Wireless Power and Data Transfer for Retail Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retail security and enclosure products for displaying electronic devices face challenges with the wear and tear of conductive connectors and cables, leading to field failures and a compromised user experience due to the presence of cables, which also restrict the design and longevity of such products.

Innovation Solution

Implementing wireless and non-conductive power and data transfer methods using inductive coupling and high-frequency wireless data transceivers, eliminating the need for physical cables and enhancing the durability and aesthetics of the display systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive connectors and cables are used to provide power and data connectivity, then power transfer and data connectivity are achieved, but the connectors and cables are susceptible to wear and tear leading to field failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidconnector longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical conductive connectors and cables with wireless power transfer and data communication systems. Power is transferred wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, and data is communicated via wireless protocols, eliminating the mechanical contact points that suffer from wear and tear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the physical cable and connector components from the system. By eliminating these mechanical elements, the system avoids the wear, contamination, and mechanical failure modes associated with physical connectors while maintaining power and data connectivity functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If cables are connected to electronic devices for power and data transfer, then connectivity is achieved, but the presence of cables distracts from the user experience and compromises aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddisplay aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes physical cables from the user interaction interface. Power transfer and data communication are achieved through wireless means, allowing the electronic device to be displayed and interacted with without visible or tangible cable connections that detract from aesthetics and user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical cable connections with wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transfer systems. This replacement eliminates the visual and physical presence of cables, creating a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing display while maintaining full connectivity functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conductive connectors are used in docking systems, then power and data transfer are enabled, but large cases are required to accommodate the physical limitations of cable/connector interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking capabilityVSAvoidcase size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connector interfaces with wireless power transfer and data communication systems. This substitution eliminates the need for large physical docking stations with extensive connector arrays, allowing for more compact case designs while maintaining docking and connectivity capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the physical connector and cable infrastructure from the docking system. By removing these bulky mechanical components, the system achieves the same power and data transfer functionality with significantly reduced case size and physical footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reliable and long-lasting power and data transfer solution that maintains a sleek appearance, reducing wear and tear while enabling remote monitoring and control capabilities for electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

Implementing wireless and non-conductive power and data transfer methods using inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

high-frequency wireless data transceivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11520551B2Methods and systems for wireless power and data transfers between electronic devices

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 MOBILE TECH INC

AI summary

Methods and system are directed to wireless and non-conductive transfers of power and data to electronic devices. The methods and systems can be implemented in retail security products, such merchandising display assembly for displaying devices such as smart phones, tablets, digital cameras, and wearables. In one aspect, a merchandising display assembly may include a wireless power transfer capability and a wireless data transfer capability. An electronic device may interface directly with the base position assembly or via an intermediary assembly. The interface may be accomplished without an electrical cable to transmit power and data from the base position assembly to the electronic device.