Wireless Docking Station for Contactless Energy and Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting mobile electronic devices to a power source and data network are limited by mechanical stress on contacts, compatibility issues with different device types, and interference in wireless data transmission, leading to unreliable and inefficient energy and data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A wireless docking station that enables contactless energy and data transfer using inductive energy transmission and secure encrypted data exchange, allowing for flexible connection of various devices without mechanical stress and minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable connection is used to connect the mobile electronic device to a power supply, then the device can be recharged, but the mechanical stress on the contacts causes wear and damage over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcontact durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The docking station transmits power wirelessly to the mobile device, eliminating physical contacts and their associated wear and damage issues while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the docking station and the mobile device. This intermediary enables energy transmission without direct mechanical contact, solving the contact durability problem while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a specialized docking station is used for mechanical connection, then the connection is protected during docking, but it is designed for a specific device type and cannot connect different devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection protectionVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal docking station that can connect to multiple different types of mobile electronic devices through wireless power transmission. The system uses standardized wireless communication protocols and electromagnetic field coupling that work across different device types, eliminating the need for device-specific mechanical connectors while maintaining connection protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing the mechanical connector system with wireless electromagnetic field coupling, the patent achieves both connection protection and multi-device compatibility. The wireless interface eliminates wear from repeated mechanical connections while allowing the same docking station to serve multiple device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If wireless data transmission is used for network connection, then mobility is improved, but the data rate drops rapidly when multiple devices share the connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice mobilityVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power transmission and data transmission into a single wireless interface. By combining these functions, the system achieves high data rates similar to wired connections while maintaining the mobility benefits of wireless operation, as both functions share the same electromagnetic field coupling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If wireless data transmission is used for network connection, then mobility is improved, but data security is compromised due to potential interception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice mobilityVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power transmission and data transmission through the same wireless interface, creating a secure authenticated connection. The power coupling establishes a trusted physical layer that enables secure key exchange and encryption, maintaining data security while preserving wireless mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a reliable, high-data-rate, and secure connection for multiple device types by limiting transmission power to prevent interference, ensuring efficient energy supply and data transfer without mechanical wear or compatibility issues.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless docking station that enables contactless energy and data transfer using inductive energy transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive energy transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first data transmission device (120) for performing wireless data transmission between the docking station and the mobile electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless data transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2836885B1Docking station for wireless transfer of energy and data
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2836885B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2836885B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2836885B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a docking station (100) for a mobile electronic device (200). The energy supply and the data exchange between the docking station (100) and the mobile electronic device (200) is carried out in a wireless manner. The wireless energy supply and the wireless data connection are adapted to each other. The initialization process for connecting the mobile electronic device (200) to the docking station is preferably carried out in a fully automatic manner.