Wireless charging device with optical fiber illuminated visual indicator

Abstract

A wireless charging device and an aircraft structure including the device. The device or structure includes a support surface having a visual indicator embedded therein, the visual indicator configured to be illuminated by a charging assembly below to indicate a location on the support surface for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device. The wireless charging assembly also includes an inductive coil aligned below the visual indicator and a fiber optic panel optically coupled to an electrically powered light source. In use, visible light emitted by the fiber optic panel is transmitted through the visual indicator to illuminate the visual indicator to indicate to a user where to place the portable electronic device to be charged.

Description

Background Art

[0001] When traveling by air and other forms of transportation, passengers often interact with devices or other items. Personal electronic devices may be provided by the transportation company or may be brought on board by the passenger. Either way, the devices need a place to charge so that the passenger can continue to use them.

[0002] Data or power ports that undergo repeated insertion and removal of physical or wired connectors may degrade over time. In addition, having to locate and connect a wired connector to a power port may cause difficulty or inconvenience to passengers.

[0003] Wireless charging provides an alternative to wired charging, allowing users to simply place their device on top of a charging station to charge. Because wireless charging uses a coil to generate an electromagnetic field to charge the device, the device must be aligned over the center of the coil. In addition, no conductive material that could interfere with the electromagnetic field should be placed between the device and the coil in order for the wireless charger to function properly.

[0004] In a smaller, isolated wireless charging pad, the center of the coil is easily identifiable as the center point of the small charging pad itself. However, if the wireless charging coil is positioned beneath a larger surface, it can be difficult to determine where the central axis of the coil is located. For this reason, conventional solutions include a printed indication of the central axis of the coil on the charging device or place a sticker or other label thereon. One disadvantage of these solutions is that they do not indicate to the user whether the charging device is receiving power and / or is charging properly.

[0005] Other conventional solutions include providing an LED indicator that surrounds the coil or is positioned separately from the surface of the wireless charging device supporting the device to be charged so that the LED indicator does not interfere with the electromagnetic field of the coil. However, these solutions require additional components and dedicated wiring that may interfere with the charging ability of the device and be distracting or aesthetically unsatisfactory.

[0006] Therefore, a wireless charging device is desired that has a dynamic indicator that is not limited to the current size and position constraints due to inductive coils and that achieves aesthetically pleasing feedback. In this way, surfaces can be better integrated with inductive charging devices and can be configured to include complex, customized and / or aesthetically pleasing illuminated portions to highlight the technical capabilities of the structural environment or component. Summary of the invention

[0007] On the one hand, embodiments of the inventive aspects disclosed herein relate to a wireless charging component comprising a surface configured to have a visual indicator illuminated by visible light emitted from below the surface, an inductive coil disposed below the surface and having a center axially aligned with the visual indicator, and a fiber optic panel disposed between the inductive coil and the surface and configured to be illuminated to emit visible light, wherein light emitted by the fiber optic panel illuminates the visual indicator to indicate where to position a portable electronic device to be wirelessly charged.

[0008] In some embodiments, the visual indicator may include at least one hole formed through at least a portion of the surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the visual indicator may include at least one translucent or transparent inlay embedded in at least a portion of the surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one translucent or transparent plastic inlay may be acrylic.

[0011] In some embodiments, the visual indicator may be integrally formed in the surface, and the top of the visual indicator may be flush with the surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fiber optic faceplate may be a sheet having a thickness of less than about 0.1 cm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the surface may be part of a structure in an aircraft cabin environment.

[0014] In some embodiments, the assembly may further include an electrodynamic light generator optically coupled to the fiber optic faceplate and a controller operable to control the electrodynamic light generator.

[0015] In another aspect, embodiments of the inventive aspects disclosed herein relate to an aircraft structure assembly having personal electronic device charging capabilities, the assembly comprising an aircraft structure adapted to be positioned in an aircraft and having a surface and a wireless charging device indicator disposed within at least a portion of the surface, and a wireless charging device positioned within the structure directly below the wireless charging device indicator. The wireless charging device comprises an inductive coil and a fiber optic panel disposed between the inductive coil and the surface of the aircraft structure, the fiber optic panel being configured to emit visible light that passes through the wireless charging device indicator.

