Charging system including orientation control

Abstract

A charging system for a peripheral device (such as a stylus) including orientation control. The charging system includes a charging circuitry and magnets. The magnets are configured such that when the peripheral device is in a first orientation relative to a mating surface, they attract the peripheral device to the mating surface such that the charging circuitry in the peripheral device portion is coupled to the charging circuitry in the charger portion. The magnets are configured such that when the peripheral device is in a second orientation relative to the mating surface, they also repel and rotate the peripheral device.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Computing devices that include a touch-sensitive display are typically configured to receive input from a peripheral device such as a stylus. A stylus may be configured to mimic the size, shape, and feel of a traditional writing device such as a pen or pencil, and is often referred to as a "pen". A stylus typically includes circuitry configured to allow the stylus to perform active functions by using direct contact with the touch-sensitive display to interact with the computing device. For example, a stylus may be configured to provide functionality that mimics writing with a traditional writing device and allow a user to make selections and / or manipulate features displayed on the touch-sensitive display. The circuitry may be powered by a rechargeable battery located within the stylus. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Various approaches for providing a charging system configured to charge a rechargeable battery in a peripheral device are described herein. For example, the charging system may be configured to force the peripheral device into a charging orientation relative to a charger portion of the charging system.

[0003] An example computing device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly, and a charger portion of a charging system. The hinge assembly includes a recessed charging tray and couples the first housing and the second housing such that the first housing is hinged relative to the second housing. The charger portion is located within the hinge assembly adjacent to the recessed charging tray. The charger portion includes a first charging circuit and a first dipole magnet. The charger portion is configured to wirelessly charge a peripheral device. The first dipole magnet is configured to interact with one or more magnets of the peripheral device such that when the peripheral device is in a first orientation, the first dipole magnet attracts the peripheral device toward the charging tray and positions a charging circuit of the peripheral device within a charging distance of the first charging circuit, and when the peripheral device is in a second orientation, the first dipole magnet causes the peripheral device to rotate toward the first orientation.

[0004] An example peripheral device includes an elongate housing, at least one dipole magnet, a charging coil, a charging controller, and a rechargeable battery. The at least one dipole magnet is located within the housing and is positioned laterally offset toward a first side of the housing relative to a longitudinal axis LS of the housing. The charging coil is configured to generate a current when inductively coupled to a charger portion of the charging system and is located within the housing and positioned laterally offset toward the first side of the housing. The charging controller is located within the housing and is electrically coupled to the charging coil and is configured to regulate or condition at least one of the current. The rechargeable battery is located within the housing and is electrically coupled to the charging coil and the charging controller.

[0005] The present invention content is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selected set of concepts that are further described in the detailed description below. The present invention content is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additionally, note that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the detailed description and / or other sections herein. These embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Based on the teachings contained herein, additional embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles involved and enable those skilled in the relevant art to implement and use the disclosed technology.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a computing system including a computing device, a peripheral device, and an example charging system according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a top view of a portion of a computing system including an example charging system according to one embodiment. Figure 1 according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line 3-3 of a portion of a charging system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a charging system according to one embodiment, illustrating a second orientation of a peripheral device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line 5-5 of a portion of a charging system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line 6-6 of a charging system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to detail A of a portion of a charging system according to one embodiment. Figure 6 according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing the use of a charging system according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figures 10 - 12 is a schematic diagram of an example charging system according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 13 and 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging system according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 15 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for manufacturing a computing system according to at least one embodiment.

[0018] The features and advantages of the disclosed technology will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify corresponding elements throughout the specification. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally indicate equivalent, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference numeral. Detailed Description

[0019] I. Introduction

[0020] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate example embodiments of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is defined by the appended claims. Thus, embodiments other than those shown in the drawings (such as modified versions of the illustrated embodiments) may still be covered by the invention.

[0021] References in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it should be understood that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the relevant art to implement the particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0022] II. Example Embodiments

[0023] The example embodiments described herein provide improvements to known charging systems. For example, the charging systems described herein provide orientation control such that a peripheral device is forced into an orientation that allows it to engage a charger portion. As a result, the user does not need to properly orient the peripheral device before engaging it with the charger portion, which simplifies the user experience. The example embodiments may also provide position control such that the peripheral device only needs to be roughly positioned by the user for charging, and the charging system pulls the peripheral device into a charging orientation and position defined relative to the charger portion.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 and 2, computing system 10 includes a computing device 11 and a peripheral device. The charging system described herein can be incorporated into the computing device 11 or into an accessory such as a docking station for a peripheral device. The computing device 11 can have any configuration, such as a tablet computer configuration or a laptop computer configuration. For example, the computing device 11 can be a tablet computer formed by a pair of articulated blades. The computing device 11 can include a keyboard blade 100 coupled to a display blade 101 via a hinge assembly 103, and the computing device 11 can be configured to include a charger portion 112 of the charging system 110 in any part of the computing device 11.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the keyboard blade 100 includes a keyboard housing 102 that supports any desired configuration or combination of input / output devices, houses circuitry, and defines any desired physical properties such as size and shape. For example, the keyboard housing 102 can support a keyboard 104, a mouse pad 106, and the charger portion 112 of the charging system 110. The keyboard housing 102 can be constructed of any one or more structural materials such as polymers, metals, or combinations thereof, and can be configured using surface treatments or surface materials (e.g., fabric) to alter the characteristics (e.g., texture, appearance, etc.) of the surface of the housing 102.

[0026] The display blade 101 includes a display housing 105 that supports the display 107. The display housing 105 can support any desired configuration or combination of devices such as the display 107 and / or one or more cameras, in-house circuitry, and includes a support 111 that can be used to hold the display 107 in a desired orientation relative to a support surface such as a table or desktop. The display housing 105 can define any desired physical properties such as size and shape.

[0027] The hinge assembly 103 couples the keyboard housing 102 and the display housing 105. The hinge assembly 103 is configured such that the keyboard housing 102 is articulated relative to the display housing 105. The hinge assembly 103 can form a multi-hinge region of the computing device 11 that is formed by a combination of one or more rigid regions and one or more flexible regions. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge assembly 103 includes a rigid region inserted between a pair of flexible regions. The rigid region can form a mid-ridge portion of the hinge assembly 103 that includes a charging tray 113.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral device is the elongate stylus 108, and the charging system 110 is configured to orient and charge the stylus 108 by orienting the stylus 108 relative to a mating surface 109 included on the housing 102 of the keyboard blade 100. The charging system 110 orients the stylus 108 by providing a mechanism that forms an attractive force (i.e., a gravitational force) that pulls the stylus 108 onto the mating surface 109. The charging system 110 includes a charger portion 112 and a peripheral device portion 114. Each of the charger portion 112 and the peripheral device portion 114 may include components configured to physically and electrically interact and provide a motive force to orient the stylus 108 relative to the mating surface 109 and to electrically couple the charging circuitry of the charger portion 112 with the charging circuitry of the peripheral device portion 114.

