Wireless Power Surface Integration for Automatic Device Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless charging systems are not truly wireless as they require wired connections to the mains, and users still face inconveniences such as misplaced charging equipment, limited compatibility, and the need for manual charging control, which can lead to inefficient battery charging and reduced comfort.

Innovation Solution

A wireless energy transfer system utilizing power surfaces, such as floors or furniture, for automatic charging through methods like radio, microwaves, or electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for charging units and allowing continuous, automated charging without visible wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless charging systems use charging plates connected to mains by electric conductors, then contact-free electromagnetic induction charging is achieved, but the system remains place-related and requires wires within user reach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact-free chargingVSAvoidwired connection to mains
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the charging functionality from traditional charging units and wall sockets, embedding power transmission elements directly into surfaces like floors and furniture. This removes the need for separate charging equipment and wired connections to mains, achieving complete wireless charging while eliminating charging unit complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges charging functionality with everyday surfaces such as floors, walls, and furniture. By integrating power transmission elements into these surfaces, the system combines multiple functions (surface utility + wireless power transmission) into unified structures, eliminating the need for separate charging plates and wired connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If manual charging control is used with conventional charging units, then charging can be performed, but users face inconveniences including misplaced equipment, limited compatibility, and forgotten charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging functionVSAvoidmanual charging control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to charge automatically when placed on powered surfaces without user intervention. The system self-detects device presence, initiates charging, and manages power transfer autonomously, eliminating manual charging control requirements and associated inconveniences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal charging infrastructure where any surface can provide wireless power to any compatible device. This multi-functional approach eliminates device-specific charging units and wall socket dependencies, allowing any terminal device to charge on any powered surface

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

3Ease of operation

If charging equipment is carried along by users, then charging mobility is improved, but the equipment becomes inconvenient to carry and adds weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging mobilityVSAvoidcharging equipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts charging functionality from portable charging units and distributes it throughout the environment via powered surfaces. This eliminates the need to carry charging equipment, as power transmission capabilities are embedded in stationary surfaces like floors and furniture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Duration of action of moving object

If frequent charging interruptions occur due to manual control, then battery may run down too soon, but automated continuous charging requires infrastructure changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery availabilityVSAvoidcharging infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous charging by keeping devices on powered surfaces throughout use. The infrastructure allows uninterrupted power transfer from the moment a device is placed on a surface, eliminating charging interruptions and ensuring constant battery availability without requiring complex portable charging solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 fully wireless charging experience, ensuring continuous device availability by integrating charging functionality into everyday surfaces and furniture, reducing user effort and eliminating the need for separate chargers, while maintaining efficient energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

energy may be transferred by means of radio or microwaves, laser beam or electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

energy may be transferred by means of radio or microwaves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 3

energy may be transferred by means of radio or microwaves, laser beam or electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser beam: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS8558410B2Energy transfer arrangement and method
Publication Date: 2013.10.15 POWERMAT TECHNOLOGIES
  • US8558410B2 patent drawing
  • US8558410B2 patent drawing
  • US8558410B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A energy transfer arrangement including a first energy surface, a second energy surface, first means for transferring energy from the first energy surface to the second energy surface, and second means for transferring energy from the second energy surface to a terminal device.