Wireless-Powered Aquarium with Internal Induction Receiver

The problem

Standard aquariums require electrical cords for submersible pumps, air stones, heaters and lights to pass through the lid or a drilled hole in the glass. These openings compromise the seal, allow water to splash onto live electrical contacts, and create paths for moisture to travel along the wire insulation. Over time, salt spray or humidity can corrode connectors, and any fault in a cable submerged in water presents a shock hazard to both the keeper and the aquatic life. According to the patent, the objective is to provide a wireless power supply that produces a continuous and steady current while improving safety by eliminating physical electrical connections inside the tank.

The solution

1. An electromagnetic induction transmitter module (2) is placed on the outside of the aquarium (1), typically beneath the bottom panel. It contains a transmitting coil (21), a circuit board (22) and a power line (23) that connects to mains or a DC adapter.
2. An electromagnetic induction receiver module (3) is positioned on the inside of the aquarium, aligned directly opposite the transmitter. It holds a receiving coil (31) and its own circuit board (32), all enclosed in a sealed, flat housing.
3. When the transmitter is energized, the transmitting coil generates an alternating magnetic field that passes through the glass wall. The receiving coil picks up this field and induces a current, which the internal circuit board conditions into usable power.
4. A lighting module (4), an oxygen processing module (5) and a detection module (6) are wired to the receiver’s circuit board inside the tank. They draw all their operating power from the induced current, so no separate cord enters the water.
5. The bottom of the aquarium (1) features a surrounding support (11) whose height exceeds the thickness of the transmitter module, allowing the transmitter to sit flush underneath without raising the tank unevenly.

Who it is for

• Aquarium equipment brands looking to differentiate their product lines with cable-free tank designs that appeal to modern home décor buyers.
• Custom acrylic and glass tank fabricators who want to offer built-in wireless power as a premium option for reef or planted tanks where clean sightlines matter.
• Pet product distributors and Amazon sellers targeting hobbyists willing to pay more for safer, leak-proof enclosures with integrated electronics.
• Educational and public display facilities that maintain multiple small tanks and benefit from standardized, easily swappable wireless power pads instead of tangled cord clusters.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Place the transmitter - position the flat transmitter module (2) under the aquarium bottom, resting within the space created by the support rim (11). It can be detachably secured at the center or edge.
2. Align the receiver - the sealed receiver module (3) is already installed inside the tank, positioned so its receiving coil (31) faces the transmitting coil (21) through the glass.
3. Connect power - plug the power line (23) of the transmitter into a suitable AC adapter or DC source.
4. Induction begins - the transmitter circuit board (22) drives the transmitting coil (21) to produce an alternating electromagnetic field. This field crosses the glass barrier.
5. Power delivery - the receiving coil (31) converts the field back into electrical current. The receiver circuit board (32) regulates this current and supplies it to the lighting module (4), oxygen processing module (5) and detection module (6).
6. Operation - all internal devices run continuously without any physical wire penetrating the tank walls.

Applications

Home freshwater and planted tanks

Hobbyists setting up living-room aquariums often struggle with visible cords running down the back or over the rim. By placing the transmitter pad under the stand and sealing the receiver inside, the tank presents a clean, cord-free appearance. The integrated lighting and aeration modules handle basic needs without aftermarket clutter.

Marine reef micro-tanks

Small reef systems require intense lighting and constant water movement but have very limited space for cable glands. A wireless receiver module mounted on the inner bottom can drive compact LED arrays and small circulation drivers. Removing drilled holes also eliminates a common failure point where saltwater creeps along silicone seals.

Classroom and laboratory setups

Schools maintaining several small observation tanks benefit from standardized wireless bases. Students can lift a tank off its transmitter pad for cleaning without unplugging multiple waterproof connectors. The detection module provides basic monitoring data fed through the same internal power bus.

Retail and restaurant displays

Commercial venues use aquariums as decorative elements where exposed wiring looks unprofessional and poses a trip hazard. The flush-mounted transmitter hides entirely beneath the display counter, while the sealed receiver keeps all electrical components safely behind glass, away from customer contact.

Quarantine and hospital tanks

When treating sick fish, keepers frequently move livestock between bare-bottom quarantine tubs. A portable transmitter pad can be slid under different containers, powering a temporary receiver-equipped light and air module without needing dedicated outlets for each tub.

Where it is less suitable

• Large-volume commercial systems - high-wattage filtration heaters and large return pumps draw more power than typical near-field induction pads efficiently deliver; thick glass further reduces coupling.
• Tanks with metal frames or foil backgrounds - conductive materials between the coils block or absorb the magnetic field, preventing reliable power transfer.
• Budget entry-level kits - the added cost of dual coils, sealed receiver housings and custom PCBs makes this approach impractical for mass-market starter aquariums sold at low price points.