[0029] The mating surface 109 defines a charging tray 113. In some example embodiments, the mating surface 109 defines a recessed charging tray 113. In embodiments where the charging tray 113 is recessed, the tray may be shaped and sized such that the stylus 108 is fully or partially received within the charging tray 113, such that the charging tray 113 is configured to receive at least a portion of the stylus 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface 109 forms a recessed charging tray 113 that is shaped such that the stylus 108 is partially received within the recessed charging tray 113, such that a portion of the stylus 108 extends beyond the outermost edge of the charging tray 113, i.e., a portion of the stylus 108 protrudes from the charging tray 113. For example, the depth of a portion of the charging tray 113 may be less than the thickness of a portion of the stylus 108 adjacent to that portion of the charging tray 113.

[0030] As Figure 2As shown, the stylus 108 may include an elongated housing that encloses the components of the peripheral device portion 114 of the charging system 110. In an example embodiment, the elongated housing is generally pen-shaped, such that it includes a tip that may be formed by a tip insert, and a blunt rounded end. The stylus 108 may have a cross-sectional shape that provides multiple stable orientations when the side of the stylus 108 is rested on a support surface. In each stable orientation, the stylus is placed on a portion of the outer surface of the elongated housing that forms a stable adjacent region. The stable adjacent region forms a portion that provides a lower potential energy orientation of the stylus 108. In the lower potential energy orientation, the stylus 108 is oriented such that the stable adjacent region abuts the support surface, and the orientation of the stylus 108 is stable such that there is less tendency to slip or roll from that orientation. For example, the housing of the stylus 108 may have an oblong cross-sectional shape, such as the elliptical cross-sectional shape shown, such that the stylus 108 naturally has a tendency to be in one of a plurality of predetermined orientations. For example, due to the oblong cross-sectional shape, the stylus 108 is configured to naturally rest on a support surface (e.g., on the engagement surface 109), where the magnetic poles of the included magnets and the short axis of the ellipse are generally perpendicular to the support surface and aligned. As a result, if the user places the stylus 108 on the support surface in a configuration where the long axis of the elliptical cross-section is perpendicular to the support surface, the stylus will naturally attempt to roll to a more stable position. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may have a polygonal shape or another shape that may result in multiple known stable positions when the side of the stylus is rested on the support surface. For example, a polygonal cross-sectional shape results in multiple facets on the housing, and each of these facets forms a stable adjacent region. In another example, the cross-sectional shape of the housing may be non-uniform, such as a truncated circular cross-section that defines a facet.

[0031] Further, the stylus 108 may be adjusted such that the center of gravity of the stylus is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis LS, and such that the stylus 108 has a tendency to roll to a position where the center of gravity is closest to the support surface. In such an example of adjusting the center of gravity, the portion of the outer wall closest to the center of gravity will define the stable adjacent region. Further, the position of the dipole magnet may individually define the stable adjacent region. For example, and as will be described in more detail below, the included magnets of the charger portion 112 and the orientation of the corresponding magnets may facilitate the stylus 108 entering a charging orientation where an outer wall portion of the housing abuts the engagement surface 109. The magnetic attraction defines a portion of the housing that abuts the engagement surface 109 when the stylus 108 is in the charging orientation, and this portion of the housing defines the stable adjacent region.

[0032] The charging tray 113 can be adjusted in shape and size to be complementary to the shape and dimensions of the elongate housing of the stylus 108. The shape and size of the charging tray 113 can also be selected to limit the relative movement between the stylus 108 and the charging tray 113. In at least one example embodiment, the charging tray 113 is recessed and shaped to prevent substantial relative translation between the stylus 108 and the charging tray 113 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LS of the stylus 108 and the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray 113, i.e., to prevent substantial lateral movement of the stylus 108 within the charging tray 113. The charging tray 113 is also shaped and sized to allow the stylus 108 to rotate about the longitudinal axis LS of the stylus 108 when the stylus 108 is disposed within the recessed charging tray 113.

[0033] Reference Figures 3 - 5 , the charger portion 112 of the charging system 110 includes an orientation component and a charging component. The combination of the charger portion 112 and the charging tray 113 forms a charger for a peripheral device. For example, the orientation component can include at least one dipole magnet 316, and the charging component can include a charging circuit 518. In an example embodiment, the magnet 316 and the charging circuit 518 of the charger portion 112 are located within the keyboard housing 102 of the keyboard blade 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging tray 113 is an elongate recess, and the charger portion 112 includes a plurality of dipole magnets 316 spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray 113. The magnets 316 are positioned such that they are adjacent to a portion of the engagement surface 109, and this portion of the engagement surface 109 forms the innermost wall (i.e., the bottom 317) of the charging tray 113 that abuts the stylus 108 when the stylus 108 is disposed within the charging tray 113. The magnets 316 can be embedded within the wall of the charging tray 113. Additionally, the magnets 316 can be spaced apart from the cavity formed by the recessed charging tray 113 by the wall of the housing 102 and / or a cover layer 715 (such as a fabric cover). The magnets 316 are oriented with respect to the charging tray 113 in a selected predetermined orientation and position such that the magnets 316 are configured to interact with dipole magnets included within the peripheral device portion 114. For example, this interaction can be used to manipulate the orientation of the stylus 108 relative to the charger portion 112 and to keep the stylus 108 in abutment with the engagement surface 109 (such as within the charging tray 113).

[0034] The peripheral device portion 114 of the charging system 110 also includes an orientation component and a charging component. For example, the orientation component may include at least one dipole magnet 320, and the charging component may include a charging circuit 522. In an example embodiment, the magnet 320 and the charging circuit 522 are located in the housing of the stylus 108 such that they are encapsulated inside the stylus 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral device portion 114 includes a plurality of dipole magnets 320 that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis LS of the housing of the stylus 108. The magnets 320 are positioned to be laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis LS of the stylus 108 such that they are adjacent to the outer wall of the stylus 108. The magnets 320 are also oriented such that the magnetic field vector extending through the magnetic poles of each magnet 320 is substantially perpendicular to the outer wall of the adjacent portion of the housing. In an example embodiment, the magnets 320 are positioned adjacent to a portion of the outer wall of the stylus 108 that, when the stylus 108 is disposed in the charging tray 113 and in a charging orientation, is configured to abut a mating surface 109 in the charging tray 113. In the charging orientation, the charging circuit 522 in the peripheral device portion 114 is oriented such that the charging circuit 522 can be electrically coupled to the charging circuit 518 in the charger portion 112. The magnets 320 are oriented relative to the stylus 108 in a selected predetermined orientation and position such that the magnets 320 interact with the magnets 316 included in the charger portion 112 to manipulate the orientation and position of the stylus 108 relative to the charger portion 112. For example, the configuration of the magnets is selected such that the stylus 108 can be forced into a charging orientation. The configuration of the magnets can also be selected to pull the stylus 108 into the charging tray 113 and hold the stylus 108 in the charging tray 113.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 , the stylus 108 is illustrated as being in a charging orientation and disposed in the charging tray 113 such that a portion of the stylus 108 is received in the charging tray 113. In this configuration, the dipole magnets are oriented such that the dipole magnet 316 of the charger portion 112 is attracted by a magnetic force M1 to the dipole magnet 320 of the peripheral device portion 114. In at least one example embodiment, the strength and spacing of the dipole magnet 316 and the dipole magnet 320 can be selected to provide sufficient magnetic attraction such that the stylus 108 is magnetically held in the charging tray 113. Additionally, when the stylus 108 is magnetically held in the charging tray 113, the configuration of the magnets 316, 320 is selected such that the stylus 108 is held in a charging orientation and at a charging distance (i.e., a distance that allows the charging circuit 518 in the charger portion 112 to be electrically coupled to the charging circuit 522 in the peripheral device portion 114).

