Wireless Charging Shelf for Wall Outlet Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of electronic devices and their charging infrastructure leads to clutter and inefficient use of space, as existing wireless charging solutions still require cords to connect to a wall outlet, failing to provide a truly wireless charging experience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging shelf with an integrated electrical connector and a wireless power transmission structure, allowing for the charging of electronic devices without the need for loose wires, by using electromagnetic induction, resonance, or radiofrequency techniques, and incorporating a retainer system to secure the shelf to the outlet, ensuring safety and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If wireless charging mats are placed on counters or desks, then cord clutter is reduced, but valuable counter space is occupied and the device still requires a cord connection to the wall outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the charging solution from horizontal surface placement (counters, desks) to vertical wall mounting. By moving the charging shelf from a two-dimensional horizontal plane to a three-dimensional vertical space utilizing the wall outlet area, the invention eliminates counter space occupation while maintaining wireless charging functionality and reducing visible cord clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging shelf is integrated within the wall outlet structure, with the electrical connector nested inside the outlet box and the charging surface forming part of the outlet cover assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions (electrical connection, wireless charging, mounting) into a single integrated unit that occupies minimal space.
2Shape
If charging cradles or stands are used to manage electronic devices, then visual appearance is improved, but valuable counter space is still occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the charging function from horizontal counter surfaces to vertical wall space. By mounting the charging shelf vertically within the outlet structure, it improves visual appearance by consolidating charging devices in a neat vertical arrangement while eliminating the horizontal space occupation that plagues traditional charging stands and cradles.
3Area of stationary object
If a wireless charging shelf is integrated into the wall outlet, then counter space is freed and cord clutter is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components into a single integrated unit: the electrical connector, wireless charging circuitry, mounting structure, and outlet cover are combined into one unified charging shelf assembly. This consolidation simplifies installation and reduces the number of separate parts while achieving the dual benefit of freeing counter space and eliminating visible cords.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging shelf serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power connection through the integrated connector, enables wireless charging through the embedded transmitter, offers mounting to the wall structure, and maintains aesthetic appearance as an outlet cover. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall 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 solution effectively eliminates cord clutter, provides a neater charging environment, and allows for wireless charging of devices, enhancing the usability and aesthetics of charging spaces by integrating the charging functionality directly into a wall outlet configuration.
Implementation Method 1
using electromagnetic induction, resonance, or radiofrequency techniques
Implementation Method 2
using electromagnetic induction, resonance, or radiofrequency techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging shelf is described where a charging surface with a wireless power transmission structure is coupled with an electrical connector, providing a truly wireless charging solution. The wireless charging shelf may have a plug for installation in an electrical receptacle, or may be part of a cover plate for replacing an existing cover plate with a wireless charging shelf cover plate.