Structural Power Distribution via Magnetic Terminal Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electrical power distribution systems lack flexibility to meet the growing demands for electrical power, particularly in outdoor settings and for temporary use, as they are not designed to handle the increased variety of electrical appliances and voltage types, and often rely on cumbersome and prone-to-disruption cord-based delivery methods.

Innovation Solution

A structural system utilizing pairs of universal electrical connectors connected by wires within conduit sections, employing magnetic repulsion for secure terminal alignment and contact, allowing for flexible configuration and integration with various structural elements, enabling efficient and reliable delivery of electrical power while also supporting additional functions like data transmission and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional cord-based power delivery is used, then power can be delivered to outdoor and temporary locations, but the cords are cumbersome and prone to disruption from traffic and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery convenienceVSAvoidpower delivery stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cord-based power delivery system with a magnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. The mechanical connection through cords is substituted by electromagnetic induction between transmitter and receiver coils, eliminating the physical cord that is susceptible to disruption from traffic and environmental factors.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by enabling contactless power transfer through controlled electromagnetic fields. By adjusting frequency, coil orientation, and magnetic coupling parameters, the system achieves reliable power delivery without physical contact, resolving the reliability issue of traditional cord-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If wall sockets are installed according to building codes, then power is available for anticipated uses, but the system lacks flexibility for new appliances and expanded electrical needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical power access flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power delivery system that can serve multiple functions and locations without requiring dedicated wall sockets for each appliance. The wireless power transfer capability allows a single transmitter unit to serve multiple receiver devices simultaneously, providing adaptability for new appliances and expanded electrical needs without adding infrastructure complexity.

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

3Reliability

If electrical connectors are made movable to accommodate vibrations and movements, then power interruptions are prevented, but the connector design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower connection stabilityVSAvoidconnector design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical connector system entirely by replacing it with wireless electromagnetic power transfer. This substitution removes the need for movable connectors and their associated complexity while achieving superior reliability through contactless power delivery that is inherently immune to vibrations and physical movements.

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

The system provides a flexible, reliable, and discreet means of electrical power distribution that can adapt to various configurations and environments, minimizing power interruptions and allowing for the integration of additional functionalities like data transmission and structural support, while maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic repulsion which will result in the non-movable terminals moving away from each other and toward the movable terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Because of the magnetic forces between the movable terminal in the first electrical connector and the immovable, ferromagnetic terminal in the second electrical connector, the correct magnetic terminals of each electrical connector will be pulled and held

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9899813B1Structural electric power distribution system
Publication Date: 2018.02.20 CHRISTMAS NORTHEAST
  • US9899813B1 patent drawing
  • US9899813B1 patent drawing
  • US9899813B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrical power distribution system for use in providing power for personal, commercial, and industrial uses. The electrical power distribution system may be incorporated in products such as safety barriers, velvet ropes for events, office furniture and home interior trim. The basic component is a conduit section that holds identical electrical connectors at each ends and which interconnect and interlock automatically when rotated to the correct orientation, at which point they have the correct polarity.