[0016] In some embodiments, the wireless charging device may further include a powered light source operable to illuminate the fiber optic panel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the powered light source may include a multi-color LED, and the powered light source may be controlled via a controller operable to power the assembly on or off and select the color of the visible light.

[0018] In some embodiments, the powered light source may be at least one of passenger controlled and crew controlled.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fiber optic panel and the wireless charging device indicator may be illuminated when the electric light source is powered.

[0020] In some embodiments, a surface of an aircraft structure may include an angled backrest for supporting a portable electronic device that is being charged on the surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the surface of the aircraft structure may be movable relative to the aircraft passenger seats.

[0022] On the other hand, embodiments of aspects of the invention disclosed herein relate to a component for an aircraft passenger seating environment, the component comprising a support surface positioned proximate the aircraft passenger seat, a visual indicator disposed in the support surface to indicate a wireless charging position for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device, an inductive coil disposed below the surface aligned with the visual indicator, a fiber optic panel disposed between the inductive coil and the surface, and an electrically powered light source operable to illuminate the fiber optic panel, wherein the fiber optic panel emits visible light when illuminated, the visible light illuminating the visual indicator to indicate the wireless charging position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a controller operable to control the powered light source to control at least one of power and color.

[0024] In some embodiments, the visual indicator is a translucent or transparent inlay embedded in the support surface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the support surface may be an element of one of an armrest, a table, a console, and an end bracket.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support surface other than the visual indicator may not be transparent or translucent.

[0027] Embodiments of the inventive concept may include one or more or any combination of the above aspects, features, and configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when considering the following detailed description. This description makes reference to the included drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which some features may be exaggerated and some features omitted or schematically represented for clarity. The same reference numerals in the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar elements, features, or functions. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a wireless charging assembly including a visual indicator within the environment of a premium aircraft passenger seat in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of a visual indicator for a wireless charging device integrated into a surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary wireless charging assembly including an inductive coil and a fiber optic panel for illuminating a visual indicator of a surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The inventive concept is described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments. However, the inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments described herein.

[0033] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the inventive concepts disclosed herein relate to a wireless charging assembly having a dynamic indicator on or within a charging surface that generally indicates a charging position (e.g., a central axis) of an electromagnetic coil of or within the wireless charging assembly. The wireless charging assembly may be integrally formed with and / or mountable under an aircraft passenger seat structure or other structure within an aircraft cabin environment.

[0034] The visual indicator of the wireless charging component can be arranged in the charging surface of the wireless charging component and / or displayed by or by the charging surface of the wireless charging component so that the visual indicator indicates at least one of the following: the presence of a wireless charger, the position of the wireless charger relative to the support surface, the wireless charging capability, where and how the device to be charged is positioned relative to the charging inductor, and the status of the wireless charging component. The status may include, but is not limited to, power, operation, mode, availability, charging level, etc. The mode may indicate the operating state of the charger, for example, based on the state of the device battery. For example, one displayed color may indicate that charging is in progress, while another different color may be used to indicate that charging is complete and the battery is full. Other visual indicators may include, but are not limited to, changing colors, transition colors between discrete states, steady and flashing lights, audio signals associated with visual signals, etc. For example, the visual indicator may emit a first color of visible light when the charger is powered on and ready, emit a second color of light different from the first color of light when the charger is powered on but faulty, and emit no light when the charger is powered off. The different colors of light indicate the status of the charger based on the battery status, with predetermined colors corresponding to discrete battery ranges or levels (e.g., red light indicates low charge, orange light indicates a charge level above a predetermined threshold level, and green light indicates a full charge), etc.

[0035] The visual indicator can be configured (e.g., shaped) to match the shape and design of any housing, enclosure, and / or support surface. For example, the color of light emitted from the visual indicator in the wireless charging assembly can be configured for a particular theme in an area where the wireless charging assembly is installed, such as a premium aircraft passenger suite. Additionally or alternatively, the visual indicator can be configured as a symbol and / or logo. Example signals may include a familiar lightning bolt or power logo that is generally recognizable indicating charging capability. The visual indicator can be a passive indicator, meaning that the visual indicator is ultimately optically coupled to a light source, but does not itself produce or generate visible light. The visual indicator is thus distinguished from an LED indicator. Being passive, the visual indicator is virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding support surface when the visual indicator is not illuminated.

