houses the power supply (batteries), and integrates the illumination source (LEDs). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated electronics and power sources for each individual article, reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of information
If batteries and lighting sources are incorporated within hand-held objects, then charging indication is provided, but considerable electronics and thick solenoid inductors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging indication function from complex electronic displays and reduces it to a simple visual signal. The illuminated packaging provides inherent visibility and status indication through its illumination capability, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronics, rectifiers, capacitors, and thick solenoid inductors required in traditional hand-held device charging systems.
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 self-illuminating display objects that are cost-effective, safe, and inert when removed from display, eliminating the need for external power sources and complex electronics, while maintaining efficient energy transfer for visible light emission.
Implementation Method 1
A power regulator apparatus provides a primary voltage to a primary inductor to generate a magnetic flux for inducing a voltage in a secondary inductor
Implementation Method 2
An emitting apparatus includes an illumination source that emits visible light in response to an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.