Split Core Transformer for Contact-Free Power and Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for transferring power and data between a door and a frame, such as in security applications, rely on wires or spring-loaded contacts, which are prone to damage and pose safety risks, necessitating a robust and efficient wire-free solution.

Innovation Solution

A split core transformer system where portions of the core and windings are located in both the door and the frame, enabling magnetic induction for power and data transfer without physical electrical connections, allowing bi-directional communication at high data rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wires are used to transfer power and data between door and frame, then power and data transmission can be achieved, but the wires are prone to damage and pose safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire durability and safetyVSAvoiddamage risk and shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based electrical connection system with an electromagnetic induction system using split core transformers. The primary transformer is mounted on the frame and the secondary transformer on the door, allowing power and data transmission through magnetic coupling without physical wire connections, thereby eliminating wire damage risks and electrical shock hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field coupling through split core transformers as an intermediary mechanism to transfer power and data between the door and frame. This intermediary approach eliminates direct electrical contact while maintaining functional connectivity, solving both the reliability and safety concerns associated with wire-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If spring-loaded contacts are used to provide electrical connection across the frame-door gap, then power transfer is enabled, but contamination of contacts and shock risk occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcontact contamination and shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring-loaded contact system with an electromagnetic induction system using split core transformers. This substitution eliminates direct physical contact between electrical components on the door and frame, thereby preventing contact contamination while maintaining reliable power and data transmission through magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If fine wires are used to pass through hinge plates, then electrical connection is achieved, but the wires can be severed by intruders

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation feasibilityVSAvoidintruder damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wire-through-hinge mechanical connection system with an electromagnetic induction system using split core transformers mounted on the frame and door respectively. This eliminates the vulnerability of fine wires passing through hinge plates to intruder severing, while maintaining electrical connectivity through contactless magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution provides reliable, contact-free power and data transfer across the door-frame gap, minimizing the risk of damage and electrical shock, while enabling efficient communication and power delivery for locking mechanisms and identification devices.

Implementation Method 1

portions of the core and windings are located in both the door and the frame... allowing transfer of power/data via magnetic induction from one transformer portion to the other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8294302B2System for providing power and data transmission between a door and a frame

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 HANCHETT ENTRY SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A system for providing wire-free and contact free electric power and communication connection in a security installation between a door and a frame. The cores, windings, and control circuits of first and second portions of a split core transformer are disposed in the frame and the door, respectively. Power applied to the first portion induces a voltage and current in the second portion when the door is in a closed position. Modulation of the voltage amplitude in either the first or second portion defines a communication signal between the door and the frame. Status and data are transmitted at data rates that are essentially twice the frequency of the voltage applied to the split core transformer. In a second embodiment, voltage transfer occurs at 20 KHz and data transfer is in the range of 100K baud.