[0036] When not powered, the wireless charging device does not emit light from the visual indicator to notify the user that the wireless charging device may not be used to charge its personal electronic device. Therefore, the wireless charging component may also include a switch (e.g., virtual or physical) that provides the user with the option of powering the wireless charging device. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless charging component may include a switch for turning on / off the light emitted from the visual indicator without turning off the power of the wireless charging device, so that the personal electronic device can be charged by the wireless charging device without emitting any light from the visual indicator of the wireless charging component. In addition, the wireless charging component may include a dimmer control for changing the brightness of the light emitted from the visual indicator of the wireless charging component. In some embodiments, the wireless charging component may include a color control for changing the color of the light emitted from the visual indicator of the wireless charging component. The wireless charging component may include a controller with wireless connection capability (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, RF) so that controls of one or more of power, light, brightness, color, etc. can be remotely operated. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless charging component may include controls, switches, or connectors for external controllers so that one or more of power, light, brightness, color, etc. can be operated.

[0037] Reference Figure 1, a non-limiting example of an advanced aircraft passenger seating arrangement as one of many possible exemplary environments for wireless charging components is generally shown at reference numeral 100. The wireless charging device may be largely hidden beneath a surface 104 of the structural environment, with a charging device indicator 102 visible and incorporated into the surface 104 of the environment 100. There may be multiple wireless charging devices with associated charging device indicators 102. For example, the charging device indicator 102 may be located on any surface of any aircraft structure. The aircraft structure with the wireless charging device may be located in a position that is conveniently accessible to a passenger seat 110 within the environment 100. Examples of aircraft structures include, but are not limited to, passenger seats, seat elements, furniture, end brackets, consoles, tables (fixed or deployable), armrests, ottomans, partitions, panels, fuselage walls, galleys, cabinets, storage compartments, and the like.

[0038] Figure 2 A detailed perspective view of a backlit indicator 102 for a wireless charging device integrated into a surface 104 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless charging component can be aesthetically integrated into the clean lines of a design space rather than prominently protruding in a disconnected manner. Figure 2 The panel visible in the figure may include controls associated with various operating aspects of the wireless charging device and components, such as, but not limited to, backlight color and brightness, power mode, etc.

[0039] Other passenger or vehicle environments may use a wireless charging assembly with a fiber optic backlit indicator. Additionally, the operating environment 100 in which the wireless charging device has a charging device indicator 102 is not limited to travel-related environments, but may be used in any space that has a dedicated surface for placing a personal electronic device.

[0040] Providing unobtrusive clean lines in a designed space without cords, clutter, protrusions, and separate charging devices can be very beneficial to the aesthetic appeal and organization of the area. This is especially beneficial in travel spaces where managing and keeping track of personal belongings in transit is necessary.

[0041] In addition to creating a pleasing visual appearance, the installation of wireless and / or inductive charging components also has many technical advantages. For example, wear and tear on power and / or data ports on personal electronic devices can be minimized so that personal electronic devices enjoy a longer service life. The addition and widespread adoption of wireless charging can enable personal electronic devices without any external ports, thereby increasing the opportunity for waterproof and / or more adaptable devices. In addition to reducing the material and wear costs of wireless charging components, surface-integrated inductive chargers can save users time without the hassle of plugging and unplugging wired connectors, and without having to purchase, search for, and replace wired charging components.

[0042] Despite Figure 1-2 , but the surface in which the wireless charging device is integrated may include a molded and / or removable surface for positioning, holding, supporting, cradling, etc., a personal electronic device for a user while also charging the personal electronic device. The charging surface may be a bi-folding component having a container with different surface treatments and / or engravings on one side for use with specific devices, consumables, or other items, and a flat and durable surface on the other side for adapting to a variety of tasks. The surface portion 104 may be equipped with a tilt mechanism for adjusting the direction in which the charging portion 102 faces. The tilt mechanism may have multiple available or infinitely adjustable determined angles. In addition, the surface portion 104 may be a bi-folding table having a first portion and a second portion that are pivotally connected so that the surface portion 104 can be unfolded for additional working surface area or even inductive coils of different sizes or power ratings. This is particularly advantageous for small or odd-shaped alcoves, where the available space for holding the wireless charging component is very limited, but a larger working surface area is required.

