Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INDUCTIVELY COUPLED WORK SURFACES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One of the problems associated with the electronic devices so common in
today's world is the necessity for the cords and cables associated with the
various electronic
devices. Rechargeable cordless devices are a common alternative. These devices
still require
charging and the associated cords and cables to accommodate this charging.
Technology has been developed to address these limitations by providing an
inductively coupled power circuit. This circuit dynamically seeks resonance
and optimizes
power transfer from a primary coil to a secondary device with a secondary
coil. This power
transfer can occur under multiple, varying load conditions. By using this
circuit, the primary
supply circuit adapts its operation to match the needs of the secondary
devices being supplied
with power. The circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power
to multiple
secondary devices simultaneously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Intelligent, inductively coupled power circuits have been developed to
transfer
power from a source to a device without the need for a wired connection.
Primary coils
inductively couple power to secondary coils integrated into devices such as
laptop computers,
PDAs, cell phones, and power tools. Embodiments of the present invention
incorporate this
technology into home and industrial work surfaces.
Primary coils integrated into work surfaces inductively couple power to
secondary coils integrated into devices such as laptop computers, PDAs, cell
phones, and
power tools. Work surfaces may be home work surfaces such as tables and work
benches.
Primary coils may also be integrated into industrial work surfaces such as
industrial
ergonomic work benches. Inductively coupled work surfaces may also be
installed in
vehicles. The vehicle work surface could be installed in the interior of the
vehicle, or a
retractable work surface could be installed such that it is accessible from
the exterior of the
vehicle.
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Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into work
surfaces in any position, number, and combination. Indicators, such as LEDs,
on a work
surface may show where devices containing secondary coils should be placed to
charge.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
inductively coupled work surface, comprising: an ergonomic work surface having
a top
surface generally opposed by an underside surface, wherein a hole extends
through the
underside surface and into the ergonomic work surface; a primary coil having a
housing and
an extension member extending generally perpendicular and radially from the
housing,
wherein the housing is positioned in the hole beneath the top surface and a
fastener attaches
the extending member to the underside surface of the ergonomic work surface,
and wherein
the primary coil is capable of inductively powering a device containing a
secondary coil
positioned on the top surface; and one or more indicators that are positioned
beneath the top
surface to indicate charging of the primary coil, wherein the one or more
indicators are
covered by, and viewable through, a transparent material that is substantially
flush with the
top surface.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
retractable, inductively coupled work surface, comprising: a retractable work
surface having a
first surface generally opposed by a second surface, wherein a hole extends
through the
second surface and into the retractable work surface, and wherein the
retractable work surface
is hingedly coupled along an exterior surface of a vehicle and forms a portion
of the exterior
surface of the vehicle when in a closed position; a primary coil having a
housing and a tab
extending generally perpendicular and radially from the housing, wherein the
housing is
positioned in the hole beneath the first surface and a fastener attaches the
tab to the second
surface of the retractable work surface, and wherein the primary coil is
capable of inductively
powering a device containing a secondary coil and is individually adaptable to
power needs of
the device being powered, and one or more indicators that are positioned
beneath the top
surface to indicate charging of the primary coil, wherein the one or more
indicators are
covered by, and viewable through, a transparent material that is substantially
flush with the
top surface.
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According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a
kit for retrofitting a work surface, comprising: a side surface extension
configured to attach to
a side of an existing central work surface, wherein the side surface extension
includes a first
surface generally opposed by a second surface, wherein a hole extends through
the second
surface and into the side surface extension; a primary coil having a housing
and a tab
extending generally perpendicular and radially from the housing, wherein the
housing is
positioned in the hole beneath the first surface and a fastener attaches the
tab to the second
surface of the side surface extension, and wherein the primary coil is capable
of inductively
powering a device containing a secondary coil; and one or more indicators that
are positioned
beneath the top surface to indicate charging of the primary coil, wherein the
one or or more
indicators are covered by, and viewable through, a transparent material that
is substantially
flush with the top surface.
