Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless power transmission system (100) for a fan. The wireless power transmission system (100) includes a transmitter (102) movably affixed on the fan down rod (104) and a receiver (106) fixedly affixed on the motor body (108) of the fan. Further, the fan comprises a plurality of luminaires, power to which is supplied by the wireless power transmission system (100). FIG. 1
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR A
FAN”
I/We, Bajaj Electricals Limited, an Indian National, of 45/47, Veer Nariman Road, Fort Mumbai- 400001, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of electrical appliances, particularly fans. More particularly, the present invention relates to a power transmission system for a fan, specifically a wireless power transmission system for a fan.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ceiling fans are a popular choice for maintaining comfortable indoor environment in both residential and commercial settings. In addition to their role in air circulation, ceiling fans can also serve aesthetic purpose, contributing to the overall interior design of a space. Lighting fixtures integrated into ceiling fans have become a standard feature, enhancing the dual functionality of the fan and as a lighting element. However, the traditional designs of ceiling fans have largely remained static, limiting the scope for innovative enhancements.
Current lighting solutions in ceiling fans are often limited to a single central fixture, providing uniform lighting without any scope for creative or customizable illumination patterns. Additionally, the conventional practice of transmitting light through the central hub of the fan restricts the illuminated area to a limited region, often resulting in inadequate or uneven distribution of light within the room. This limitation has hindered the optimal utilization of the ceiling fan as a source of ambient lighting, thus necessitating a more efficient and effective approach to illuminate the entire space.
To overcome the above-mentioned limitations, the LEDs can be integrated onto the rotating fan blades. For example, integrating the LEDs on the rotating fan blades not only adds a decorative aspect to the fan but also allows for the creation of dynamic lighting effects, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the room.
However, it is not possible in conventional ceiling fans to illuminate the LEDs placed on the rotating blade since the electrical components are placed inside the central hub and the LEDs are affixed to the rotating blades. In typical situations requiring power transmission between a stationary (e.g., fan down rod) and rotating parts (e.g., blades), the prevalent use of brushed contact mechanisms has proven to be problematic.
For example, the frequent wear and tear associated with the traditional power transmission method significantly limits the lifespan of the ceiling fan, often resulting in the need for frequent maintenance and replacement. With current brushed contact mechanisms typically lasting only around 400-500 hours, achieving a service life exceeding 10,000 hours has remained a substantial challenge in the industry.
In light of above, there is a need in the art for providing a power transmission method for illuminating the rotating blades of a ceiling fan that overcomes the above-mentioned limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is not intended to identify the essential features of the invention nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless power transmission system for a fan, comprising: a transmitter movably affixed on the fan down rod; a receiver fixedly affixed on the motor body of the fan; and a plurality of blades removably attached to the motor body, wherein each of the plurality of the blades comprises at least a luminaire affixed thereto, and wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transfer power and the receiver is configured to wirelessly receive power.
In an aspect of the present invention, at least a luminaire is in electrical connection with the receiver.
In an aspect of the present invention, the transmitter comprises at least a first coil, and the receiver comprises at least a second coil.
In an aspect of the present invention, at least the first coil and at least the second coil have a pre-determined air gap selected from a range of 2-8mm.
In an aspect of the present invention, at least the first coil and at least the second coil have an air gap therebetween in a range of 1-10mm.
In an aspect of the present invention, the transmitter can be movably affixed to at least a second position from the first position on the fan down rod.
In an aspect of the present invention, the transmitter position from first to at least a second position on the down rod is facilitated via a threaded segment of the fan down rod.
In an aspect of the present invention, the transmitter position from first to at least a second position on the down rod is facilitated via a spring mechanism located on part of the fan down rod.
In an aspect of the present invention, the transmitter position from first to at least a second position on the down rod is facilitated via a sliding mechanism located on part of the fan down rod.
In an aspect of the present invention, the wireless power transmission system comprises a fan controller connected to a mains power supply, the fan controller comprising a power supply unit and a motor driver unit.