[0043] Additionally, the surface with integrated charging points can be equipped with a variety of surface features, including various inserts, shapes, sizes, and configurations, which are easily interchangeable to hold different items or devices. The surface parts, accessories, and other components of the wireless charging assembly can be made of durable lightweight materials, including but not limited to plastic and aluminum.

[0044] In addition to the benefits that users receive from the integrated wireless charging assembly, the modifiable features of the disclosed wireless charging assembly (e.g., surface contours, indicator designs, lighting options) facilitate installation into many different structures or structures, regardless of seating or environment size. Thus, the disclosed wireless charging assembly and device can be mass-produced as a modular accessory or mounting kit for any type of structure, structure, seating arrangement, table, desk, alcove, surface, interface, furniture, workbench, room, kiosk, suite, cockpit, platform, panel, base, cockpit, compartment, box, lectern, box, chassis, toilet, kitchen, bracket, passenger compartment, counter, etc.

[0045] Finally, if the occupant no longer desires or needs to use the charging portion 102 or other surface 104 of the structure, the charging surface can still be used for any other purpose. In addition, as confirmed by the visual indicator 102, the power supply for the integrated wireless charging device can be disconnected or turned off to ensure that the material or media being used on the charging portion of the surface 104 is not disturbed.

[0046] Figure 3is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary wireless charging assembly 120 including an inductive coil 106 and a fiber optic panel 108 for backlighting an indicator 102 on a surface portion 104 .

[0047] Conventional wireless charging devices require that there be no metal or conductive material between the inductive coil and the charging surface so as not to interfere with the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive coil. Interrupting the electromagnetic field disrupts the charging capability between the inductively coupled wireless charging device and the personal electronic device, thereby weakening the ability to induce voltage (i.e., charging) in the personal electronic device. As a result, standard lighting elements and the required wire connections between the lighting elements cannot be introduced between the primary coil of the wireless charger and the secondary coil of the personal electronic device. This requirement has hindered the way in which wireless charging devices or components can indicate a specific location where a personal electronic device to be charged is placed. Conventional wireless charging devices therefore fail to include a luminous and / or dynamic indicator of the location where the personal electronic device to be charged is placed. As such, since there can be no dynamic power status indicator in the area of ​​the primary inductive coil, it is difficult to provide a wireless charging device hidden under a large surface.

[0048] In order to solve these deficiencies, Figure 3 The wireless charging assembly 120 shown includes a fiber optic panel 108 that refracts, reflects, transmits, or otherwise emits visible light originating from a remote light source (e.g., away from the electromagnetic field generated by the primary inductor coil) in a bright and uniform manner. The fiber optic panel 108 can be a film including braided optical fibers or scintillating optical fibers. The fiber optic panel 108 can be surface treated, roughened, shaped, printed, etc. so that the translucent / transparent fiber optic panel 108 deflects light in seemingly all or predetermined directions to achieve the appearance of a uniform panel light source. The fiber optic panel 108 can include multiple fiber optic film layers and reflector layers, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, the fiber optic panel 108 can be thin enough so as not to interfere with or disrupt the inductive coupling between the wireless charging device and the personal electronic device. For example, the fiber optic panel 108 can have a uniform thickness of about 0.013 inches to about 0.1 inches.

[0050] The fiber optic panel 108 may include or be coupled to an optical connector assembly that functions as a light guide to provide light from a remote light source to the fiber optic panel 108. The optical connector assembly may convert a flat array of optical fibers or scintillating fibers (providing a uniform light supply along the edge of the fiber optic panel 108) into a compact cylindrical fiber bundle that may be twisted and / or positioned to connect back to a remote light source located outside the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive coil 106.

[0051] Finally, the wireless charging assembly 120 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) or control panel 112 for controlling the operation of the wireless charging assembly 120. The control panel 112 may include a communication module for receiving remote and / or wireless data communications such as command signals. The control panel 112 may include components such as a light source and / or connector, a power source and / or connector, controllers for the light source, the power source, etc.