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This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified
form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This
Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject
matter, nor is it
intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the
attached drawing figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ergonomic work bench;
=
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a low power primary coil;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medium power primary
coil;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a primary coil with an
adjustable housing;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a work bench with low and medium. power
primary coils installed;
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an inductively coupled work surface
installed in a vehicle;
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view with parts broken away of an inductively
coupled work surface installed in a vehicle;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a tool containing a
secondary
coil charging on the inductively coupled work surface of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled work surface charging
devices containing secondary coils;
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view with parts broken away of an inductively
coupled work surface installed in a vehicle;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a retractable, inductively coupled work
surface installed in a vehicle; and
=
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FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a retractable, inductively coupled work
=
surface installed in a vehicle.
=
=
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention are described with specificity herein to
meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended
to limit the scope
of this patent. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject
matter might
also be embodied in other ways.
As noted in the background section, technology has been developed that
provides an intelligent, inductively coupled power circuit. This circuit
dynamically seeks
resonance and optimizes power transfer from a primary coil to a secondary
device with a
secondary coil. The circuit allows the primary coil to determine and provide
the power needs
of the secondary device. By using this circuit, the primary supply circuit
adapts its operation
to match the needs of the secondary devices being supplied with power. The
circuit also
allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary
devices
simultaneously. Examples of the circuit and the operation of the circuit are
contained in the
following U.S. Patents: 6,436,299; 6,673,250; 6,731,071; 6,806,649; 6,812,645;
6,831,417; 6,917,163; 6,975,198; 7,116,200; 7,118,240; 7,126,450; and
7,132,918.
Inductively coupled power circuits may be used to power and recharge
cordless devices, including cell phones, PDAs, flashlights, laptop computers,
and power
tools. Each cordless device has a secondary coil. The primary coil required to
create the
inductively coupled power circuit may be integrated into an industrial or home
work surface.
Examples of such surfaces with integrated primary coils include a table, a
home work bench,
an industrial work bench, an ergonomic work bench, an industrial ergonomic
workbench, a
mobile work surface in a vehicle, a retractable work surface, and a
retractable work surface in
a vehicle.
FIG. 1 illustrates an ergonomic work bench 100. Work surface 102 of work
bench 100 comprises central work surface 104, work surface side wings 106 and
108, and
work surface front and rear wings 110 and 112. Some embodiments may include,
in addition
to central work surface 104, only work surface side wing 106, work surface
side wing 108,
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work surface front wing 110, or work surface rear wing 112. Additional
embodiments may
include all wings or any combination of wings.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, work surface side wings 106 and 108 and
work surface front and rear wings 110 and 112 are curved such that they form
an ergonomic
work surface when attached to central work surface 104. Work surface side
wings 106 and
108 and work surface front and rear wings 110 and 112 may be attached to
central work
surface 104 by screws, bolts, or any other connection mechanism. In one
embodiment, work
surface side wings 106 and 108 and work surface front and rear wings 110 and
112 are
thinner than central work surface 104 but have an extended edge substantially
as thick as
central work surface 104. This allows the wings to be screwed or bolted
through the
extended edge into the side of central work surface 104. Other means of
connection, such as
support beams extending beneath central work surface 104 and work surface side
wings 106
and 108 and work surface front and rear wings 110 and 112, are also
contemplated.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, work surface 102 is supported by support
structure 114. Support structure 114 comprises support members 116, 118, 120,
and 122. In
some embodiments, support members may be attached to wheels. In other
embodiments,
support members may terminate in a substantially flat base. Storage tray 124
is attached in
the space bounded by support members 116, 118, 120, and 122. In some
embodiments,
storage tray 124 may be attached or rest on horizontal support members that
run between
support members 116, 118, 120, and 122. Work station shield 126 may be
attached to work
surface rear wing 112, central work surface 104, or support structure 114.
Storage tray 128 is
attached to work station shield 126. Work station shield 126 and storage tray
128 are curved
in substantially the same manner as work surface rear wing 112 to create an
ergonomic work
space. The concavity of the curve brings the furthest portions of work bench
100 nearer to a
user than if the concave portions were linear.
Inductively coupled power circuits may be incorporated into a work bench
such as work bench 100 of FIG. 1. Integrated primary coils for such power
circuits are
indicated by coil location indicators 130, 132, 134, and 136. Coil location
indicators 130,
132, 134, and 136 do not necessarily indicate coil size or charging area,
which depends upon
whether a particular primary coil is low, medium, or high power.
