Rotatable Wireless Connector for Power and Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply systems face challenges in assemblability due to complex configurations and alignment requirements in non-contact connectors for wireless power transmission and signal communication.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact connector system comprising a master-side and slave-side connector main body with power and signal transmission coils, magnetic members, and electronic circuits, allowing for easy alignment and rotation, enabling efficient power and signal transmission without physical contact, and improving assemblability by using a fitting recess mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If non-contact connector with embedded coils is used for wireless power transmission, then power transmission capability is improved, but assemblability deteriorates due to complex alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidassemblability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector main bodies are designed with nested structures where the second connector main body fits into the first, and housing parts are nested within each other. This nesting design simplifies assembly by reducing the number of separate components and alignment steps required, directly addressing the assemblability issue while maintaining the wireless power transmission capability through embedded coils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs asymmetric design elements such as the fitting recess and protrusion structure that guide proper alignment during assembly. The asymmetric housing configuration ensures correct orientation of the embedded coils without requiring complex alignment procedures, thus improving assemblability while preserving power transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coils for power and signal transmission are integrated, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission coils and signal transmission coils within the same connector main bodies, integrating multiple functions into a single device. The housing structures and fitting mechanisms are merged to accommodate both coil types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality for both power and signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector main bodies are designed as universal components that can simultaneously handle power transmission and signal transmission functions. The embedded coils are configured to perform multiple functions within a single connector assembly, reducing the need for separate dedicated connectors and thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If elastic contact between housings is implemented, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidhousing alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing design includes pre-formed elastic contact surfaces and fitting recesses that are manufactured with standard tolerances. The elastic contact is built into the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for high-precision post-assembly adjustments. This preliminary design approach ensures connection stability without imposing excessive manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system enhances coupling efficiency for power transmission and signal quality while simplifying the assembly process, allowing for reliable non-contact power feeding and wireless communication between devices.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmission coil, and a power receiving coil, which are opposed to each other in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic member, and an electronic circuit, wherein the magnetic member is located between the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3561826B1Connector and power supply system
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3561826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector (1) to be applied to a power supply system includes: a first connector main body (10) having a first power transmission coil (11), a first signal transmission coil (12), and a first case (15); and a second connector main body (20) having a second power transmission coil (21), a second signal transmission coil (22), and a second case (25). In the first connector main body (10) and the second connector main body (20), the first case (15) and the second case (25) are relatively rotatable about a rotation axis (R) along a fitting direction with a positional relation that the first power transmission coil (11) and the second power transmission coil (21) are opposed to each other and the first signal transmission coil (12) and the second signal transmission coil (22) are opposed to each other in a state in which the first case (15) and the second case (25) are mutually fitted.