Sanitary Wall Cladding With Wireless Power and Signal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern bathroom architecture, there is a need for electronically controlled functional units that require an electrical energy and/or signal supply, but traditional connection cables for signal and energy transmission are inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An installation unit for a sanitary room incorporating a wireless energy and/or signal transmission system, where a transmitter unit with associated antennas is integrated into the wall cladding elements, allowing for wireless energy and signal supply to devices such as washbasins, toilet bowls, and shower heads, eliminating the need for physical cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connection cables are used for power and signal transmission to electronically controlled functional units in the sanitary room, then reliable electrical supply is achieved, but the bathroom design becomes disruptive and aesthetic appeal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical supply reliabilityVSAvoidbathroom design quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (cables and connectors) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and signal transmission system. The transmitter unit integrated into the wall cladding element generates electromagnetic fields that inductively couple with receiver units in mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable power and data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wireless power transmission is implemented using inductive coupling, then cable-free power supply is achieved, but the transmitter unit requires integration into wall cladding elements which increases installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmitter unit with the wall cladding element (such as a shower screen or partition wall) to create an integrated structure. The transmitter unit is built into the wall cladding element, utilizing its structural framework for mounting and housing, which simplifies installation by combining two separate components (transmitter and wall structure) into one unified assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If transmitter antennas are arranged as separate components connected via connecting lines, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but the number of components and connection points increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmitter system into a main transmitter unit and separate transmitter antennas that can be independently positioned. The antennas are detachably connected to the transmitter unit via connecting lines, allowing each antenna to be separately adjusted and positioned to optimize wireless power transmission coverage and efficiency in different spatial configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the simple implementation of electronically controlled functions in sanitary rooms by providing a cable-free energy and signal supply, enhancing user convenience and aesthetic appeal while maintaining functional integrity.

Implementation Method 1

Wireless power and/or signal transmission is achieved using inductive coupling, where a transmitter unit with an associated transmitting antenna wirelessly transmits power and/or signals to a receiver unit with an associated receiving antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3290601B1Arrangement of an installation unit and a sanitary room
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 GROHE AG
  • EP3290601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3290601B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3290601B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an installation unit for a sanitary room, comprising at least one wall cladding element (5, 7, 27) that covers a sanitary room wall. According to the invention, at least one transmitter unit (9) with at least one associated transmitter antenna (13, 15) is arranged on the reverse side of the wall cladding element (5, 7, 27) facing away from the visible side. The transmitter unit (9) is part of a wireless power and/or signal transmission device (11). The transmitter unit (9) can be wirelessly coupled to a receiver unit (25) positioned in the sanitary room.