Seat-Mounted Wireless Tool Holder with Inductive Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat designs lack convenient and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions for electrical tools that also provide power for charging, as traditional locations within the vehicle interior often exclude an electrical power source.

Innovation Solution

A rechargeable tool holder integrated into a vehicle seat, featuring a trim piece, tool retention member, and wireless charger that utilizes inductive coupling to charge tools, with a power supply connection to the vehicle's power source, allowing for secure and discreet storage and charging of tools like flashlights or power tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tool holder is integrated into a vehicle seat, then tool storage convenience and accessibility are improved, but the aesthetic appearance and interior design quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool storage convenienceVSAvoidinterior aesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is segmented into multiple functional components: a trim piece for aesthetic integration, a tool retention member for secure storage, and a wireless charger for power delivery. Each component performs a specific function while collectively achieving both convenience and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges tool storage and wireless charging functions into a single integrated holder unit that is embedded in the vehicle seat. This combination provides convenient tool storage while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance that matches the vehicle's interior design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless charger is integrated into the tool holder, then tool charging capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool charging capabilityVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is designed as a multi-functional device that combines tool storage and wireless charging capabilities. The wireless charger uses inductive coupling to charge tools without physical connection, eliminating the need for exposed electrical contacts while providing versatile power delivery.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical connections with wireless inductive charging. This substitution eliminates complex wiring, connectors, and electrical contacts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining charging functionality.

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

3Reliability

If the tool holder uses inductive coupling for wireless charging, then electrical contact safety is improved, but charging power transmission efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact safetyVSAvoidcharging power transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with wireless inductive coupling using electromagnetic fields. This eliminates safety risks associated with exposed electrical contacts while providing reliable power transmission through magnetic resonance or inductive coupling between transmitter and receiver coils.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless charging system adjusts operational parameters such as resonant frequency, coil geometry, and coupling distance to optimize power transmission efficiency. By tuning these parameters, the system achieves efficient energy transfer while maintaining the safety benefits of contactless charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides a convenient, aesthetically integrated storage solution for electrical tools within vehicle seats, ensuring they are charged and easily accessible while maintaining the interior's functionality and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless charger located adjacent the trim piece configured to provide inductively-coupled charging power to the rechargeable tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11027670B1Seat-mounted wireless rechargeable tool holder
Publication Date: 2021.06.08 FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE SEATING LLC
  • US11027670B1 patent drawing
  • US11027670B1 patent drawing
  • US11027670B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A rechargeable tool holder is provided for mounting a wirelessly rechargeable tool into a recessed portion of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat includes a seat frame, a seat bottom, and a seat back. The seat includes a power supply connection providing electricity from a vehicle power source. The tool holder includes a recessed portion of the vehicle seat, a tool retention member such as a clip, and a wireless charger located adjacent to the trim piece to provide wireless charging of the tool when the tool is mounted at the retention member. The wireless charger has an input power connection from the vehicle power supply to recharge the tool while mounted. The rechargeable tool or piece of equipment may be a flashlight, a rotary-actuated or linearly-actuated power tool, or any other suitable wirelessly-charged tool or piece of equipment for which the holder is configured.