Wireless Communication Pucks for Partitioned Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices fail to effectively facilitate verbal communication between two people separated by a partition without the need for electrical connections or rolling down windows, particularly in scenarios where airborne transmission of infectious diseases is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A two-way communication device comprising a first puck with a microphone, speaker, magnet, and induction coil on one side of a partition and a second puck with a microphone, speaker, and magnetic plate on the other side, allowing magnetic engagement and wireless power transmission, enabling clear verbal communication through the partition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If communication devices are electrically connected through conductors to enable verbal communication through partitions, then communication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (conductors and wiring) with a magnetic field-based wireless power transmission system. The first induction coil in the first communication device wirelessly transmits electrical power to the second induction coil in the second communication device through magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections between devices separated by partitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the two communication devices separated by the partition. The induction coils generate and receive magnetic fields that penetrate the partition material, serving as a mediator that enables power transmission without direct electrical contact or wiring through the partition.
2Ease of operation
If windows are rolled down to enable verbal communication between driver and passenger, then communication is achieved, but safety and comfort are compromised due to exposure to elements and potential contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of rolling down windows with an electromagnetic field-based communication system. The communication devices use microphones, speakers, and wireless power transmission to enable verbal communication while windows remain closed, substituting physical window operation with electronic communication mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If partitions are used to prevent airborne transmission of infectious diseases, then health safety is improved, but verbal communication between people on opposite sides becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields and electromagnetic waves as intermediary carriers to transmit communication signals through the partition. The induction coils generate magnetic fields that penetrate the partition material, and the microphones and speakers convert sound waves to electrical signals and back, using electromagnetic intermediaries to bypass the physical barrier while maintaining health safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct acoustic wave transmission through air (which is blocked by partitions) with electromagnetic field-based signal transmission. The communication system converts sound to electrical signals, transmits them wirelessly through magnetic coupling across the partition, and converts them back to sound on the other side, substituting mechanical sound wave propagation with electromagnetic signal transmission.
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
Enables clear and efficient verbal communication between two users on opposite sides of a partition, such as a translucent panel, while maintaining separation to prevent airborne transmission of infectious diseases, using magnetic and induction coil technology for secure and wireless operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet that is attached to the first puck... a magnetic plate that is attached to the second puck... the magnet magnetically engages the magnetic plate
Implementation Method 2
each of the first puck and the second puck includes an induction coil such that the first puck transmits electrical power to the second puck
Data Source
AI summary
A two way communication assembly includes a first puck that is positionable on a first surface of a partition. A first microphone is integrated into the first puck to capture spoken words from a first user. A first speaker is disposed in the first puck to emit audible sounds outwardly from the first puck. A second puck is positionable on a second surface of the partition. A second microphone is integrated into the second puck to capture spoken words from a second user. Moreover, the first speaker audibly emits words spoken by the second user. A second speaker is disposed in the second puck to emit audible sounds outwardly from the second puck. Additionally, the second speaker audibly emits words spoken by the first user.