In an aspect of the present invention, the motor driver unit provides a phase output to drive the rotation of the motor body and independently generates a Direct Current (DC) output to power the transmitter.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fan comprising a wireless power transmission system, said system comprising: a transmitter movably affixed on the fan down rod; a receiver fixedly affixed on the motor body of the fan; and a plurality of blades removably attached to the motor body, wherein each of the plurality of the blades comprises at least a luminaire affixed thereto, and wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transfer power and the receiver is configured to wirelessly receive power.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
Figure 1 is a side view of a wireless power transmission system for at least a luminaire on at least a fan blade, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram representation of an electrical circuit of the wireless power transmission system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a ceiling fan equipped with the wireless power transmission system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Those skilled in the art will be aware that the invention described herein is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention described herein includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all such features referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said features.
For convenience, before further description of the present invention, certain terms employed in the specification, examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms used throughout this specification are defined as follows, unless otherwise limited in specific instances.
As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only.
Figure 1 is a side view of a wireless power transmission system 100 for a fan, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention discloses a wireless power transmission system 100 for a fan. In particular, the wireless power transmission system 100 is for at least a luminaire affixed on at least a part of at least a fan blade. In one example, the luminaire may refer to a complete lighting unit, typically consisting of a light source (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)), housing, and any necessary components for the
distribution and control of light. In an embodiment, the luminaire is a LED. In another embodiment, the luminaire comprises a plurality of LEDs. The scope of the luminaires is not limited by shape, size, or color. It is contemplated that the luminaire or plurality of luminaires can be of different shapes, sizes, and colors. In an embodiment, the plurality of luminaire is essentially a strip of LEDs.
The wireless power transmission system 100 comprises a transmitter 102 movably affixed on the fan down rod 104; a receiver 106 fixedly affixed on the motor body 108 of the fan; and a plurality of blades removably attached to the motor body 108. Each of the plurality of blades comprises at least a luminaire affixed thereto. The fan down rod 104 refers to an extension rod that is used to lower the fan from the ceiling to an appropriate height. In a non-limiting example, the fan is a ceiling fan. In another non-limiting example, the fan is a table pedestal wall (TPW) fan.
Moreover, the transmitter 102 is configured to wirelessly transfer power and the receiver 106 is configured to wirelessly receive power from the transmitter 102. In this manner, power is wirelessly transmitted from the fan down rod 104 to the receiver 106 in electrical connection with luminaire provided on the rotating blades (i.e., the plurality of blades). Thus, the luminaire is powered using wireless power transfer.
In an embodiment, the luminaire (e.g., the LEDs) are connected with the receiver 106 via at least an electric cable or a wire. In an implementation, the luminaire derives the power to operate from the receiver 106. In particular, the receiver 106 derives power from the transmitter 102. The receiver 106 further powers the luminaire through a wired connection (e.g., via the electric cable or wire).
In an implementation, at least a luminaire is in wired electrical connection with the receiver 106. The transmitter 102 comprises at least a first coil and the receiver 106 comprises at least a second coil. Power is transferred wirelessly from the transmitter 102 to the receiver 106 by inductive coupling. In addition, at least the first coil and
at least the second coil have an air gap therebetween in a range of 1-10mm. However, the air gap can vary based at least on different design specifications, spatial constraints, and environmental factors. In an embodiment, the air gap can be varied as per requirement. In another embodiment, the air gap is pre-determined. In an embodiment, the pre-determined air gap is selected from a range of 2-8mm.
The transmitter 102 can be movably affixed from a first position to at least a second position on the fan down rod 104. The transmitter 102 can be located from the first position to at least the second position on the fan down rod 104 via a threaded segment of the fan down rod 104. In another embodiment, the transmitter 102 can be located from the first position to at least the second position on the fan down rod 104 via a spring mechanism located on part of the fan down rod 104. In yet another embodiment, the transmitter 102 can be located from the first position to at least the second position on the fan down rod 104 via a sliding mechanism located on part of the fan down rod 104.
