WO2017081109A1

WO2017081109A1 - Screw socket adaptor

Info

Publication number: WO2017081109A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/077184
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niculae Constantin
Original assignee: Niculae Constantin
Priority date: 2015-11-09
Filing date: 2016-11-09
Publication date: 2017-05-18
Also published as: GB2544117A; GB201519756D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adaptor for charging mobile devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adaptor which can be inserted into a light bulb socket and provide electrical power to a mobile 'phone or other low-power device in order to charge a mobile device battery. Aspects and/or embodiments seek to provide an adaptor for providing power from a light bulb socket to a mobile phone or other device in order to charge a device battery. According to a first aspect, there is provided an adaptor, comprising: a fitting, operable to couple with a light bulb socket; a transformer; and a charging port.

Description

SCREW SOCKET ADAPTOR

Field The present invention relates to an adaptor for charging mobile devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adaptor which can be inserted into a light bulb socket and provide electrical power to a mobile 'phone or other low-power device in order to charge a mobile device battery. Background

The number of mobile 'phone users has increased significantly in the last decade. Approximately half of the global population use a mobile 'phone on a regular basis and an increasing proportion of mobile 'phones are smartphones.

Although new models of smartphones are released frequently by different manufacturers, current models of smartphone typically share a number of features, namely: a large, bright, touch sensitive screen, a powerful processor, the ability to run many applications simultaneously and a compact form factor. These features all contribute to one of the major complaints regarding smartphones at the moment, which is poor battery life. Battery technology has not yet advanced to a point where smartphones can provide enough power for more than a few hours of regular use and typically a smartphone battery will have depleted within a working day. Many people rely on smartphones for a significant part of their social and working lives, however, so require their smartphone to function for longer than is typically possible on a single battery charge. To increase the amount of time a smartphone can be used, it is possible to buy external battery packs that can be charged in order to, in turn, be used to charge up a mobile 'phone. Similarly, battery cases can be fitted to the exterior of a mobile 'phone, containing a supplementary battery to be used when the mobile 'phone's battery runs out.

These supplementary battery solutions undermine, for many, the benefits of owning a compact mobile phone, for example the benefits of portability, ease of use and a lack of wires. The electrical plug sockets mounted into the wall of a building, or 'wall sockets', which are typically used to recharge a mobile phone, also pose some drawbacks. Wall sockets often vary between different countries in both shape and in the voltage provided, which can necessitate the need for different adaptors and transformers when travelling between countries. Wall sockets may also be already in use for a different appliance, as they are frequently limited in number and are relied upon for an increasing number of household, office or public purposes. Summary of Invention

Aspects and/or embodiments seek to provide an adaptor for providing power from a light bulb socket to a mobile phone or other device in order to charge a device battery. The adaptor may also provide integrated illumination to replace the illumination which would otherwise have been provided by the light bulb.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an adaptor, comprising: a fitting, operable to couple with a light bulb socket; a transformer; and a charging port.

By providing a means to convert electricity into a usable form for a mobile device with the ability to receive mains power from a light bulb socket, it becomes possible to use a light bulb socket as a power source. Being able to use a light bulb socket as a power source enables charging of a mobile device, which can be useful for example when travelling.

It is unlikely that travellers, for example, will find themselves in accommodation that does not contain at least one appliance having a light bulb. In contrast, the same travellers may find that all wall sockets are already in use for existing appliances or that any free sockets are of a different shape or voltage provided from that of their native country. Where any free wall sockets are a different shape to a charging adaptor, the charging cable will be useless without a further adaptor and/or compatible transformer (necessary to convert the wall socket power into a form which can be safely used).

Many light fittings around the globe are a standard size, therefore an adaptor that can couple with one or more such fittings will be of use almost anywhere to which a traveller may venture. The transformer can convert alternating current into direct current of a suitable voltage to be used to charge up a mobile device, so can provide a suitable output voltage and current for charging a mobile device battery.

