Near-Field Wireless Connector for Misalignment-Tolerant Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical connectors require physical contact and are prone to wear, corrosion, and mechanical stress, leading to reliability issues and limited flexibility in applications, especially in harsh environments or where relative motion between components is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A wireless connector system utilizing near-field magnetic coupling (NFMC) to transmit electrical power and data wirelessly between transmitter and receiver modules, eliminating the need for physical connections and allowing for greater misalignment and relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors with physical pins are used, then electrical contact and data transmission are achieved, but wear, corrosion, and mechanical stress lead to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin-to-receptacle connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission system. The transmitter module generates electromagnetic fields that couple with the receiver module through near-field magnetic coupling, eliminating all mechanical contact points that are subject to wear, corrosion, and mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power and data between the transmitter and receiver modules. Instead of direct physical contact between pins, the electromagnetic field serves as the mediator that carries energy and information across the gap between modules.
2Ease of operation
If traditional connectors require precise alignment, then electrical contact is maintained, but flexibility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional precise alignment requirement (pin insertion depth and lateral positioning) to a three-dimensional volumetric coupling zone. The electromagnetic field creates a volume of space where power and data transmission can occur, allowing the receiver module to be positioned anywhere within this zone without compromising connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic positioning of the receiver module relative to the transmitter module. The electromagnetic coupling maintains reliable power and data transmission even when the receiver moves within the coupling zone, providing operational flexibility for applications requiring relative motion between connected components.
3Reliability
If wireless connector system is used, then mechanical stress and wear are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single wireless electromagnetic coupling system. Both power and data are transmitted through the same near-field magnetic coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for separate physical connections and reducing overall system complexity despite the wireless technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless connector system performs multiple functions through a single mechanism: power transmission, data communication, and synchronization. The electromagnetic field serves as a universal medium that carries multiple types of information and energy simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate connection systems.
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 connector system provides a reliable and robust link for transferring power and data without mechanical stress, allowing for increased flexibility and reliability in applications where traditional connectors are limited.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna are spaced apart from one another such that the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna are in near field magnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a wireless connector system are described. The system has a transmitter module and a receiver module that are configured to wirelessly transmit electrical energy and/or data via near field magnetic coupling. The wireless connector system is designed to increase the amount of wirelessly transmitted electrical power over a greater separation distance. The system is configured with various sensing circuits that alert the system to the presence of the receiver module to begin transfer of electrical power as well as undesirable objects and increased temperature that could interfere with the operation of the system. The wireless connector system is a relatively small footprint that is designed to be surface mounted.