In one example, the first position may represent an initial position of the transmitter 102 on the fan down rod 104. Upon application of an external force, the position of the transmitter 102 may change from the initial first position to a new second position. The change in the position of the transmitter 102 on the fan down rod 104 results in change in the air gap between the first coil of the transmitter 102 and the second coil of the receiver 106.
In general, a smaller air gap may enhance the efficiency of power transfer between the first coil and the second coil, as it allows for stronger electromagnetic coupling, thereby enabling more effective energy transfer. On the other hand, a larger air gap may be necessary to accommodate the design constraints or physical limitations of the system (e.g., the fan in which the wireless power transmission system is installed), ensuring that the components can be appropriately positioned without causing interference or affecting the overall functionality of the implementation. Therefore, it is necessary to have adjustable air gap.
Figure 2 is a block diagram representation 200 of an electrical circuit of the wireless power transmission system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The block diagram representation 200 comprises a fan controller 202, a motor 208, the transmitter 102, the receiver 106, and light emitting diodes 214. In addition, the fan controller 202 comprises a power supply unit 204, and a motor driver unit 206. Further, the transmitter 102 includes a first coil 210, and the receiver 106 includes a second coil 212. In an embodiment, the fan controller 202 is a printed circuit board (PCB).
The fan controller PCB 202 is connected to an AC mains supply. For example, the fan controller PCB 202 is connected to the AC mains supply via a line and a neutral connection (as shown in Figure 2). The fan controller PCB 202 receives AC input power from the AC mains supply for the operation of the fan.
In an implementation, the power supply unit 204 in the fan controller PCB 202 is configured to convert the incoming AC input power from the AC mains supply into the required voltage and current levels that are suitable for the various electrical components on the fan controller PCB 202, including the motor unit 204. The power supply unit 204 ensures that the various electrical components of the fan controller PCB 202 receive stable and appropriate power for their operation.
In one implementation, the motor driver unit 206 provides the three-phase output to drive the rotation of the motor body 108 and independently generates a Direct Current (DC) output to power the transmitter 102.
In an implementation, the motor driver unit 206 is configured to control the speed and direction of a fan motor 208 that further drives the fan. For example, the motor driver unit 206 is configured to receive electrical signals from the control circuitry
(e.g., the power supply unit 204) on the fan controller PCB 202 and converts them into the necessary electrical impulses to regulate the speed and direction of the fan motor 208. In one implementation, the motor driver unit 206 is configured to provide a three-phase output to the motor 208 (as shown in Figure 2).
In addition, the motor driver unit 206 is configured to provide direct current (DC) output to the transmitter 102. For example, the motor driver unit 206 is configured to provide a DC output to the transmitter 102. The first coil 210 of the transmitter 102 and the second coil 212 of the receiver 106 are placed apart from each other due to the adjustable air gap (as shown in Figure 2) in a range of 3-10 mm.
The first coil 210 of the transmitter 102 transmits power wirelessly to the second coil 212 of the receiver 106 based at least on electromagnetic induction (EMI). For example, an oscillating magnetic field is produced in the first coil 210 of the transmitter 102. This magnetic field, in turn, induces a current in the second coil 212 of the receiver 106, enabling the receiver 106 to receive power wirelessly from the transmitter 102.
In one implementation, the second coil 212 of the receiver 106 receives a DC output from the first coil 210 of the transmitter 102, which is further transmitted to the LEDs 214. In one example, the LEDs 214 are installed in at least one luminaire. For example, the LEDs 214 are installed on a blade of a fan (e.g., ceiling fan). Moreover, the LEDs 214 receive the DC output from the second coil 212.
The LEDs 214 may include various LEDs of different colours. In one example, the LEDs 214 can be controlled using a remote-control panel. The remote-control panel may enable a user to select from a diverse range of lighting effects, including pulsating gradients, rhythmic colour shifts, and synchronized patterns, further enhancing the visual impact.
