Remote Control Docking Point Inductive Charging and Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote controls for industrial or agricultural equipment face challenges in reliable assignment and charging due to the risk of inadvertently addressing other devices during radio or infrared transmission, posing safety risks and potential for material damage.

Innovation Solution

A remote control with a docking point featuring an inductive power interface and magnetic mount for secure charging and information transmission, using transformer halves with coils and permanent magnets for both power transfer and initialization mode execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless radio interface is used for assignment mode, then remote control can be assigned to device, but risk of inadvertently addressing other devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassignment reliabilityVSAvoidaccidental control risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a docking point as an intermediary physical interface between the remote control and device. This docking point mediates the assignment process by requiring physical contact, thereby preventing accidental wireless assignment to wrong devices while maintaining reliable assignment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely wireless mechanical-free assignment system with a hybrid system that incorporates a physical docking mechanism. This mechanical element (docking point) substitutes for the unreliable wireless-only approach, providing tactile confirmation and physical security against accidental assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If plug-in contacts are used for charging, then rechargeable battery can be charged, but contamination and reliability issues occur in rough service conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery chargingVSAvoidcharging reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plug-in contact system with an inductive power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical electrical contacts, thereby preventing contamination issues in rough service conditions while maintaining reliable battery charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an inductive power interface as an intermediary between the power source and battery. This intermediary uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy without direct physical contact, thereby protecting against the harmful effects of plug-in contact contamination while enabling reliable charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If docking point with inductive interface is used, then charging reliability improves and accidental control is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging and assignment reliabilityVSAvoiddocking point structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the docking point to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a mechanical mounting interface and an inductive power transmission interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the mechanical mounting function and the power transmission function into a single integrated docking point structure. By combining these functions, the patent avoids the complexity of having separate mechanical and electrical interfaces, thereby achieving reliability improvements with minimal complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures safe and reliable assignment of the remote control to the correct device, eliminating accidental control and startup risks while allowing for efficient charging and data transmission without contact issues.

Implementation Method 1

charging power for the rechargeable battery can be fed from the device to the remote control via a n inductive power interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least the core of one transformer half to contain a permanent magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS7679524B2Remote control for issuing commands to a remote-controlled device

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a remote control for issuing commands to a remote-controlled device in a wireless manner. In said remote control, an assignment mode can run prior to start-up. The remote control also comprises a rechargeable battery for supplying power. The remote-controlled device is equipped with a docking point for the remote control, to which the latter can be temporarily fixed.