Wireless Energy Transmission Unit Synchronization for Power Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy transmission systems for mobile devices, such as hand-held power tools, require multiple chargers and precise alignment, leading to increased setup time and potential interference due to the need for multiple energy transmission systems and accurate device placement.

Innovation Solution

A wireless energy transmission unit with a communication interface that allows multiple units to synchronize and exchange information, forming a larger energy transmission surface and reducing unnecessary coil operation, enabling efficient energy transfer even with imprecise device placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple energy transmission systems are used to charge multiple mobile devices simultaneously, then the energy supply capacity is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transmission units are merged into a single coordinated system through communication interfaces. The units exchange synchronization information to operate their transmission coils in a coordinated manner, effectively combining their energy transmission capabilities while maintaining individual modular structures. This allows the system to charge multiple devices simultaneously without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each transmission unit is designed with universal functionality to communicate with and synchronize with other identical units. The communication interface enables each unit to serve multiple purposes: independent energy transmission and coordinated operation within a multi-unit system. This multi-functionality allows scalable deployment from single to multiple units without requiring different system architectures.

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

2Productivity

If multiple energy transmission systems are deployed to charge multiple devices, then the energy transmission capability is improved, but the setup time and commissioning effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transmission capabilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The overall energy transmission system is segmented into independent, identical transmission units. Each unit can be separately manufactured, tested, and deployed. When multiple units are needed, they are simply replicated and arranged in rows rather than designing and commissioning a completely new system for each additional charging position. This segmentation dramatically reduces setup time and commissioning effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission units are pre-configured with communication interfaces and synchronization protocols during manufacturing. This preliminary setup enables automatic coordination when units are deployed together, eliminating the need for complex on-site configuration and calibration. The units are ready to synchronize and operate cooperatively immediately upon deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If transmission units operate independently without communication, then the system simplicity is maintained, but interference emissions and energy waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidinterference emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Transmission units exchange synchronization information through communication interfaces, creating a feedback loop that coordinates their operation. Each unit receives information from neighboring units about their transmission coil states and adjusts its own operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to minimize interference by ensuring transmission coils operate in a coordinated manner rather than independently and potentially conflictually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution reduces setup time and minimizes interference by allowing multiple units to communicate and synchronize, providing high-power energy transfer to multiple devices with reduced setup complexity and alignment requirements.

Implementation Method 1

with the energy being transmitted wirelessly, comprising at least one energy transmission surface for wireless energy transmission to the mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3940921A1Transmission unit, energy transmission module, energy transmission system and energy transmission and receiving unit
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 HILTI AG
  • EP3940921A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3940921A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3940921A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention describes a transmitter unit (16) for energy transfer to a mobile device (12) for supplying the mobile device (12), in particular a handheld power tool, with the energy required for its operation, wherein the energy transfer is wireless, comprising an energy transfer surface (26) for wireless energy transfer to the mobile device (12), and a communication interface (18) configured to communicate with another, similar transmitter unit (16). The invention further relates to an energy transfer module (14), an energy transfer system (10), and an energy transmitter and receiver unit (32). The invention enables particularly convenient energy transfer to a plurality of mobile devices (12), for example, to recharge the energy storage devices of these mobile devices (12).