Figure 3 is a perspective view 300 of a ceiling fan equipped with the wireless power transmission system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The isometric view 300 includes a ceiling fan 302, the wireless power transmission system 100, and the LEDs 214. In one example, the ceiling fan 302 is equipped with the wireless power transmission system 100 and the LEDs 214. As shown in Figure 3, the LEDs 214 are installed on a rotating fan blade of the ceiling fan 302.
In one implementation, the LEDs 214 are installed along the length of the at least one blade of the ceiling fan 302. In an embodiment, the LEDs 214 can be partially illuminated along the length of the blade of the ceiling fan 302. In another embodiment, the LEDs 214 can be fully illuminated along the length of the blade of the ceiling fan 302. In addition, the user can change the colour and pattern of illumination of the LEDs 214 based on the requirement. For example, the user may use the remote-control panel to change the colour and pattern of illumination of the LEDs 214.
In an example, the LEDs 214 can be used for illumination purpose. In another example, the LEDs 214 can be used for indication purpose.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The wireless power transmission system of the present invention enables illumination of rotating blades of a ceiling fan without requiring complex physical wiring or using bushes, which can cause wear and tear, resulting in frequent replacement. The wireless power transmission system adds more utility to the ceiling fan. In addition, the wireless power transmission system enhances the aesthetic appeal of the ceiling fan.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Wireless power transmission system
102 – Transmitter
104 – Fan down rod
106 – Receiver
108 – Motor body
200 – Block diagram representation
202 – Fan controller Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
204 – Power supply unit
206 – Motor driver unit
208 – Fan motor
210 – First coil
212 – Second coil
214 – Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
300 – Isometric view
302 – Ceiling fan
I/We Claim:
1. A wireless power transmission system (100) for a fan, comprising:
- a transmitter (102) movably affixed on the fan down rod (104); - a receiver (106) fixedly affixed on the fan motor body (108); and - a plurality of blades removably attached to the fan motor body (108), wherein each of the plurality of the blades comprises at least a luminaire affixed thereto, wherein the transmitter (102) is configured to wirelessly transfer power and the receiver (106) is configured to wirelessly receive power.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a luminaire is in electrical connection with the receiver (106).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmitter (102) comprises at least a first coil (210), and the receiver (106) comprises at least a second coil (212).
4. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least the first coil (210) and at least the second coil (212) have a pre-determined air gap selected from a range of 2-8mm.
5. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least the first coil (210) and at least the second coil (212) have an air gap therebetween in a range of 1-10mm.
6. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmitter (102) can be movably affixed to at least a second position from the first position on the fan down rod (104).
7. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transmitter (102) position from first to at least a second position on the down rod (104) is facilitated via a threaded segment of the fan down rod (104).
8. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transmitter (102) position from first to at least a second position on the down rod (104) is facilitated via a spring mechanism located on part of the fan down rod (104).
9. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transmitter (102) position from first to at least a second position on the down rod (104) is facilitated via a sliding mechanism located on part of the fan down rod (104).
10. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fan controller (202) connected to a mains power supply, the fan controller (202) comprising a power supply unit (204) and a motor driver unit (206).
11. The wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the motor driver unit (206) provides a phase output to drive the rotation of the motor body (108) and independently generates a Direct Current (DC) output to power the transmitter (102).
12. A fan comprising a wireless power transmission system (100) as claimed in claim 1.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202321087691-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 2 | 202321087691-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 3 | 202321087691-POWER OF AUTHORITY [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 4 | 202321087691-FORM 18 [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 5 | 202321087691-FORM 1 [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 6 | 202321087691-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 7 | 202321087691-DRAWINGS [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 8 | 202321087691-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 9 | 202321087691-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [21-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-21 |
| 10 | 202321087691-Proof of Right [04-01-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-01-04 |
| 11 | 202321087691-ORIGINAL UR 6(1A) FORM 1-130224.pdf | 2024-02-14 |
| 12 | Abstract1.jpg | 2024-03-06 |