The charging port may be provided on a face of the adaptor opposing the fitting, or may face away from the fitting, or may otherwise be arranged to be accessible in an axial or coupling direction in relation to the fitting. This is to improve access to the charging port when the adaptor is fitted, since light bulbs and/or light bulb fittings are generally accessible in an axial direction in order to fit or remove a light bulb.

Optionally, the fitting is in the form of an Edison screw and/or a bayonet cap and/or other light bulb socket fitting.

The Edison screw and bayonet cap are two of the most commonly used light bulb socket fittings so if the adaptor is equipped with either fitting or both such fittings then it will be operable to couple with the vast majority of light bulb based appliances. The more appliances the adaptor can be used with, the more compatible the adaptor is with the different available light bulb socket standards.

Optionally, the charging port is operable to power and/or recharge a connected low-power device.

By equipping the adaptor with a charging port operable to power and/or recharge a connected low-power device, the task of keeping mobile devices charged is possible by coupling the adaptor with a powered light bulb socket and the mobile device to be charged. Any light bulb based appliance becomes a potential source of power, and becomes compatible to charge a mobile device.

Optionally, the low-power device is a mobile phone.

It is widely known that mobile phones frequently suffer from a poor battery life, especially smartphones. By providing a power source for mobile phones wherever there is a working light bulb, the ability to charge the mobile phone is provided.

Optionally, the charging port is a USB port.

The vast majority of charging cables for a mobile device are equipped with a Male USB-A port at one end. If the charging port is therefore a USB port, or, optionally, a Female USB-A port, then the adaptor will be compatible with a very large number of mobile device chargers. Alternatively, other types of USB port can be provided, such as the reversible USB-C port. Providing a USB port can allow for a greater number of mobile devices to be able to be charged using the adaptor.

Optionally, the adaptor further comprises an additional one or more charging ports.

By having multiple charging ports on the adaptor, more than one mobile device may be charged at a time. This is particularly useful for families who may be carrying several mobile devices which require charging, or for particularly technology-focused individuals who enjoy travelling with a larger number of mobile devices but only one charger. For example, the adaptor can provide two USB-A ports or one USB-A and one USB-C port.

Optionally, the fitting is operable to be removed and replaced with an alternative fitting.

By providing the option to remove and replace the fitting, for example to change between a bayonet fitting and a Edison screw fitting, the chance of compatibility between the adaptor and an available light bulb socket is increased.

Optionally, the adaptor further comprises at least one illuminating light source such as one or more LEDs.

The fitting of an adaptor to a light bulb socket necessitates the removal of the light bulb that previously occupied that socket. Therefore if a light source is still required, as well as a mobile device charging source, one or more LEDs may be fitted to the adaptor. The one or more LEDs may then provide a light source, replacing that of the removed light bulb.

The illuminating light source(s) may be provided around the sides of the adaptor.

Optionally, the adaptor further comprises a cover.

If the charging port is not in use, then a cover may be affixed to the body of the adaptor and placed over the charging port. The cover may provide the benefit of preventing dust or other detritus from potentially clogging and damaging the charging port while it is not in use.

Optionally, the cover comprises an illuminating light source such as one or more

LEDs.

By providing one or more LEDs, the cover allows the adaptor to make available a further light source and therefore a brighter light if required.

Optionally, the transformer is coupled with a power switching mechanism.

Use of a power switching components in the adaptor can allow for the adaptor to have a small form factor while still providing an appropriate output for charging a mobile device.

The invention also provides an illumination source comprising: a fitting operable to couple with a light bulb socket, a transformer, and a charging port.

Optionally, there is provided a machine-readable map, or machine readable instructions, configured to enable a 3D printer to manufacture the apparatus of any preceding claim.

Providing some format of configuration file for 3D printing the apparatus, or portions of the apparatus, allows for convenient manufacture and potentially more efficient provision of adaptor parts.

Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the adaptor;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the adaptor;

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of the adaptor; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the adaptor, complete with a cover; and Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of the adaptor; Specific Description

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment will now be described.

