Patent Abstract:
Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for electrical power connectors where power is transferred through electromagnetic induction. Embodiments may lead to a safer form of power transmission that may save lives and dollars every year.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Provisional Application No. 62240346 filed on Oct. 12, 2015, which is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for an electrical power connector. More particularly, embodiments disclose a device that is configured transfer power through electromagnetic induction between two separable connectors, wherein the two separable connectors are coupled together by electromagnetism. 
         [0004]    Background 
         [0005]    Power plugs and sockets are devices that allow electrically operated equipment to be connected to a primary power supply in a building or via a generator. Electrical plugs and sockets differ in voltage and current rating, shape, size, and type of connectors. Conventional plugs and sockets operate by inserting a male connector (plugs) associated with an appliance within a corresponding female connector (sockets), which may be positioned on a wall. 
         [0006]    Design features of plugs and sockets have gradually developed to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire. Safety measures may include pin and slot dimensions and layouts that permit only proper insertion of a plug into a socket. Further improvements to conventional plugs and sockets include grounded pins that are longer than power pins so an appliance becomes grounded before power is connected. Accordingly, to power and ground an appliance, pins associated with the plugs must directly insert into a socket, such that the pins directly contact slots associated with sockets. Thus, conventional plugs and sockets require direct physical contact to power appliances, which create risks of shock, fire, etc. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods for electrical power connectors where power is transferred through electromagnetic induction rather than electrical contact, which may ensure arc free and shock free use. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for electrical power connectors where power is transferred through electromagnetic induction over a wireless connection. Embodiments may lead to a safer form of power transmission that may save lives and dollars every year. Embodiments may include a first connector and a second connector. 
         [0009]    The first connector may be a male connector configured to connect directly with an AC supply or an adapter to a conventional wall outlet. The first connector may include an inner core with primary windings of a transformer, spring loaded lock, plate cover, grounded leads, and electrical switch. The inner core may be comprised of iron or any other material suitable for electromagnetic induction. 
         [0010]    The second connector may be a female connector configured to be coupled with an electrical device, appliance, adapter for electrical devices, etc. The second connector may include an inner core with secondary windings, grounded leads, and a metal plate. The inner core may be comprised of iron or any other material suitable for electromagnetic induction. 
         [0011]    Responsive to coupling the first connector and the second connector by positioning the first connector adjacent to the second connector, the plate cover may be moved and the electrical switch may be activated. The electrical switch may be activated only when the first connector and the second connector are coupled to reduce, limit, etc. overheating. 
         [0012]    In embodiments, when the first connector and second connector are coupled together, a full transformer may be formed. The winding ratios of the inner core associated with the first connector and the inner core associated with the second connector may be between 1:1.05-1.10, such that the winding ratio of the first connector is slightly less than that of the second connector. This may ensure that any losses of power transferred between the first connector and second connector may be limited, negated, and/or minimized. 
         [0013]    Responsive to coupling the first connector and second connector, AC current received by the first connector may induce a magnetic field in the inner core of the first connector. The induction of the magnetic field in the inner core of the first connector may induce an electrical current in the inner core of the second connector forming electromagnetic induction. Through the electromagnetic induction, power may be transferred from an electrical grid to the first connector. The power may then be transferred from the first connector to the second connector via electromagnetic induction, and from the second connector to an electrical device. Thus, the power transfer may be completed without inserting a pins associated with the first connector within slots associated with the second connector, or vice versa. 
         [0014]    These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts a side cross sectional view of a device that is configured to transfer power through electromagnetic induction, according to an embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of primary windings, according to an embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  depicts a side view of primary windings, according to an embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  depicts a top view of secondary windings, according to an embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of secondary windings, according to an embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  depicts a front view of a plate, according to an embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a method utilizing a device to transfer power across two devices without voltage being transferred via a contacted wire across the devices. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  depicts a side cross sectional view of device  100  that is configured to transfer power through electromagnetic induction, according to an embodiment. Device  100  may include a first connector  110  and a second connector  120 . 
