Trolley Wireless Power and Control via Inductive Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of long power and control wires for trolleys in the entertainment industry is cumbersome, especially when the trolley moves along curved paths or is elevated, as these wires need to be extended and retracted without tangling and must remain out of sight, posing challenges in live performances and productions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power and control system using inductive power transfer and communication points allows the trolley to receive power and control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wires and enabling operation in various environments, including indoor, outdoor, and underwater settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long power and control wires are used to enable the trolley to travel its predetermined path, then the trolley can be powered and controlled, but the wires cause management problems including tangling, visibility issues, and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the wires from the system by implementing wireless power transfer through inductive coupling between a primary circuit on the support member and a pickup circuit on the trolley, and wireless communication through communication points. This eliminates the harmful factor of wire management complexity while preserving the essential function of power and control signal delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based system with electromagnetic fields for both power transfer and communication. The inductive power transfer system uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power without physical connection, and the communication points use electromagnetic waves for wireless signaling, substituting the mechanical wire system with field-based systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trolley is elevated or moves along curved paths, then the performance capabilities are enhanced, but the wire management becomes even more difficult and visible
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the wires from the system through wireless power and communication implementation, the patent eliminates the constraint that worsens with elevated positions and curved paths. The inductive power transfer and wireless communication work effectively regardless of the trolley's position or movement trajectory, enhancing adaptability without the wire management problems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the predetermined path has curves or crosses over itself, then the trolley can perform complex movements, but the wire extension and retraction becomes extremely difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire system with electromagnetic field-based power transfer and communication. The inductive coupling and wireless communication maintain effective coupling and signal transmission even when the trolley follows complex curved or crossing paths, eliminating the mechanical constraints of wire extension and retraction.
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 wireless system simplifies the operation of trolleys by eliminating wire management issues, allowing for seamless movement and control without the constraints of physical wires, enhancing operational efficiency and aesthetics in live performances and productions.
Implementation Method 1
inducing a current in a pickup circuit on the trolley in response to the pickup circuit being near the primary circuit. The induced current from the pickup circuit is used to power the trolley.
Data Source
AI summary
A trolley system for the entertainment industry can receive power and control signals wirelessly. The trolley system can be wirelessly powered by an inductive power transfer system that is associated with the support member the trolley travels along. The trolley system can use a leaky feeder system for the wireless exchange of data, information and control instructions with an automation and motion and control system. The trolley can include additional components, e.g., a winch, that also receive power and control signals wirelessly.