An adaptor 1 is provided for the charging of mobile devices. The adaptor 1 comprises a body 5. Affixed to the body is a fitting 15, allowing the adaptor 1 to couple to a light bulb socket.

The adaptor contains a transformer/rectifier of electrical current, typically configured for a 50 or 60Hz alternating current electrical input with a range of voltages typically between 100 Volts to 230 Volts. In an embodiment, the transformer/rectifier is configured to output a direct current of around 5 Volts having a maximum of around 20 Watts (or 4 Amperes). Other embodiments may vary the maximum amps output by the adaptor. The voltage output will remain broadly the same across embodiments, as USB standards require all USB chargers and connections provide the same output of around 5 volts of direct current. Typically, most modern mass-produced consumer bedside lamps and ceiling lamps are only rated to a maximum of 25 Watts so in an embodiment, so for the embodiment where the adapter outputs 20 Watts will be below the rated maximum output of the light socket and therefore has a margin of safety, while still having enough to charge a smartphone or tablet that draws, for example, 12W (i.e. substantially 5V and 2.4A) that reflects the maximum power requirements for current models of smartphone and tablet while also powering a dozen LEDs integrated into the adaptor with the remaining 8W/1.6A. It will be appreciated that sufficient illumination for tasks such as reading and/or allowing navigation of a room can be provided by this means.

In some embodiments, the transformer may be coupled to a power switching mechanism. A power switching mechanism converts alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) using a diode. The power switching mechanism then 'chops' the DC at a very high frequency into pulses before the voltage is lowered by the transformer. This high frequency 'chopping' allows for a physically smaller transformer to handle the same power, and therefore be enclosed within a smaller adaptor.

In an embodiment, the fitting 15 is designed to allow the adaptor to couple to an Edison screw ('ES') type light bulb socket fitting. ES fittings are produced in several different sizes and diameters, and so in other embodiments the adaptor 1 may be provided with a specific size fitting 15, or interchangeable fittings 15 allowing for the coupling of the adaptor 1 to a range of different light bulb sockets.

The body 5 also comprises a charging port 20 on an end face thereof opposite the fitting, which is operable to receive a charging cable 25, allowing the charging cable 25 to be connected to the adaptor 1. In this embodiment, the charging port 20 is a Female USB A-type port, allowing for a coupling with a Male USB-A type connector. USB-A connections are currently one of the most widely used connection methods between electronic devices. Almost all commercially available mobile device chargers are provided with a Male USB-A connection at one end, allowing said mobile devices to be charged from a Female USB-A port. The body 5 will also comprise a transformer (not pictured) in order to provide a suitable charging current through the charging cable 25, regardless of the input current or voltage from the light bulb socket.

The mobile device connected to the charging cable 25 may therefore be charged using the light bulb socket as a power source. However by fitting the adaptor 1 to a light bulb socket, there can no longer be a light bulb in that socket. Therefore if a light source is required, as well as a mobile device charging source, one or more light emitting diodes 10 ('LEDs') may optionally be fitted to the body 5, for example arranged around the side face of the body 5. The one or more LEDs 10 may then provide a light source if required.

Referring to Figure 3, a second embodiment will now be described.

In this embodiment, the body 5 comprises multiple charging ports 20, 30. The ports 20, 30 are provided adjacent each other on the end face of the body 5, preferably in a similar orientation or parallel to each other for ease of use. The adaptor may therefore be used to charge more than one mobile device at once. The charging ports 20, 30 may be any type of electrical device connection, for example any type of USB connection or other computer device connection capable of carrying power such as Firewire or HDMI connections.

Referring to Figure 4, a third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the adaptor 1 is equipped with a dome shaped cover 35. If the charging port 20 is not in use, then the cover 35 may be placed over the body. The cover 35 comprises one or more LEDs 40 arranged over the cover, providing a further light source and therefore a brighter light if required. The cover 35 also provides the further benefit of preventing dust or other detritus from potentially clogging and damaging the charging port 20 while it is not in use.