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the stylus 108 is oriented such that the south pole of the magnet 320 is closest to the north pole of the magnet 316. For example, the magnet 316 of the charger portion 112 is oriented such that the north pole of the magnet 316 is closer to the engagement surface 109 than the south pole of the magnet 316. Additionally, the magnet 320 of the peripheral device portion 114 is oriented such that when the stylus 108 is in the charging orientation, the south pole of the magnet 320 is closer to the engagement surface 109 and the north pole of the magnet 316 of the charger portion 112 than the north pole of the magnet 320. As a result, the magnets 316, 320 are configured to provide an attractive (i.e., guiding) magnetic force between the stylus 108 and the engagement surface 109.

[0037] The dimensions of the stylus 108 and the recessed charging tray 113 can be selected to provide a desired experience to the user, which can include ease of use. For example, the dimensions of the stylus 108 and the recessed charging tray 113 can be selected to simplify the actions required by the user to manipulate the stylus 108, such as inserting the stylus 108 into the charging tray 113 and into the charging orientation or removing the stylus 108 from the charging tray 113. In one example embodiment, when the stylus 108 is in the charging orientation, the thickness H1 of the stylus 108 can be greater than the depth H2 of the adjacent portion of the recessed charging tray 113 when measured in the same direction as the depth H2 of the adjacent portion of the charging tray 113. In this example, only a portion of the stylus 108 is received by the recessed charging tray 113, so a first portion of the stylus 108 is embedded in the charging tray 113, and a second portion of the stylus 108 extends beyond the embedded charging tray 113 and can be manipulated by the user. In an example embodiment, the depth H2 of the recess can be between about 25% and about 80% of the thickness H1 of the adjacent portion of the stylus 108, such that the stylus is only partially embedded in the charging tray. In an example embodiment, the depth H2 of the recess can be about 65% of the thickness H1 of the adjacent portion of the stylus 108. In other example embodiments, the depth H2 of the recess can be between 1.0 mm and about 8.0 mm, while the adjacent portion of the stylus 108 has a thickness H1 in the range between about 4.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. In an example embodiment, the depth H2 of the recess can be about 4.1 mm while the thickness H1 of the adjacent portion of the stylus 108 can be about 6.3 mm.

[0038] The dimensions at the ends of the recessed charging tray 113 can also be selected to provide a desired experience to the user. For example, the depth of the charging tray 113 at the ends of the charging tray 113 can be selected such that when the stylus 108 is translated in the direction of the longitudinal axis LS of the stylus 108, the tip and the rounded end abut the ends of the charging tray 113. The abutment between the stylus 108 and the ends of the charging tray 113 can be used to simplify removing the stylus 108 from the charging tray 113, as will be described below with reference toFigure 8 and 9 is discussed in more detail. In the example embodiment, the depth H2 of at least one end of the recess is greater than 1 / 2 of the thickness H1 of the stylus 108. In the example embodiment, both ends of the elongate recessed charging tray 113 may have a depth H2 that is greater than 1 / 2 of the thickness H1 of the stylus 108.

[0039] The depth of the recessed charging tray 113 may vary around the perimeter of the charging tray 113 to define a depth difference H3. In Figure 6 and 7 the example shown, at least one end of the charging tray 113 may have a greater depth than the sides of the charging tray 113. For example, the depth of at least one end of the recess may be greater than the depth at the elongate side of the recess by a depth difference H3 in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm. In the example embodiment, the depth difference H3 of at least one end of the recess is about 0.5 mm. In an additional embodiment, both ends of the elongate recess may have a depth difference H3 of about 0.5 mm.

[0040] During use, the user may insert the stylus 108 into the charging tray 113 in any rotational orientation, and the charging system 110 is configured to reorient the stylus 108 relative to the charging tray 113 as needed to rotate the stylus 108 into a charging orientation. Refer to Figure 4, the stylus 108 is shown in a rotational orientation that is different from the charging orientation, i.e., the stylus 108 is in an orientation where the stylus 108 rotates about the longitudinal axis LS of the stylus 108 and is different from the predetermined charging orientation. When the stylus 108 is oriented in the illustrated orientation, the north pole of the magnet 320 in the stylus 108 is placed near the north pole of the magnet 316 of the charger portion 112, rather than the south pole of the dipole magnet 320 being placed at the north pole of the magnet 316. As a result, a repulsive magnetic force M2 and a rotational magnetic force M3 are formed between the stylus 108 and the charging tray 113. The strength and position of the magnets 316 and 320, and / or the size of the charging tray 113 can be selected such that even when subjected to the repulsive magnetic force M2, the stylus 108 can still remain partially received by the charging tray 113. For example, the strength and position of the magnets 316 and 320 can be selected such that when the stylus 108 is inserted in a rotational orientation different from the charging orientation, the stylus 108 does not completely eject from the charging tray 113. In another example, the depth of the charging tray 113 or each part of the charging tray 113 can be selected such that the strength of the repulsive magnetic force M2 is not sufficient to completely eject the stylus 108 from the charging tray 113. The repulsive magnetic force M2 and the rotational magnetic force M3 act together to force the reorientation of the stylus 108 relative to the charging tray 113 into the charging orientation. After the stylus 108 is reoriented, an attractive magnetic force M1 is formed and pulls the stylus 108 into the recess of the charging tray 113 and into the charging distance, as Figure 3 shown.

[0041] It should be understood that the magnets 316, 320 can have any orientation that provides an attractive magnetic force M1 when the stylus 108 is in the charging orientation and provides a repulsive magnetic force M2 and a rotational magnetic force M3 when the stylus 108 is in an orientation different from the charging orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 316 of the charger portion 112 is oriented such that the north pole is closest to the engagement surface 109. Thus, the magnet 320 of the stylus is oriented such that the south pole of the magnet 320 is closest to the engagement surface 109 when the stylus is in the charging orientation. In another exemplary embodiment, the magnet 316 of the charger portion 112 can be oriented such that the south pole is closest to the engagement surface 109, and the corresponding magnet 320 of the stylus 108 is oriented such that when the stylus 108 is in the charging orientation, the north pole of the magnet 320 is oriented to be closest to the engagement surface 109. Additionally, the magnet 320 can be laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis LS of the stylus 108 to increase the attractive magnetic force M1 when the stylus 108 is in the charging orientation and / or to allow a smaller magnet 320 to be used in the stylus 108.

