Date: 2010-06-02
Wireless energy applications find their way into office furniture.
Existing wireless charging technology is set to be incorporated in furniture design, as shown in this earlier Powermat design.
In collaboration with Powermat, Teknion has developed Teknion Powermat fx Accessories collection. This series of accessories provides mobility and freedom from power cords. Teknion Powermat accessories charge multiple devices using magnetic induction, a method of wireless energy transmission that has been used in a variety of applications.
Powermat makes wireless energy technology that enables surfaces such as desks and tabletops to power and charge electronic devices of all kinds directly through the furniture itself. The energy transfer process is compliant with EnergyStar standards and uses principles of magnetic induction.
The technology is intended to provide the individual power needs of every device that it makes contact with and provides power as needed when the device and the surface are near one another.
The system can power such devices as iPhones, iPods, Blackberry and mobile phones, GPS, handheld games and even laptop computers.
Office furniture connection
Powermat and Teknion have worked together to explore possible furniture applications, other than retail.
Ben Golombek, vice president of corporate manufacturing for Teknion, says the concept is important, and he sees an opportunity to take this functionality and adapt the product to their industry. Teknion earlier looked at incorporating the technology in the structure of the furniture itself, but decided to keep it "outside" because frequent advances in the technology may require the hardware to be replaced.
Golombek sees wider applications for the charging technology that could apply to any surface in residential furniture, hotels, airports and educational uses. It’s not limited to office furniture; it may even replace the traditional cord and charger.
Powermat has won several awards for this technology, and received the gold medal award for Technology Support at last year’s NeoCon. In cooperation with Teknion Corp. Powermat showed an assortment of wireless energy application for home and office applications. New products include a personal charger, edgemount, fx monument and a lamp that incorporates Powermat technology in the base.
Consumers can also buy several charging products to put on their desktop. A charging mat for home or office that can wirelessly charge up to three Powermat-enabled devices costs about $100.
Powermat is a collaborative effort produced by HoMedics Powermat North America, and is based in Commerce Township, Mich., near Detroit. For more information, see Powermat.
Updated: Dec 13, 2011
This article appeared in CabinetMaker+FDM, July 2010. ©Copyright 2012, All Rights Reserved.