Wireless Power Transmission for Movable Barrier Operators

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing movable barrier operator systems face challenges in efficiently and aesthetically providing electrical power to remote peripheral devices, as traditional wired connections can be time-consuming and unsightly.

Innovation Solution

Wireless power transmission is implemented within movable barrier operator systems to supply remote peripheral devices with instantaneous power, using omni-directional or directional antennas, allowing for variable power levels and separate information transmission, thereby reducing the need for wired connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical conductors are used to provide power to remote peripheral devices, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but installation time increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The movable barrier operator transmits power wirelessly to remote peripheral devices using electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for physical electrical conductors and thereby reducing installation time while maintaining power delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the movable barrier operator and remote peripheral devices. This intermediary enables power transmission without direct physical contact, solving both the installation time issue and the aesthetic concern while preserving reliable power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrical conductors are used to provide power to remote peripheral devices, then stable power supply is ensured, but system aesthetics and installation complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidwired infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex wired infrastructure with a wireless power transmission system based on electromagnetic fields. This eliminates the need for routing electrical conductors through various locations, reducing system complexity and improving aesthetics while maintaining stable power supply through controlled electromagnetic signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transmission system serves multiple functions: it provides power delivery, enables flexible device placement, simplifies installation, and improves aesthetics. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function wired connection system, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring stable power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If wired connections are used for power delivery, then consistent power transmission is achieved, but installation time and visual appearance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission consistencyVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visible wired connection system with an invisible wireless electromagnetic power transmission system. This substitution maintains consistent power transmission through controlled signal delivery while completely eliminating the visual impact of wires and cables, thereby improving aesthetic appearance without compromising power transmission consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

This solution provides efficient, scalable, and aesthetically pleasing power delivery to remote peripheral devices, enhancing operational security and reliability while minimizing wired infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter circuit (202) configured to wirelessly transmit power to a receiver circuit (204)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9143009B2Method and apparatus to facilitate providing power to remote peripheral devices for use with a movable barrier operator system

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

Operating power (207 and/or 209) is wirelessly transmitted (101) within a movable barrier operator system (200) to at least one remote peripheral device (204) to thereby provide at least a portion of the remote peripheral device's instantaneous power consumption requirements. By these teachings, this remote peripheral device and the movable barrier operator for the movable barrier operator system are able to transmit information there between separate and apart from such wireless transmission of operating power. Such an exchange might comprise, for example, one or more separate wireless transmissions that are distinct and separate from the wireless power transmissions.