[0042] The charging orientation of the stylus 108 relative to the engagement surface 109 allows the stylus 108 to be charged. Refer to Figure 5, when the stylus 104 is oriented in a charging orientation and at a charging distance, the charging circuit 518 of the charger portion 112 is positioned such that the charging circuit 518 is electrically coupled to the charging circuit 522 of the peripheral device portion 114, so that the rechargeable battery of the stylus 108 can be charged. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging circuit 518 of the charger portion 112 and the charging circuit 522 of the peripheral device portion 114 are configured to provide inductive charging to the stylus 108, such that there is no need for electrical contacts that require direct physical contact between the charger portion 112 and the peripheral device portion 114.

[0043] The charging circuit 518 of the charger portion 112 includes a charging coil 524, a charging controller 526, and a power source 528. The charging coil 524 is arranged in the housing 102 to position the charging coil 524 near the engagement surface 109. The charging coil 524 is configured to be inductively coupled to another coil located within the charging distance of the charging coil 524. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging coil 524 is arranged adjacent to the engagement surface 109 but recessed from the engagement surface 109 such that it is not visible to the user. The charging controller 526 regulates the current generated by the power source 528 and directs the current through the charging coil 524.

[0044] The charging circuit 522 of the peripheral device portion 114 includes a charging coil 530, a charging controller 532, and a rechargeable battery 534. The charging coil 530 is positioned in the stylus 108 such that when the stylus 108 is in the recessed charging tray 113 and in a charging orientation, the charging coil 530 is closest to the engagement surface of the charging tray 113. When the charging coil 530 is within the charging distance of the charger, the charging coil 530 is configured to be inductively coupled to a charger such as the charger portion 112 including the charging coil 524. In an exemplary embodiment, it is laterally offset in a stable adjacent region towards the outer surface of the housing of the stylus 108. Additionally, the charging coil 530 is positioned in the stylus 108 such that when the stylus 108 is in the recessed charging tray 113 and in a charging orientation, the charging coil 530 is within the charging distance of the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112. The charging distance corresponds to the distance that allows the charging circuit 518 to be electrically coupled to the charging circuit 522, that is, the distance that allows the magnetic field generated by the charging coil 524 to generate a current in the charging coil 530, thereby inductively coupling the charging coil 524 and the charging coil 530.

[0045] In some embodiments, the size of the elongated housing of the stylus 108 limits the size of the charging coil 530 that can be included in the stylus 108. As the size of the stylus 108 is reduced, the size of the charging coil 530 that can be fitted within the stylus 108 is reduced, and the reduction in the size of the charging coil 530 can reduce the charging distance. Accordingly, a lateral offset positioning of the charging coil 530 can be used to reduce the distance between the charging coil 530 of the stylus 108 and the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 in at least one orientation of the stylus 108 relative to the charging tray 113 such that the stylus 108 can be charged even with a reduced charging distance. Accordingly, a lateral offset positioning of the charging coil 530 can be used to reduce the distance between the charging coil 530 of the stylus 108 and the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 in at least one orientation of the stylus 108 relative to the charging tray 113 such that the stylus 108 can be charged even with a reduced charging distance. For example, in a first orientation (i.e., the charging orientation), the lateral offset position of the charging coil 530 results in the charging coil 530 being within the charging distance of the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 such that the charging coil 530 can be inductively coupled to the charging coil 524. In a second orientation, the lateral offset position of the charging coil 530 results in the charging coil 530 being spaced apart from the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 by a distance greater than the charging distance.

[0046] A charging controller 532 is electrically coupled to the charging coil 524 and the rechargeable battery. The charging controller 532 is configured to regulate and / or adjust the current generated in the charging coil 530 by inductive coupling between the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 and the charging coil 530 of the peripheral device portion 114. The charging controller 532 also directs the generated current to the rechargeable battery 534 to charge the rechargeable battery 534. The stylus 108 and / or the charger portion 112 may also include an indicator electrically coupled to the charging circuitry that notifies a user when the stylus 108 is charging. For example, the indicator can be any feature that provides visual and / or audible feedback to the user, such as a visible light-emitting diode or an audible ring. Further, the indicator can have different configurations indicating a charging state, such as the amount of charging that has been completed. For example, a visual indicator can be configured to provide different colors, and an audible indicator can have different sounds associated with different charging states.

[0047] Reference Figure 6 and 7, the charger portion 112 includes a plurality of magnets 316, and the peripheral device portion 114 includes a plurality of complementary magnets 320. For example, the magnets 316 are arranged adjacent to the engagement surface in the charging tray 113, and the magnets 320 are arranged adjacent to the wall of the housing of the stylus 108. In an example embodiment, each of the magnets 316 and 320 is a permanent dipole magnet such that each magnet defines a north pole and a south pole. When the stylus 108 is in the charging orientation, the magnets 316 of the charger portion 112 and the magnets 320 of the peripheral device portion 114 have a common orientation. For example, the magnetic field vectors extending through the magnetic poles of the magnets 316, 320 are parallel and oriented in the same direction such that the magnets generate an attractive magnetic force M1. Alternatively, the dipole magnets are oriented such that the magnetic field vectors are oriented substantially perpendicular to the outer wall of the housing of the stylus 108 and the engagement surface 109 within the charging tray.

[0048] The magnets 316 of the charger portion 112 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray 113. In an example embodiment, the magnets 316 may be equidistant from the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray 113 and on opposite sides of the central normal axis C1 along the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray 113. The central normal axis C1 is an axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LT, which is substantially perpendicular to the engagement surface 109 at a position equidistant from the ends of the charging tray 113 and is substantially parallel to the magnetic field vectors of the magnets 316. In an example embodiment, the dipole magnets 316 are spaced from the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray 113 by a distance within the range of approximately 10.0 mm to approximately 30.0 mm. In an example embodiment, the magnets 316 are spaced from the central normal axis C1 by approximately 22.0 mm.

[0049] The charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 may be arranged in the central portion of the charging tray 113. In an example embodiment, the central normal axis C1 extends through a portion of the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112. For example, the charging coil 524 may be positioned such that it is centered along the longitudinal length of the charging tray 113, i.e., such that the central normal axis C1 extends through the center of the charging coil 524. The size of the charging coil 524 may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of overlap between the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 and the charging coil 530 of the peripheral device portion 114 when the stylus 108 is arranged in the charging tray 113, regardless of the relative longitudinal position of the stylus 108 in the charging tray 113. For example, the length L2 of the stylus 108 may be less than the length L1 of the charging tray 113, and the charging coils 524, 530 may be sized and positioned to provide inductive charging even when the stylus 108 is biased to one end or the other end of the charging tray 113.

[0050] The magnets 320 of the peripheral device portion 114 can be spaced apart from each other to complement the configuration of the magnets 316 of the charger portion 112. The magnets 320 can be arranged in the stylus 108 such that they are laterally (i.e., transversely) offset towards one side of the housing of the stylus 108 relative to the longitudinal axis LS. The magnets 320 can be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LS, and the magnets 320 can be spaced apart from the central radial axis C2 of the housing of the stylus 108. The central radial axis C2 is an axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LS such that it substantially radially passes through the outer wall of the housing of the stylus 108 at a position equidistant from the ends of the stylus 108 and is substantially parallel to the magnetic field vectors of the magnets 320. The central radial axis C2 generally also intersects the stable abutment region of the housing of the stylus 108. The spacing between the magnets 320 and the central radial axis C2 can be selected such that when the stylus 108 is placed in the charging tray 113, the magnets 316 of the charger portion 112 are at least partially aligned with the magnets 320 of the peripheral device portion 114 in the stylus 108.