[0052] The foregoing provides embodiments of the present inventive concept by way of example only. It is foreseeable that other embodiments may perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. For example, a wireless charging device may include a form of conductive charging. The appended claims are intended to cover any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples.

Claims

1. A wireless charging assembly, comprising: a surface including a visual indicator configured to be illuminated by visible light emitted from beneath the surface; an inductive coil disposed below the surface and having a center axially aligned with at least a portion of the visual indicator; as well as a fiber optic panel disposed between the inductive coil and the surface and configured to emit visible light; wherein light emitted by the fiber optic panel illuminates the visual indicator, Wherein, the fiber optic panel includes or is coupled to an optical connector assembly that acts as a light guide to provide light from a remote light source to the fiber optic panel, the remote light source being located outside the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive coil.

2. The wireless charging assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The visual indicator indicates a status of at least one of the wireless charging components and a battery level of a device being charged by the wireless charging component.

3. The wireless charging assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The visual indicator includes at least one hole formed through at least a portion of the surface.

4. The wireless charging assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The visual indicator includes at least one translucent or transparent inlay embedded in at least a portion of the surface.

5. The wireless charging assembly according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the translucent or transparent plastic inlays is acrylic.

6. The wireless charging assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The visual indicator is integrally formed in the surface, and a top of the visual indicator is flush with the surface.

7. The wireless charging assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The surface is part of a structure in the aircraft cabin environment.

8. The wireless charging assembly of claim 1, further comprising an electrodynamic light generator optically coupled to the fiber optic panel and a controller operable to control the electrodynamic light generator.

9. An aircraft structure assembly having the capability to charge a personal electronic device, comprising: an aircraft structure adapted to be positioned in an aircraft and having a surface and a wireless charging device indicator disposed within at least a portion of the surface; as well as A wireless charging device is positioned within the structure below the wireless charging device indicator and includes: Inductor coil, and a fiber optic panel disposed between the inductive coil and a surface of the aircraft structure, the fiber optic panel configured to emit visible light to illuminate the wireless charging device indicator to indicate a status of at least one of the wireless charging devices and a battery level of a device being charged by the wireless charging device, Wherein, the fiber optic panel includes or is coupled to an optical connector assembly that acts as a light guide to provide light from a remote light source to the fiber optic panel, the remote light source being located outside the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive coil.

10. The aircraft structure assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The wireless charging device also includes an electrically powered light source for illuminating the fiber optic panel.

11. The aircraft structure assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The powered light source includes a multi-color LED, wherein the powered light source is controlled via a controller operable to at least one of: powering the component on or off and selecting a color of the visible light.

12. The aircraft structure assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The electrically powered light source is at least one of passenger controlled and crew controlled.

13. The aircraft structure assembly according to claim 10, wherein: When the electric light source is powered, the fiber optic panel and the wireless charging device indicator are illuminated.

14. The aircraft structure assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The surface of the aircraft structure includes an angled backrest for supporting a portable electronic device that is charged on the surface.

15. The aircraft structure assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The surface of the aircraft structure is movable relative to the aircraft passenger seats.

16. An assembly for an aircraft passenger seating environment, comprising: a support surface positioned adjacent to an aircraft passenger seat; a visual indicator disposed in the support surface to correspond to a wireless charging position for wirelessly charging the portable electronic device; as well as Wireless charger, including: an inductive coil disposed below the surface in alignment with the visual indicator; a fiber optic panel disposed between the inductive coil and the surface; and an electrically powered light source operable to illuminate the fiber optic panel; wherein the fiber optic panel emits light to illuminate a visual indicator to indicate a status of at least one of the wireless chargers and a battery level of a device being charged by the wireless charger, Wherein, the fiber optic panel includes or is coupled to an optical connector assembly that acts as a light guide to provide light from a remote light source to the fiber optic panel, the remote light source being located outside the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive coil.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein: Also included is a controller operable to control the powered light source to control at least one of: a power source of the wireless charger and a color emitted by the powered light source.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein: The visual indicator is a translucent or transparent inlay embedded in the support surface.

19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein: The support surface is an element of one of an armrest, a table, a console, and an end bracket.

20. The assembly of claim 16, wherein: The support surface other than the visual indicator is not transparent or translucent.

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