         [0026]    First connector  110  may be a male connector configured to be coupled with an 
         [0027]    AC power supply of an electric grid, or be an adapter for a conventional wall outlet. In embodiments where first connector  110  is directly coupled with the AC power supply of the electric grid, first connector  110  may be recessed within a wall of a building, surge protector, power strip, etc. In embodiments where first connector is an adapter for a conventional wall outlet, pins associated with first connector  110  may be inserted into the conventional wall outlet. 
         [0028]    First connector  110  may include primary windings  112 , plate  114 , locking mechanism  116 , switch  118 , and first end connector  119 . 
         [0029]    Primary windings  112  may be a device that is configured to create magnetic flux in a transformer core, and create a magnetic field impinging on secondary windings  122  within second connector  120 . The magnetic field created by primary windings  112  may induce a varying electromotive force or voltage in secondary windings  122 . Utilizing Faraday&#39;s law in conjunction with magnetic permeability core properties between primary windings  112  and secondary windings  122 , first connector  110  and second connector  120  may form a transformer that is configured to transfer AC voltages between two separate and removable devices, wherein the two separate and removable devices are first connector  110  and second connector  120 . 
         [0030]    Plate  114  may be a plate that is configured to cover a face of first connector  110 . Plate  114  may have a planar sidewall extending across the face of first connector  100 . Plate  114  may cover the face of first connector  110  to limit the exposure of primary windings  112  outside of a housing of first connector  110 . Plate  114  may also be configured to cover slot  115  positioned with first connector  110 , switch  118 , and locking mechanism  115 . In a first mode, plate  114  may be configured to be positioned planar to the face of first connector  110  when first connector  110  and second connector  120  are decoupled. Responsive to coupling first connector  110  and second connector  120 , in a second mode, plate  114  may slide within first connector  110  to be recessed within first connector  110 . Accordingly, plate  114  may be retracted within first connector  110  when first connector  110  and second connector  120  are coupled together. 
         [0031]    Slot  115  may be a channel, groove, depression, etc. positioned within a housing of first connector  120 . Slot  115  may be shaped to receive switch  118 , such that portions of switch  118  may move in and out of slot  115 . 
         [0032]    Switch  118  may include a first side that is configured to be positioned adjacent to plate  114 , and a second side that is configured to be positioned adjacent to locking mechanism  116  within slot  115 . In embodiments, when first connector  110  and second connector  120  are decoupled, locking mechanism  116  may apply an outward force against the second side of switch  118 . This outward force may cause switch  118  to not be fully inserted within slot  115 . For example, locking mechanism  116  may be a spring, actuator, etc. that is configured to apply mechanical force to the second side of switch  118 . 
         [0033]    Responsive to a user coupling first connector  110  and second connector  120  by pressing second connector  120  towards the second end of switch  118 , second connector  120  may apply sufficient mechanical force against locking mechanism  118  to overcome the force applied by locking mechanism  116  to switch  118 . When overcoming the mechanical force applied by locking mechanism  116  to switch  118 , switch  118  may move along a linear path and become fully inserted within slot  115 . 
         [0034]    Responsive to switch  118  being inserted within slot  115 , first connector  110  may complete a circuit with the power supply. When the power supply associated with the electrical grid supplies voltage to primary windings  112 , a transformer with secondary windings  122  may be formed. Alternatively, when switch  118  is not fully inserted within slot  115 , a transformer between first connector  110  and second connector  120  may not be formed. This may limit the time periods when a completed circuit with first connector  110  is formed to limit, reduce, and/or eliminate overheating of primary windings  112 . 
         [0035]    Furthermore, responsive to first connector  110  and second connector  120  forming a full transformer, the electromagnetism forces between first winding  112  and second winding  122  may be stronger than the mechanical force of locking mechanism  116 . Thus, when the full transformer is formed, electromagnetism may unify first connector  110  and/or second connector  120  without additional coupling mechanisms. 
         [0036]    First end connector  119  may be a contact to ground, wherein first end connector may be configured to be grounded. When first connector  110  and second connector  120  are coupled together, first end connector  119  may be directly coupled with a second end connector  129  positioned on second connector  120 . Responsive to coupling first end connector  119  and second end connector  129 , device  100  may be grounded, which may prevent a user from being in contact with dangerous voltages if electrical insulation fails, limit the build-up of static electricity when handling flammable products or electrostatic-sensitive devices, etc. 