[0051] In Figure 6 In the configuration shown, the magnets 316 of the charger portion 112 are aligned with the magnets 320 of the peripheral device portion 114 in the stylus 108. For example, the stylus 108 is located in the charging tray 113 such that the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray 113 coincides with the central radial axis C2 of the stylus 108, and the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray 113 coincides with the longitudinal axis LS of the stylus 108. In this configuration, each magnet 316 of the charger portion 112 is centered relative to the corresponding magnet 320 of the stylus 108. As a result, the magnets 316, 320 are positioned to provide maximum overlap when the stylus 108 is centered in the charging tray 113.

[0052] Magnets 316, 320 are configured to orient the stylus 108 relative to the charging tray 113 such that the stylus 108 is forced into an orientation that allows the rechargeable battery of the stylus 108 to be charged. Any number of magnets 316, 320 may be included in the respective charger portion 112 and peripheral device portion 114. The orientation of the dipole magnets (i.e., the orientation of the magnet poles) is the same for the magnets in each of the respective charger portion 112 and peripheral device portion 114 such that the relative position of the stylus 108 in the charging tray 113 can be controlled and restricted to positions where it can be charged. Specifically, including co-oriented dipole magnets can help avoid magnetic stabilities that include relative positions between the stylus 108 and the charging tray 113 where the charging circuit 518 of the charger portion 112 cannot be electrically coupled to the charging circuit 522 of the peripheral device portion 114, or where the stylus 108 is not properly positioned in the charging tray 113 for charging. Thus, in some example embodiments of the charging system 110, when the stylus 108 is oriented relative to the charging tray 113 in a charging orientation, the magnets 316, 320 have a co-orientation of north and south poles.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the dipole magnets may have different orientations for the magnets in each of the respective charger portion 112 and peripheral device portion 114, and the size and shape of the charging tray 113 or adjacent features may be selected to prevent magnetic stabilities that include relative positions between the stylus 108 and the charging tray 113 where the charging circuit 518 of the charger portion 112 cannot be electrically coupled to the charging circuit 522 of the peripheral device portion 114, or where the stylus 108 is not properly positioned in the charging tray 113 for charging. For example, the dipole magnets may be arranged in a Halbach array and a flux fountain configuration to increase the magnetic force generated by the magnet array. In each of those types of magnetic arrays, the magnets are arranged to have magnets with different orientations relative to the north and south poles. Including an array of magnets with different orientations in the charger portion 112 or peripheral device portion 114 can result in multiple magnetically stable configurations between the stylus 108 and the charging tray 113, but the size and shape of the charging tray 113 or adjacent features may be employed to limit those configurations that allow the stylus 108 to be charged and prevent any configuration that renders the stylus 108 non-chargeable.

[0054] The length L2 of the stylus 108 and the length L1 of the charging tray 113 may be selected to provide consistent charging of the stylus 108 (regardless of the position of the stylus 108 in the charging tray 113) and a desired user experience. In Figure 6In the illustrated example embodiments, the total length L2 of the stylus 108 is less than the total length L1 of the charging tray 113. In one example embodiment, the total length L2 of the stylus 108 and the total length L1 of the charging tray 113 are selected such that when the stylus 108 is centered within the charging tray 113 in the range between about 3.0 mm and about 10.0 mm, a nominal gap L3 is provided between the housing of the stylus 108 and the recessed charging tray 113 at both ends. In the example embodiment, the nominal gap L3 is about 4.2 mm. In another example embodiment, the nominal gap L3 is about 4.9 mm. The lengths can be selected relative to the desired overlap of the charging coils to ensure charging of the stylus 108 regardless of whether the stylus 108 is biased towards one end or the other within the charging tray 113, i.e., such that the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 and the charging coil 530 of the peripheral device portion 114 overlap regardless of the position of the stylus 108 within the charging tray 113. In one example embodiment, the total length L1 of the charging tray 113 is about 145.0 mm while the total length L2 of the stylus 108 is about 137.0 mm. The lengths can also be selected such that during removal, the total gap size (i.e., twice the nominal gap L3) formed when the position of the stylus 108 is offset towards one end of the charging tray 113 is large enough to allow the user to insert a finger at least partially into the gap to manipulate the end of the stylus 108. In another example embodiment, the total length L2 of the housing of the stylus 108 and the total length L1 of the recessed charging tray 113 are selected such that the total length L2 of the stylus 108 is less than the total length L1 of the charging tray 113 by a distance between about 5.0 mm and about 20.0 mm to provide the desired nominal gap L3 and total gap.

[0055] The end of the charging tray 113 can be configured to interact with the tip 636 (which can be formed by a tip insert 638) and the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 during removal of the stylus 108 from the charging tray 113. For example, the height of the end surface of the tray can be selected such that when the stylus 108 is located in the charging tray 113, the tip 636 or the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 abuts the end surface, biasing the stylus 108 towards one end of the charging tray 113. In one example, the relative height H4 between the end surface of the charging tray 113 and the tip 636 of the stylus 108 is selected such that when the stylus 108 is positioned with its tip 636 biased adjacent to one end of the tray, the tip 636 contacts the end surface of the charging tray 113. For example, the relative height H4 defines the height difference of the tip 636 relative to the height of the end surface of the charging tray 113, where the height of the end of the charging tray 113 is greater than the height of the tip 636, such that the tip 636 can contact the end surface of the charging tray 113. In an example embodiment, the height difference H4 is at least 1.0 mm. In an example embodiment, the height difference H4 is at least 1.45 mm.

[0056] The end of the charging tray 113 can also be shaped to interact with the tip 636 and / or the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108. For example, the surface angle θ of the tangent T of the end surface of the charging tray 113 can be selected to prevent the stylus 108 from sliding on the end surface and lifting out of the charging tray 113 at the end when the user pushes the stylus 108 towards the end surface. For example, the surface angle θ of the tangent T of the end surface of the charging tray 113 (where the tangent T is at the contact point CP between the stylus 108 and the end surface of the charging tray 113) can be selected to prevent the stylus 108 from sliding on the end surface. The surface angle θ is measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis LT and the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray 113. For example, if the position of the stylus 108 is biased towards the end surface, the surface angle θ can be defined at the position where the tip 636 will contact the end surface of the charging tray 113. In an example embodiment, the surface angle θ can be in the range of approximately + / - 10°, where a positive angle indicates a tapered surface that causes the charging tray 113 to narrow deeper in the recess, and a negative angle indicates an undercut. In an example embodiment, the surface angle θ is in the range between approximately 5° and approximately 10°.

