Japanese specialty manufacturer of rubber and plastic automotive parts Toyoda Gosei Co, Ltd has developed an air conditioner register with LED illumination that uses wireless power transfer technology based on magnetic resonant coupling – the first such application in an automotive part.
Toyoda Gosei explained magnetic resonant coupling: Using the physical phenomenon of resonance, in which a vibrating system drives another system to oscillate at specific frequencies, the technology enables the transfer of electric power to a distant location by causing resonance in the frequency of the magnetic fields among resonant circuits.
The new vent register, used on the hybrid SUV model Lexus UX, has LED illumination to improve the night visibility of the knob that adjusts the direction and strength of air flow. With a conventional wired power supply, the wire harness could break from repeated manipulations of the knob and other problems could occur. These issues are avoided with the application of a wireless power transfer technology. A wireless system also allows for greater freedom of design. The new register also employs coupled mirrors within the lens of the LED light.