         [0037]    Second connector  120  may be a female connector, with a first end configured to be coupled with an electrical device, appliance, adapter for electric devices, etc. A second end of second connector  120  may be separable from first connector  110 , and may also be configured to be coupled with first connector  110 . In embodiments, second connector  120  may be configured to be inserted into a recession, perimeter, groove, etc. within first connector  110 . Responsive to positioning second connector  110  within the recession, a full transformer may be formed between first connector  110  and second connector  120 . Electromagnetic forces formed between first connector  110  and second connector  120  may be strong enough to overcome opposite forces from locking mechanism  116 . The second connector  120  may be decoupled from the first connector  110  when the circuit is formed by pulling on the second connector  120  to create forces that are greater than the electromagnetic forces. 
         [0038]    Second connector  110  may include secondary windings  122 , second end connector  129 , and leads  124 . 
         [0039]    Secondary windings  122  may be a device that is configured to create magnetic flux in a transformer core, which may be parred with primary windings  112 . The magnetic field within secondary windings  122  may induce a varying electromotive force or voltage in secondary windings  122 . Utilizing Faraday&#39;s law in conjunction with magnetic permeability core properties between primary windings  112  and secondary windings  122 , first connector  110  and second connector  120  may for a transformer that is configured to transfer AC voltages between two separate and removable devices, first connector  110  and second connector  120 . In embodiments, the ratio of windings between primary windings  112  and secondary windings may be 1:1.05-110. This may ensure that any loses from the transformer arrangements may be negated. However, one skilled in the art may appreciate that the ratio of the windings may be utilized to scale up or down the voltages between the connectors. 
         [0040]    Second end connector  129  may be a contact to ground that is configured to be grounded. Second end connector  129  may be directly coupled with a first end connector  119  when second connector  120  is coupled with first end connector  110 . Responsive to coupling second end connector  129  and first end connector  119 , device  100  may be grounded, which may prevent a user from being in contact with dangerous voltage if electrical insulation fails, limit the build-up of static electricity when handling flammable products or electrostatic-sensitive devices, etc. 
         [0041]    Leads  124  may be devices that are configured to couple secondary winding  122  with an electronical device or to a receptacle to be an adapter. Accordingly, leads  124  may be configured to transport power from secondary windings  122  to a device. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of primary windings  112 , and  FIG. 3  depicts a side view of primary windings  112 , according to an embodiment. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  depicts a top view of secondary windings  122 , and  FIG. 5  depicts a side view of secondary windings  122 , according to an embodiment. In embodiments primary windings  112  are configured to pair with secondary windings to form a transformer. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  depicts a front view of plate  114 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 6 , plate  114  may a substantially planar surface with a plurality of orifices. Two of the plurality of orifices  610  may be configured to receive secondary windings  122  associate with secondary connector  120 . A third of the plurality of orifices  620  may be configured to receive a grounded connection associated with secondary connector  120 .  FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a method  700  utilizing a device to transfer power across two devices without voltage being transferred via a contacted wire across the devices. The operations of method  700  presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method  700  may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method  1100  are illustrated in  FIG. 7  and described below is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0045]    At operation  710 , a first connector and a second connector may be decoupled from each other. When first connector and second connector are decoupled together, a switch within first connector may not be activated. Furthermore, when not connected, a spring within the first connector may be applying mechanical force against the switch to not allow the spring to be inserted into a slot. When the switch is not inserted into the channel, the primary windings associated with the first connector may not be receiving power from a power source. 
         [0046]    At operation  720 , a front face of the second connector may be positioned adjacent to a front face of the first connector. Force applied by a user to second connector to front connector may slide a plate on the front face of the first connector backwards, which may insert the switch into the slot. 
         [0047]    At operation  730 , responsive to the switch being inserted the slot, the primary windings on the first connector may receive current from a power source which may induce a magnetic field in the first connector and the second connector. 
         [0048]    At operation  740 , the magnetic fields in the first connector and the second connector may produce sufficient force to overcome the mechanical force of the spring within the slot. Thus, the magnetic field&#39;s forces may maintain the positioning of first connector with second connector without any additional external forces. 
         [0049]    Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 
         [0050]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7