FIG. 2-4 illustrate embodiments of primary coils that could be incorporated
into a work bench. Primary coils may be designed to provide a low, medium, or
high
quantity of power. FIG. 2 illustrates a low power primary coil 200. Low power
primary coil
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200 is designed to provide up to about approximately 20 watts of power
transferred through
primary coil 200 to a secondary device coil. Low power primary coil 200 is
connected to an
electrical outlet through power cord 202 and plug 203. Tabs 204, 206, and 208
provide holes
210, 212, and 214, which allow primary coil 200 to be attached to the
underside of a work
bench via screws, bolts, or other connective methods. In alternative
embodiments, low power
primary coil 200 is connected to a battery or other power source through power
cord 202.
In one embodiment, a cylindrical hole is bored in a work surface, such as
central work surface 104 of FIG. 1 or wings 106 or 108, and low power primary
coil 200 is
attached from underneath the work surface such that the top of low power
primary coil 200 is
flush with the work surface. Low power primary coil 200 may include a charging
indicator.
The charging indicator may be an LED or other light source. The charging
indicator may
also be a ring of LEDs or light sources that substantially trace the outline
of low power
primary coil 200. The charging indicator is illuminated when a secondary coil
in a secondary
device draws power from the primary coil. Thus, illumination of the charging
indicator
occurs when a secondary device is placed on low power primary coil 200 and
charges. In
other embodiments, a light pipe or electrical connection may be used to place
a charging
indicator anywhere on the work bench. In further embodiments, the charging
indicator may
delineate the approximate area within which a secondary device can be placed
and be charged
through inductive coupling with the particular primary coil.
With continuing reference to FIG. 2, in alternative embodiments, low power
primary coil 200 may be inserted into a cavity in the underside of a work
surface and
attached. In such an embodiment, low power primary coil 200 would not be
visible from
above the work surface. In still other embodiments, low power primary coil 200
and any
indicator lights could be embedded below the work surface and covered with
Plexiglas or
other transparent material that is level with the work surface. Low power
primary coil 200
may be installed at any position on a work surface. For example, with
additional reference to
FIG. 1, low power primary coil 200 may be installed beneath central work
surface 104, work
surface side wings 106 and 108, or work surface front and rear wings 110 and
112. Any
number of low power primary coils may be installed in a particular work
surface.
FIG. 3 illustrates a medium power primary coil 300. Medium power primary
coil 300 is designed to provide about approximately between 20 and 100 watts
of power
transferred from primary coil 300 to a secondary device coil, although more or
less power
could also be provided. Medium power primary coil 300 is connected to an
electrical outlet
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through power cord 302 and plug 304. In alternative embodiments, low power
primary coil
300 is connected to a battery or other power source through power cord 302.
Medium power
primary coil 300 provides a similar tab-and-hole connection mechanism to low
power
primary coil 200.
FIG. 4 illustrates a primary coil 400 enclosed in an adjustable housing 402.
Base portion 404 of housing 402 is threaded and screws into top portion 406 of
housing 402.
Top portion 406 can be tightened or loosened to provide more or less distance
between lip
408 and attachment tabs 410, 412, and 414. Adjustable housing 402 allows
primary coil 400
to be installed in work surfaces having a range of thicknesses. Primary coil
400 would be
installed in a cylindrical hole drilled or otherwise made in a work surface.
Lip 408 of top
portion 406 may be wider than the cylindrical hole and rest on and be slightly
higher than the
top of the work surface. Alternatively, a work surface may have a depression
along the
circumference of the cylindrical hole substantially the same depth as the
height of lip 408
such that lip 408 fits in the depression and primary coil 400 is substantially
even with the top
of the work surface.
FIG. 5 illustrates an ergonomic work bench 500 with low and medium power
primary coils installed. A medium and low power primary coil are installed
beneath central
work surface 502. The medium power primary coil is installed beneath laptop
computer 504
such that the coil is not visible from above central work surface 502. Laptop
computer 504
charges when placed over the medium power primary coil. A low power primary
coil is
installed below PDA 506. PDA 506 charges when placed above the low power
primary coil.
Cordless drill 508 is placed above a second medium power primary coil
installed under work
surface side wing 510. Cordless drill 508 charges when placed over the second
medium
power primary coil. Flashlight 512 is placed above a second low power primary
coil installed
under work surface side wing 514. Flashlight 512 charges when placed over the
second low
power primary coil. In each location where a primary coil is installed, a
recharging zone is
created on the top of the work surface. It should be understood that any
number of primary
coils could be installed, and corresponding recharging zones created, in any
position. It
should be also be understood that the rechargeable devices shown are merely
exemplary, and
that a virtually unlimited number and variety of devices could charge through
primary coils
installed in the work bench, so long as they are provided with a proper
secondary coil.
