Alignment independent and self-aligning inductive power transfer system using mobile, flexible inductors

Abstract

An inductive power transfer device is provided for recharging cordless appliances. The device includes a plurality of inductors arranged in an array and connected with a power supply via switches which are selectively operable to activate the respective inductors. The inductors serve as the primary coil of a transformer. The secondary coil of the transformer is arranged in the appliance. When the appliance is arranged proximate to the power transfer device with the respective coils in alignment, power is inductively transferred from the device to the appliance via the transformer.

1 . A power transfer system, including power connection means, said system with at least one inductor in which said at least one inductor is mobile such as to achieve alignment with another inductor for inductive power transfer to occur. 
     
     
         2 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the said at least one mobile inductors are mobile within a housing. 
     
     
         3 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said external housing does not change shape when the at least one mobile inductor(s) moves. 
     
     
         4 . The power transfer as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said housing has a thin flat external wall, and wherein said at least one mobile inductor moves along the inner surface of said external wall, in order to seek alignment with an inductor placed in proximity to the external surface of said external wall. 
     
     
         5 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein there is a broad flat cavity parallel to said external wall, the upper bound of which is the inner side of said external wall, and the lower bound of said broad flat cavity is a second parallel external wall, configured to provide space for movement of said at least one mobile inductor. 
     
     
         6 . The power transfer system as in  claim 5  wherein said second parallel external wall may rest upon any existing surface. 
     
     
         7 . A power transfer system, including power connection means, said system with at least one inductor in which said at least one inductor is mobile such as to achieve alignment with another inductor for inductive power transfer to occur wherein there is at least one sensor which can detect proximity and relative direction of a mating inductor, said sensor connected to and controlling at least one motion causing means so as to move at least one of said mobile inductor(s) into effective alignment with said mating inductor so that inductive power transfer may occur. 
     
     
         8 . The power transfer system of  claim 7 , wherein said motion sensors are placed within or adjacent to said at least one mobile inductor. 
     
     
         9 . The power transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein said power connection means to each said at least one mobile inductor(s) is a wire connected to the power supply or load. 
     
     
         10 . The power transfer of  claim 1 , wherein said power connection means to each mobile inductor is at least one brush or sliding electrical contact 
     
     
         11 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said brushes or sliding electrical contacts slide-ably make electrical contact with the said inner surfaces of the said housing in which surfaces are conductive and connected to said power supply or load. 
     
     
         12 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein both inner surfaces of said housing are conductive, and are assigned polarity so as to establish a circuit with those of said mobile inductors which are energized. 
     
     
         13 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein there is only one electrical connection to each mobile inductor. 
     
     
         14 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said motion causing means is non-mechanical. 
     
     
         15 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein all of said mobile inductors which are energized are effectively connected in parallel. 
     
     
         16 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein there is at least one capacitor connected to each of said mobile inductors. 
     
     
         17 . A power transfer system which includes a power connection means and at least one mobile inductor, which is also a flexible inductor wherein said flexible inductor which is sufficiently flexible so as to be able to allow at least a portion of its length to bend and migrate so as to achieve alignment with another inductor for inductive power transfer. 
     
     
         18 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 17 , further including a housing, wherein said flexible inductor is free to move within said housing. 
     
     
         19 . A power transfer system as recited in  claim 17 , said flexible inductor being self-reconfigurable due to the properties of said at least one flexible inductor, said properties so as to optimize inductance at a given region with a mating inductor. 
     
     
         20 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said flexible inductor is capable of actively changing its shape. 
     
     
         21 . The power transfer system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each mobile inductor includes a switch, said switch operable in the effective presence of a mated secondary inductor seeking power transfer.