Wall Plate Wireless Charging Interface for Cord-Free Device Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging solutions for portable electronic devices are cumbersome, require multiple cords, and are not universally compatible, leading to issues with cord management and the need for frequent replacements due to device-specific charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system integrated into a wiring device form factor that includes USB receptacles and other electrical features, utilizing electromagnetic coils for wireless charging and a control circuit to manage charging, allowing for compatibility with various devices and reducing cord entanglement and replacement needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented using a separate charging station with coil and cradle, then wireless charging capability is achieved, but the charging station becomes bulky and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless charging coil assembly with a standard electrical wiring device (outlet receptacle) into a single integrated unit. The coil assembly is mounted within the wiring device housing, merging two previously separate functions (power distribution and wireless charging) into one compact device, thereby eliminating the need for a bulky separate charging station.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated wiring device serves multiple functions: it provides standard AC power outlets for traditional corded charging and simultaneously provides wireless charging capability through the integrated coil assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace both a traditional outlet and a separate wireless charging station.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device-specific charging cords are used for each portable device, then charging compatibility is achieved, but the number of cords increases and cord management becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging coil assembly can simultaneously charge multiple portable devices with different form factors and charging requirements by placing them on the charging surface near the coil. This eliminates the need for multiple device-specific cords, as the wireless charging field can accommodate various devices without requiring physical cable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic wireless charging system. Instead of using physical cords that require plugging and unplugging, the system uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power wirelessly, thereby eliminating cord entanglement and simplifying the charging process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging coil assembly is integrated into wiring device, then compact universal charging is achieved, but the wiring device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system is designed as a modular coil assembly that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the wiring device. This segmentation allows the complex wireless charging components to be developed and tested separately before being combined with the standard wiring device, thereby managing structural complexity through modular design.
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 compact, universally compatible wireless charging solution that eliminates cord entanglement and reduces the need for frequent replacements by integrating wireless charging into a standard wiring device, ensuring seamless charging of multiple devices while maintaining the functionality of standard electrical outlets.
Implementation Method 1
a charging interface region configured to position the portable electronic device proximate the at least one electro-magnetic coil so that the portable electronic device is disposed within the propagated magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring assembly that includes a plurality of line terminals configured to be coupled to a source of AC power. A circuit assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals. The circuit assembly includes a control circuit coupled to at least one electro-magnetic coil, the control circuit being configured to provide an electrical drive signal to the at least one electro-magnetic coil in accordance with a predetermined wireless charging regimen. The at least one electro-magnetic coil is configured to propagate a magnetic field in accordance with the electrical drive signal. A wall plate assembly is configured to accommodate the circuit assembly therewithin, the wall plate assembly including a charging interface region configured to accommodate a portable electronic device. The charging interface region is configured to position the at least one electro-magnetic coil proximate the portable electronic device so that the portable electronic device is disposed within the propagated magnetic field in accordance with the predetermined wireless charging regimen.