In addition to inductively coupled power circuits being included in newly
produced work benches, a kit is contemplated for retrofitting existing work
benches and other
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industrial work surfaces with an inductively coupled power circuit. The kit
comprises one or
more primary coils, for example low power primary coil 200 in FIG. 2 or medium
power
primary coil 400 in FIG. 4, means for attaching the coil to a work surface,
and installation
instructions.
FIG. 6 illustrates an inductively coupled work surface installed in a vehicle.
Low, medium, or high power primary coils are integrated into work surface 600.
Any
combination of primary coils could be used. The primary coils could be powered
through
batteries, the vehicle engine, or other means. Rechargeable flashlight 602 and
cordless drill
604 are shown above primary coils integrated into work surface 600. Work
surface 600 may
be suspended from the vehicle walls or ceiling, supported from the vehicle
floor, or attached
to the sides of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the support structure
supporting work surface
600 includes storage compartments 606. Shelves 608 may also be installed above
work
surface 600. Another view of an inductively coupled work surface installed in
a vehicle is
shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a detailed illustration of rechargeable flashlight
602, work surface
600, and storage compartments 606.
FIG. 9 illustrates an inductively coupled work surface showing charging areas.
Work surface 900 is divided into charging areas 902, 904, and 906. A medium
power
primary coil is located under charging area 902 and charges cordless drill
908, which
contains a secondary coil. Placement indicator 910 may also be included in
work surface
900. Placement indicator 910 may be LEDs or other light sources or may be a
non-
illuminated indicator of where a device containing a secondary coil should be
placed for
efficient charging. Charging area 902 may indicate the physical extent within
which a device
containing a secondary coil is able to be charged by the primary coil
integrated in work
surface 900 beneath charging area 902. Low power primary coils are located
beneath
charging areas 906 and 904 to charge rechargeable flashlight 912 and PDA 914.
FIG. 10 also illustrates an inductively coupled work surface installed in a
vehicle. Laptop computer 1002 and PDA 1004 are charging on primary coils
integrated into
work surface 600.
Primary coils may also be installed in retractable, inductively coupled work
surfaces attached to a structure. The structure may be, but is not limited to,
a vehicle, office
or building interior or exterior wall, desk, podium, or table. FIGS. 11 and 12
illustrate
embodiments where a retractable, inductively coupled work surface is attached
to a vehicle
and is accessible from the exterior of the vehicle. More specifically, the
vehicle is provided
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with a folding shelf 1102. Shelf 1102 is hingedly coupled to the vehicle along
its bottom
edge. Stops are provided to support the shelf in a horizontal orientation when
fully open.
The shelf 1102 can thus be moved from a storage position flush with the side
of the vehicle,
to an in-use position that provides a horizontal work surface. The shelf has a
locking
mechanism to hold it in the storage position. Shelf 1102 has a charging
station 1104 coupled
to it. Station 1104 has a number of primary coils contained within a cover
1106. .Station
= 1104 also has a charging template 1108 located directly over the cover
1106. The template
1108 preferably has charging areas and charging indicators similar to those
shown in FIG. 9
for work surface 900. Like interior work surface 900, station 1104 may be
equipped with
indicator lights adjacent the charging areas that illuminate when a device
containing a
secondary coil is in place and charging. Station 1104 therefore provides a
recharging station
= with multiple recharging areas on the exterior of the vehicle immediately
adjacent an exterior
work surface. This allows a user to charge cordless devices (such as the
cordless drill; laptop,
cell phone and flashlight shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) without having to access
the interior of
the vehicle.
= In embodiments described herein with a plurality of primary coils, a
single
circuit may control all of the plurality of primary coils.
It should be understood that all implementations of a primary coil installed
in
a surface described above are contemplated as either newly manufactured items
in which one
or more primary coils are installed before sale and as a kit in which one or
more primary coils
may be installed after sale.
The present invention has been described in relation to particular
embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than
restrictive.
Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art to which
the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments
set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation
consistent with
the description as a whole.
