wireless energy transfer
The transfer of power to a device over the air. Although the wireless transfer of electromagnetic energy in the form of audio, video and data is ubiquitous, the wireless transfer of electrical power is still some years away. Expected in the next decade, it will be a breakthrough achievement that would allow portable devices to be recharged without being plugged into a wall outlet or docked in a charging station.
From Across the Room
Some electric toothbrushes already employ an extremely mild form of wireless energy transfer because there is no metal contact between the toothbrush and charging base. Power is transferred through the plastic case using magnetic induction; however, the toothbrush must still be docked in the cradle. To make wireless energy transfer beneficial, signals must be transmitted across a room, enabling automatic charging of portable devices in the vicinity.
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| No Metal Contacts |
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| A first phase for wireless energy transfer, this electric toothbrush is inserted into its base station for recharging. Hardly an across-the-room transfer; nevertheless, power is obtained without any metal contacts touching. |