Wireless Power and Data Transfer for Retail Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retail security and enclosure products face challenges with the longevity and user experience due to the susceptibility of conductive connectors and cables to field failures and contamination, which also detract from the aesthetic and functional interaction with electronic devices in retail settings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless and non-conductive power and data transfer system using inductive coils and wireless data transceivers, eliminating the need for physical connectors and cables, and combining this with Extremely High Frequency (EHF) near-field radiative wireless data transfer to reduce interference and enhance performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive connectors and cables are used for power and data transfer, then power and data can be transferred to electronic devices, but the connectors and cables are susceptible to field failures, contamination, and mechanical wear over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector longevityVSAvoidconnector service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power and data transfer system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based system. Inductive power transfer coils eliminate physical connectors and cables, thereby removing susceptibility to mechanical wear, contamination, and connection failures. The wireless interface substitutes mechanical interaction with electromagnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver coils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If conductive connectors and cables are used for power transfer, then power can be delivered to electronic devices, but the presence of cables distracts from the user experience and requires large cases to accommodate physical constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical cables and connectors by implementing wireless inductive power transfer. The power delivery function is maintained through electromagnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver coils, removing physical constraints that interfere with user interaction and device design aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If wireless power transfer using inductive coils is implemented, then physical connectors and cables are eliminated improving reliability and aesthetics, but electromagnetic interference may occur affecting data transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection durabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates power transfer and data transfer functions into different wireless communication channels. Power is transferred via inductive coupling through coils, while data is transferred via EHF near-field radiative communication through dedicated antennas. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate independently at optimized frequencies, minimizing electromagnetic interference between functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different wireless communication technologies optimized for specific functions: inductive coupling for power transfer and EHF near-field radiation for data transfer. Each technology is deployed in the local context where it provides optimal performance, with power coils positioned for magnetic coupling and EHF antennas positioned for high-frequency data communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 a more durable and aesthetically pleasing solution by eliminating the need for physical connections, reducing interference, and enabling efficient wireless power and data transfer, thus enhancing the longevity and user experience of retail security and enclosure products.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless power transfer capability can take the form of inductive transmit coils and corresponding circuitry that define an inductive power transmitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

combining this with Extremely High Frequency (EHF) near-field radiative wireless data transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS11695450B2Methods and apparatuses for wireless and non-conductive power and data transfers with electronic devices

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 MOBILE TECH INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a number of embodiments for wireless and non-conductive transfers of power and data to electronic devices. These technological advances can be implemented in retail security products (e.g., merchandising display positions for devices such as smart phones, tablet computers, wearables (e.g., smart watches), digital cameras, etc.) as well as docking systems for tablet computers.