[0057] The number, size, and material of magnets 316, 320 can be selected to provide a desired magnetic force between charger section 112 and peripheral device section 114. In an example embodiment, each magnet 316 of charger section 112 can have a length L5 in the range between about 5.0 mm and about 20.0 mm. Each magnet 320 of peripheral device section 114 can have a length L6 also in the range between about 5.0 mm and about 20.0 mm. In some example embodiments, the length L5 of each magnet 316 is the same as the length L6 of each magnet 320. In an example embodiment, magnets 316 and 320 can have a length of about 16.0 mm. Alternatively, magnet 316 and magnet 320 can have different lengths.

[0058] In other example embodiments, a single dipole magnet can be included in each of charger section 112 and peripheral device section 114. In at least one example embodiment, the magnets can be centered in each of charger section 112 and peripheral device section 114 such that they are adjacent to charging coils 524 and 530. In an example embodiment, the magnets can be centered relative to charging coils 524 and 530, while the corresponding single dipole magnets are centered in each of stylus 108 and charging tray 113.

[0059] In all embodiments described herein, magnets such as magnets 316, 320 can be made of any permanent magnet material. For example, the magnets can be rare earth magnets such as neodymium-iron-boron magnets or samarium-cobalt magnets.

[0060] The charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 and the charging coil 530 of the peripheral device portion 114 are shaped and positioned such that they overlap and provide inductive coupling between the charger portion 112 and the peripheral device portion 114. For example, the charging coils 524, 530 are shaped and positioned to charge the stylus 108 regardless of the position of the stylus 108 in the charging tray 113 (i.e., whether the stylus 108 is longitudinally centered in the charging tray 113 or offset towards one end or the other end of the charging tray 113). The charging coils 524, 530 can also be shaped and positioned to charge the stylus 108 regardless of the orientation of the stylus 108 in the charging tray 113 (i.e., whether the tip 636 of the stylus 108 points to the first end or the second end of the charging tray 113). The charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 can have the same length L7 as the length L8 of the charging coil 530 of the peripheral device portion 114. In some embodiments, the length L7 of the charging coil 524 of the charger portion 112 is different from the length L8 of the peripheral device portion 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging coils 524, 530 have lengths L7, L8 in the range between approximately 10.0 mm and approximately 30.0 mm. Additionally, the coils 524, 530 can be aligned such that when the stylus 108 is longitudinally centered in the charging tray 113, the central axis of the coils coincides and aligns with the central normal axis C1 of the tray 113; when the stylus 108 is fully offset towards either end of the charging tray 113, the amount of overlap between the coils 524, 530 is the same, so that the stylus 108 is offset towards one end of the charging tray 113 as much as possible.

[0061] Reference Figure 8 and 9 , a method of removing the stylus 108 from the charging tray 113 will be described. When the user desires to remove the stylus 108 from the charging tray 113, the user pushes the stylus 108 towards one end of the charging tray 113. For example, the user can use a finger placed on the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 to slide the stylus 108 within the charging tray 113 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray 113 such that the tip 636 moves towards the end of the charging tray 113. As Figure 8 shown, the stylus 108 can be pushed by longitudinally pushing the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 such that the tip 636 of the stylus 108 abuts the end surface at the first end of the charging tray 113. When the stylus 108 slides further towards the end surface of the charging tray 113, the gap 840 between the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 and the second end of the charging tray 113 widens, and the user's movement of the stylus 108 can be better controlled. For example, the widened gap 840 can allow for more contact between the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 and the user's finger to allow the user to more easily manipulate the stylus 108.

[0062] As described above, the total length L1 of the charging tray 113 and the total length L2 of the stylus 108 can be selected to provide a desired nominal gap having a length L3. In Figure 8 the configuration shown, the gap 840 is maximized such that it is equal to the total gap, which has a length L9 that is twice the length corresponding to the nominal gap (i.e., 2 times the nominal gap). For example, the length L9 of the gap 840 can be selected to be large enough for the size of the user's finger. In an example embodiment, the length L9 can be in the range of between approximately 5.0 mm and approximately 20.0 mm. In an example embodiment, the length L9 can be in the range of between approximately 7.0 mm and approximately 10.0 mm. In an example embodiment, the length L9 is approximately 8.2 mm. In another example embodiment, the nominal gap is approximately 9.0 mm.

[0063] Referring Figure 9 to, after the stylus 108 is pushed against the end of the charging tray 113 and the tip 636 is adjacent to the end surface of the charging tray 113, the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 adjacent to the gap 840 can be lifted. For example, the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 can be lifted, and lifting the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 causes the stylus 108 to tilt, and the rounded end 637 is lifted away from the engagement surface 109. The tip 636 of the stylus 108 and the end surface of the charging tray 113 are configured such that the tip 636 remains in contact with the charging tray 113 while the rounded end 637 is lifted. For example, the surface angle θ of the end surface of the charging tray 113 is configured to prevent the tip 636 from sliding upward along the end surface of the charging tray 113 when the user pushes the stylus 108 against the end of the charging tray 113. After lifting the rounded end 637 away from the engagement surface 109 and removing it from the charging tray 113, the stylus 108 can then be grasped by the user and completely removed from the charging tray 113. When the stylus 108 tilts out of the charging tray 113, the distance between the charger portion 112 and the peripheral device portion 114 increases until the attractive force M1 between the magnets 316 and 320 is overcome. It should be understood that the user can perform this process by manipulating and lifting the tip 636 of the stylus 108 and pushing the rounded end 637 of the stylus 108 into one end of the charging tray 113.

[0064] Referring Figures 10 - 12, an example embodiment of a charging system 1010 will be described. The charging system 1010 includes magnets 1016, 1020 configured to provide different magnitudes of attractive magnetic force M1 based on the position of the stylus 1008 in the charging tray 1013. For example, the magnets 1016, 1020 can be configured such that when the stylus 1008 is pushed towards one end of the charging tray 1013 during removal, the magnitude of the attractive magnetic force M1 between the magnets closest to the end elevated from the engagement surface and disengaging from the charging tray 1013 is less than the magnitude of the attractive magnetic force M1 between the magnets furthest from the elevated end. As shown, when the stylus 1008 is centered in the charging tray 1013, the magnet 1016 of the charger portion 1012 is only partially aligned with the magnet 1020 of the peripheral device portion 1014 in the stylus 1008.

[0065] The charging system 1010 includes a charger portion 1012 and a peripheral device portion 1014. The charger portion 1012 includes an engagement surface 1009 defining a recessed charging tray 1013, a plurality of magnets 1016, and a charging coil 1024. The peripheral device portion 1014 includes a plurality of magnets 1020 and a charging coil 1030. Similar to the previous embodiments, the charger portion 1012 can be disposed in the housing of a computing device (such as in the blade of a tablet computer), and the peripheral device portion 1014 can be disposed in the housing of a peripheral device (such as the stylus 1008).

[0066] In the charging system 1010, the magnet 1016 of the charger portion 1012 is spaced apart from the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray 1013 by a distance L10. The magnet 1020 of the peripheral device portion 1014 is spaced apart from the central radial axis C2 of the stylus 1008 by a distance L11. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance L10 is different from the distance L11. In an example embodiment, the distance L10 is greater than L11.

