Vehicle Running Board Inductive Wireless Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional illuminated running boards in vehicles require electrical connections that can be aesthetically unpleasing and prone to damage, and they lack a reliable method for sustained illumination in deployed positions.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle running board with an inductive wireless charging system, comprising a transmitter coil and a receiver coil, powers a light source through a magnetic field, allowing for wire-free operation and sustained illumination using an energy storage device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If electrical connections are used to power the light source on the running board, then the light source can be illuminated, but the electrical connections are aesthetically unpleasing and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source illuminationVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connection system with an inductive wireless power transmission system. The transmitter coil in the vehicle body and receiver coil in the running board create a magnetic field coupling that transfers power without physical contact, eliminating visible wires and connection points while maintaining reliable power delivery to the light source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the light source. The transmitter coil generates a magnetic field that couples with the receiver coil, allowing power to be transmitted through the intermediate magnetic field rather than through direct electrical connections, thus eliminating the need for visible wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If electrical connections are used to power the light source, then the light source can be illuminated, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source illuminationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the running board is deployed, then the running board provides utility, but the light source requires continuous charging which limits sustained illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverunning board utilityVSAvoidillumination duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an energy storage device that is charged in advance through the inductive power transmission system. When the running board is deployed and positioned near the vehicle body, the receiver coil receives magnetic field energy from the transmitter coil and stores it in the energy storage device, preparing power for sustained light source illumination throughout the deployment period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The running board system performs self-charging through the inductive power transmission mechanism. When the running board is in the deployed position near the vehicle body, the receiver coil automatically receives energy from the transmitter coil and stores it in the energy storage device, eliminating the need for external charging operations and enabling sustained illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution eliminates the need for visible electrical connections, reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, and enables the running board to remain illuminated for extended periods without continuous charging.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitting coil is configured to transmit a magnetic field to the receiver coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

An energy storage device is electrically coupled to the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS10144345B2Illuminated running board

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle includes a running board operable between deployed and undeployed positions. The running board includes a light source. An energy storage device is electrically coupled to the light source. An inductive receiving coil is electrically coupled to the energy storage device. A transmitting coil is positioned proximate an exterior surface of the vehicle. The transmitting coil is configured to transmit a magnetic field to the receiver coil.