Wireless Power Furniture Integration to Eliminate Cable Clutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of electronic devices in office and home environments leads to clutter from power converters, plugs, and cables, limiting mobility and aesthetics due to the need for proximal power outlets and cables.
Innovation Solution
Furniture components with integrated wireless power technology, such as inductive and conductive systems, that allow for the transfer of electrical power to electronic devices without cables, using primary and secondary coils or conductive pads, and indicators to optimize power transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional power outlets and cables are used to power electronic devices, then power transfer is reliable and efficient, but cable clutter increases and mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. The furniture component includes a power transmitter that generates an electromagnetic field to transfer power to electronic devices without physical cable connections, thereby eliminating cable clutter while maintaining power transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the furniture component and electronic devices. The power transmitter generates an electromagnetic field that acts as a mediator to convey energy wirelessly, replacing the direct mechanical cable connection
2Object-generated harmful factors
If power outlets are positioned close to furniture to avoid cable clutter, then cable management is improved, but accessibility to power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture component is designed with integrated wireless power transmission capability, making the furniture itself a universal power source. The power transmitter can provide power to multiple different electronic devices without requiring proximity to traditional wall outlets, enhancing both cable management and power accessibility simultaneously
3Object-generated harmful factors
If wireless power technology is integrated into furniture, then cable clutter is eliminated and mobility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power transmission functionality with the furniture structure itself. The power transmitter, control circuitry, and power source are integrated into the furniture component, merging multiple functions into a single unified system that provides wireless power without requiring separate external equipment
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
Eliminates cable clutter by providing wireless power to electronic devices, enhancing mobility and aesthetics while maintaining efficient power transfer and device charging.
Implementation Method 1
The primary coil is operable to induce a current in the secondary coil when the electronic device is positioned proximate the first surface above the first cavity
Implementation Method 2
The first plurality of conductive strips transfer power to the electronic device when the plurality of electrical contacts of the electronic device contact the first plurality of conductive strips
Data Source
AI summary
Furniture components, such as office furniture components, that are configured to include electronic components that transfer electrical power to peripheral electronic devices via wireless technologies, including conductive and inductive technologies. The articles of furniture may include grommet devices received within work surfaces, the grommet devices incorporating or housing the electronics of wireless power systems. The articles of furniture may also include the electronics of wireless power systems physically embedded or integrated within work surfaces in a manner in which the continuous surfaces of the work surfaces are maintained, and the work surfaces may optionally further include lighting or other indication features to indicate the locations of the electronics to a user.