[0067] The distances L10 and L11 are selected such that the overlap between a corresponding pair of magnets 1016 and magnet 1020 has different predetermined distances depending on the position of the stylus 1008 within the charging tray 1013. For example, when the stylus 1008 is located at different positions within the charging tray 1013, the overlap has different distances. For example, when the stylus 1008 is longitudinally centered in the charging tray 1013, each magnet 1016 overlaps with the corresponding magnet 1020 by a distance X1, which is selected to provide sufficient attractive magnetic force to hold the stylus 1008 in the charging tray 1013. Additionally, when the stylus 1008 is longitudinally centered in the charging tray 1013, the coils 1024, 1030 overlap such that the coils 1024, 1030 are inductively coupled and provide charging for the stylus 1008.

[0068] The overlap between magnets 1016, 1020 and between coils 1024, 1030 is selected such that the orientation, charging, and retention of stylus 1008 are maintained regardless of the position of stylus 1008 within charging tray 1013. The overlap between magnets 1016, 1020 and between coils 1024, 1030 is also selected such that the orientation, charging, and retention of charging system 1010 are maintained regardless of the direction in which stylus 1008 is pointed within charging tray 1013 (i.e., regardless of whether the tip 1036 of stylus 1008 faces the first end or the second end of charging tray 1013). Additionally, when stylus 1008 is longitudinally offset relative to charging tray 1013 and stylus 1008 remains sufficiently retained within charging tray 1013, the configuration of magnets 1016, 1020 provides a reduced attractive magnetic force M1 at one end of stylus 1008 relative to charging tray 1013.

[0069] As Figure 11 shown, stylus 1008 can be positioned such that it is offset towards one end of charging tray 1013. For example, stylus 1008 can be positioned such that the tip 1036 of stylus 1008 is adjacent to the first end of charging tray 1013. In this configuration, the overlap of magnets 1016 and 1020 located near the second end of charging tray 1013 and the round end 1037 of stylus 1008 defines a reduced overlap compared to the configuration in which stylus 1008 is centered within charging tray 1013 (as Figure 10 shown). As a result, the attractive force between magnets 1016 and 1020 near the second end of charging tray 1013 and the round end 1037 of stylus 1008 is reduced. Additionally, the total length of stylus 1008, the total length of tray 1013, and the size and position of charging coils 1024 and 1030 are selected such that coils 1024 and 1030 can be inductively coupled to provide charging of the battery of stylus 1008.

[0070] As Figure 12 shown, stylus 1008 is offset relative to charging tray 1013 and is pointed such that the tip 1036 of stylus 1008 is adjacent to the second end of charging tray 1013 (i.e., in a direction opposite to that shown in Figure 11 . In this configuration, the overlap of magnets 1016 and 1020 located near the first end of charging tray 1013 and the round end 1037 of stylus 1008 defines a reduced overlap compared to the configuration in which stylus 1008 is centered within charging tray 1013 (as Figure 10As shown). As a result, the attractive magnetic force M1 between the magnets 1016 and 1020 near the first end of the charging tray 1013 and the round end 1037 of the stylus 1008 is reduced. In addition, the total length of the stylus 1008, the total length of the charging tray 1013, and the size and position of the charging coils 1024 and 1030 are selected such that the coils 1024 and 1030 can be inductively coupled to provide charging of the battery of the stylus 1008 in any configuration. It should be understood that if the user chooses to manipulate and lift the tip 1036 of the stylus 1008 rather than the round end 1037 of the stylus 1008, a reduction in overlap occurs between the magnets 1016 and 1020 arranged near the tip 1036. For example, regardless of which end of the stylus 1008 the user chooses to lift from the charging tray 1013, the overlap between the magnets 1016 and 1020 closest to the lifted end is reduced, thereby reducing the attractive force M1 closest to the lifted end.

[0071] Reference Figure 13 and 14 , another exemplary embodiment of a charging system 1310 including magnets 1316 and 1320 having another exemplary configuration will be described. For example, this configuration can utilize magnets 1316 and 1320 of different lengths to provide different attractive magnetic forces M1 in different configurations of the stylus 1308 relative to the charging tray 1313. The magnetic configuration can be used to provide different attractive magnetic forces M1 during removal of the stylus 1308 from the charging tray 1313 compared to when the stylus 1308 is centered in the charging tray 1313. The magnetic configuration can be selected such that the process of removing the stylus 1308 from the charging tray 1313 is simplified, and the orientation, charging, and retention of the stylus 1308 can still be maintained regardless of the position and orientation of the stylus 1308 in the charging tray 1313. The charging system 1310 includes a charger portion 1312 and a peripheral portion 1314. The charger portion 1312 includes a mating surface 1309 that defines a charging tray 1313, a plurality of magnets 1316, and a charging coil 1324. The peripheral portion 1314 includes a plurality of magnets 1320 and a charging coil 1330. Similar to the previous embodiments, the charger portion 1312 can be disposed in the housing of a computing device (such as in the blade of a tablet computer), and the peripheral portion 1314 can be disposed in the housing of a peripheral device (such as the stylus 1308).

[0072] As Figure 13Illustratively, when the stylus 1308 is centered in the charging tray 1313, the magnet 1316 of the charger portion 1312 is only partially aligned with the magnet 1320 of the peripheral device portion 1314 in the stylus 1308. In the charging system 1310, the magnet 1316 of the charger portion 1312 is sized to overlap with the magnet 1320 of the peripheral device portion 1314. The overlap varies depending on the position of the stylus 1308 in the charging tray 1313. As Figure 13 shown, when the stylus 1308 is positioned such that it is longitudinally centered in the charging tray 1313, the overlap has a distance X1. The distance X1 is selected to provide sufficient attractive magnetic force to retain the stylus 1308 in the charging tray 1313. Additionally, in this position, the coils 1324 and 1330 overlap to inductively couple the stylus 1308 and the charging tray 1313. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet 1316 of the charger portion 1312 has a length of approximately 10.0 mm, and the magnet 1320 of the peripheral device portion 1314 has a length of approximately 16.0 mm.

[0073] Regardless of how the stylus 1308 is offset in the charging tray 1313 and regardless of the orientation in which the stylus 1308 is pointed within the charging tray 1313, the orientation, charging, and retention of the charging system 1310 are maintained. Additionally, when the stylus 1308 is longitudinally offset relative to the charging tray 1313, the configuration of the magnets 1316 and 1320 provides a reduction in the magnetic attraction force of one end of the stylus 1308 relative to the charging tray 1313. This reduction can be used to simplify the removal process by making it easier for the user to lift that end of the stylus.

