Wall Outlet Inductive Charging Pad Integrated Into Faceplate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical outlets do not incorporate inductive charging capabilities, limiting the ability to wirelessly charge electronic devices directly from a standard wall outlet.
Innovation Solution
A wall outlet inductive charger design that includes a base connected to terminals for power supply conductors, a faceplate with a charging portion, a device support, and a charger housing with an inductive coil for wireless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrical outlets are used, then power can be supplied to electronic devices, but wireless inductive charging capability is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional electrical outlet with an inductive charging system into a single integrated unit. The outlet housing contains both the power receptacle and the inductive charging coil, allowing simultaneous or alternative charging modes. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing both conventional plug charging and wireless inductive charging capabilities within one device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet is designed to perform multiple functions: it can accept traditional plug connectors for wired power supply, and simultaneously provide wireless inductive charging through an integrated charging pad. The system can detect the presence of different device types and automatically switch between charging modes, making the outlet universally compatible with various charging needs without requiring separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If wireless inductive charging is added to wall outlets, then charging convenience is improved, but the outlet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive charging coil and control electronics are nested within the existing outlet housing structure. The charging pad is positioned behind the faceplate, utilizing the internal cavity space of the outlet. This nesting approach allows wireless charging functionality to be added without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the outlet, while still providing the convenience of wireless charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system that acts as an intermediary between the power supply, the inductive charging coil, and the device being charged. This mediator manages power distribution, detects device presence, and switches between wired and wireless charging modes automatically. By delegating the complexity of coordination to this intermediary control system, the physical structure remains relatively simple while achieving sophisticated multi-mode charging functionality.
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 wireless inductive charging of electronic devices from a standard wall outlet, providing a convenient and space-efficient solution for charging portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
A charging pad including an inductive coil is positioned in the charger housing
Data Source
AI summary
A wall outlet inductive charger includes a base connected to a set of terminals for receiving power supply conductors. A faceplate is connected to the base. The faceplate includes a charging portion. A charger housing is connected to the base and positioned between the base and the faceplate. A charging pad including an inductive coil is positioned in the charger housing.