Referring to Figure 5, a fourth embodiment will now be described.

In this embodiment, the fitting 15, is designed to allow the adaptor to couple to a bayonet cap ('BC') type light bulb socket fitting. The BC fitting is widely used across a number of home lighting applications, and would therefore provide the adaptor with a large number of appliances that may be used to charge a mobile device.

A variety of different methods of manufacture may also be used. For example, any part of the adaptor 1 may be manufactured by way of '3D printing' whereby a three- dimensional model of the surface is supplied, in machine readable form, to a '3D printer' adapted to manufacture the housing or apparatus. This may be by additive means such as extrusion deposition, Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication (EBF), granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, or stereolithography or a combination thereof. The machine readable model comprises a spatial map of the object or pattern to be printed, typically in the form of a Cartesian coordinate system defining the object's or pattern's surfaces. This spatial map may comprise a computer file which may be provided in any one of a number of file conventions. One example of a file convention is a STL (STereoLithography) file which may be in the form of ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) or binary and specifies areas by way of triangulated surfaces with defined normals and vertices. An alternative file format is AMF (Additive Manufacturing File) which provides the facility to specify the material and texture of each surface as well as allowing for curved triangulated surfaces. The mapping of the surface may then be converted into instructions to be executed by 3D printer according to the printing method being used. This may comprise splitting the model into slices (for example, each slice corresponding to an x-y plane, with successive layers building the z dimension) and encoding each slice into a series of instructions. The instructions sent to the 3D printer may comprise Numerical Control (NC) or Computer NC (CNC) instructions, preferably in the form of G-code (also called RS-274), which comprises a series of instructions regarding how the 3D printer should act. The instructions vary depending on the type of 3D printer being used, but in the example of a moving printhead the instructions include: how the printhead should move, when / where to deposit material, the type of material to be deposited, and the flow rate of the deposited material.

The adaptor 1 as described herein may be embodied in one such machine readable model, for example a machine readable map or instructions, for example to enable a physical representation to be produced by 3D printing. This may be in the form of a software code mapping of the housing or surface and/or instructions to be supplied to a 3D printer (for example numerical code).

Any metallic parts, for example a circuit board on the transformer, may be formed by depositing a thin layer of the conducting material onto an insulating surface. Any metal wires or other components used may be formed by pulling the material through a series of synthetic diamond dies, hot or cold isostatic pressing, or closed die compaction. The body 5 would conventionally be made of plastic, but may be made of any substance with the required properties to keep the user safe and the adaptor 1 operational.

Any system feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An adaptor, comprising:

a fitting, operable to couple with a light bulb socket;

a transformer; and

a charging port.

2. An adaptor according to claim 1 wherein the fitting is in the form of an Edison screw and/or a bayonet cap and/or other light bulb socket fitting.

3. An adaptor according to any preceding claim wherein the charging port is operable to power and/or recharge a connected low-power device.

4. An adaptor according to any preceding claim wherein the low-power device is a mobile phone.

5. An adaptor according to any preceding claim wherein the charging port is a USB port.

6. An adaptor according to any preceding claim further comprising an additional one or more charging ports.

7. An adaptor according to any preceding claim wherein the fitting is operable to be removed and replaced with an alternative fitting.

8. An adaptor according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one illuminating light source, and/or one or more LEDs.

9. An adaptor according to any preceding claim further comprising a cover.

10. An adaptor according to any preceding claim wherein the cover comprises an illuminating light source and/or one or more LEDs.

1 1. An adaptor according to any preceding claim wherein the transformer is coupled with a power switching mechanism.

12. An adaptor according to any preceding claim, in which the charging port is opposite the fitting.

13. A machine readable map, or machine readable instructions, configured to enable a 3D printer to manufacture the apparatus of any preceding claim.

14. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described in relation to the Figures.

15. A method substantially as hereinbefore described in relation to the Figures.