[0074] As Figure 14 shown, the stylus 1308 is offset relative to the charging tray 1313 and is pointed such that the tip 1336 of the stylus 1308 is adjacent to the first end of the charging tray 1313. In this configuration, the overlap of the magnets 1320 and 1313 located near the second end of the charging tray 1316 and the round end 1337 of the stylus 1313 has a distance X2, which is reduced compared to the distance X1 of the configuration in which the stylus 1308 is centered in the charging tray 1313. As a result, the attractive magnetic force M1 between the magnets 1316 and 1320 near the second end of the charging tray 1313 and the round end 1337 of the stylus 1308 is reduced. Additionally, the total length of the stylus 1308, the total length of the charging tray 1313, and the size and position of the charging coils 1324 and 1330 are selected such that the coils 1324 and 1330 can inductively couple to provide charging of the battery of the stylus 1308.

[0075] Figure 15FIG. 1500 is a flow chart depicting an example method for including a charging system in a computing system according to at least one embodiment. For example, the method of the flow Figure 15 can be used to configure Figures 1 - 14 various embodiments. Based on the discussion of FIG. 1500, embodiments of other structures and operations will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts.

[0076] As Figure 15 shown, the method of FIG. 1500 begins at step 1502. In step 1502, a computing device having a housing is provided. The computing device can be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or any other computing device having a housing. In at least one embodiment, the computing device includes a housing 102 that is part of a keyboard blade 100 that forms part of a tablet computer. The housing 102 can include a mating surface 109 that defines an elongated recessed charging tray 113.

[0077] In step 1504, a charger portion of the charging system is provided. In at least one embodiment, the charger portion 112 includes an alignment component and a charging component. For example, the alignment component can include at least one dipole magnet 316, and the charging component can include a charging circuit 518. The charging circuit 518 of the charger portion 112 can include a charging coil 524, a charging controller 526, and a power source 528.

[0078] In step 1506, the charger portion is installed in the recessed charging tray of the housing of the computing device. In at least one embodiment, the charger portion 112 is installed in the recessed charging tray 113 so that a plurality of magnets 316 are placed such that they are adjacent to a portion of the mating surface 109. Additionally, the charging coil 524 of the charger portion is configured to be adjacent to the mating surface 109.

[0079] In step 1508, a peripheral device having a housing with a length selected relative to the charging tray is provided. The peripheral device can be a stylus 108. In at least one embodiment, the stylus 108 is elongated and includes an elongated housing. The total length L2 of the housing of the stylus 108 and the total length L1 of the recessed charging tray 113 can be selected such that the total length L2 of the stylus 108 is smaller than the total length L1 of the charging tray 113 by a distance between approximately 5.0 mm and approximately 20.0 mm.

[0080] In step 1510, a peripheral device portion of the charging system is provided. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral device portion 114 also includes an alignment component and a charging component. For example, the alignment component can include at least one dipole magnet 320, and the charging component can include a charging circuit 522.

[0081] In step 1512, the peripheral device portion is installed in the peripheral device housing. In an example embodiment, the stylus 108 includes an elongated housing that encloses the components of the peripheral device portion 114 of the charging system 110.

[0082] In some embodiments of the method, the first charging circuit includes a first charging coil and the second charging circuit includes a second charging coil, the housing of the peripheral device defines a tip and a rounded end, and the second coil is longitudinally centered between the tip and the rounded end.

[0083] In some embodiments of the method, the housing of the peripheral device defines a tip and a rounded end, the relative height defined by the difference between the tip height and the end surface height of the recessed charging tray is at least 1.0 mm, and the height of the end surface of the charging tray is greater than the height of the tip.

[0084] In some embodiments of the method, at least one end surface of the recessed charging tray defines a surface angle θ in the range of about 5° to about 10°, the surface angle θ is measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and the central normal axis C1, and the central normal axis C1 is an axis that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LT of the recessed charging tray and is substantially perpendicular to the mating surface at a position equidistant from the ends of the recessed charging tray.

[0085] III. Further Discussion of Some Example Embodiments

[0086] (A1) The computing device (e.g., Figure 1 , 11) includes a first housing (e.g., Figure 1 , 102), a second housing (e.g., Figure 1 , 105), a hinge assembly, and a charger portion of the charging system. The hinge assembly (e.g., Figure 1 , 103) includes a recessed charging tray (e.g., Figure 1 , 113), and couples the first housing and the second housing such that the first housing is hinged relative to the second housing. The charger portion (e.g., Figure 1 , 112) is located within the hinge assembly adjacent to the recessed charging tray. The charger portion includes a first charging circuit (e.g., Figure 5 , 518) and a first dipole magnet (e.g., Figure 3 , 316). The charger portion is configured to wirelessly charge a peripheral device (e.g., Figure 1 , 108). The first dipole magnet is configured to interact with one or more magnets of the peripheral device (e.g., Figure 3, 320) interact such that when the peripheral device is in the first orientation, the first dipole magnet attracts the peripheral device towards the charging tray and positions the charging circuit of the peripheral device within the charging distance of the first charging circuit, and when the peripheral device is in the second orientation, the first dipole magnet causes the peripheral device to rotate towards the first orientation.

[0087] (A2) In the computing device of A1, wherein the first charging circuit is configured such that: when the peripheral device is in the first orientation, the first side of the peripheral device faces the bottom of the charging tray (e.g., Figure 3 , 317) to position the charging circuit of the peripheral device within the charging distance of the first charging circuit, and when the peripheral device is in the second orientation, the second side of the peripheral device faces the bottom of the charging tray and the first side does not face the bottom of the charging tray, so that the distance between the charging circuit of the peripheral device and the first charging circuit is greater than the charging distance.

[0088] (A3) In the computing device of A1 - A2, wherein the first dipole magnet is configured to interact with one or more magnets of the peripheral device such that the peripheral device rotates towards the first orientation together with the gravitational force that pulls the peripheral device into the charging tray.

[0089] (A4) In the computing device of A1 - A3, wherein the first housing supports the keyboard (e.g., Figure 1 , 104), and the second housing supports the display (e.g., Figure 1 , 107).

[0090] (A5) In the computing device of A1 - A4, wherein the first dipole magnet is configured to interact with one or more magnets of the peripheral device such that the peripheral device moves laterally to align the first charging circuit with the charging circuit of the peripheral device.

[0091] (A6) In the computing device of A1 - A5, wherein the first charging circuit includes a first charging coil (e.g., Figure 5 , 524), and wherein the first charging coil is configured to be inductively coupled with the charging coil (such as Figure 5 , 530) of the charging circuit of the peripheral device when the peripheral device housing of the peripheral device is within the charging distance.

[0092] (A7) In the computing system of A1 - A6, wherein the charger portion includes a plurality of first dipole magnets spaced apart from each other.

[0093] (A8) In the computing system of A7, where the charging tray is elongated and defines a longitudinal axis LT, where a plurality of first dipole magnets are equidistantly spaced from the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray, and where the central normal axis C1 is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and is substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the charging tray at a position equidistant from the ends of the charging tray (e.g., Figure 3 , 317).

[0094] (A9) In the computing system of A7, where the charging tray is elongated and defines a longitudinal axis LT, where a plurality of first dipole magnets are spaced from the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray by a distance within the range of approximately 10.0 mm to approximately 30.0 mm, and where the central normal axis C1 is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and is substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the charging tray at a position equidistant from the ends of the charging tray.

[0095] (A10) In the computing systems of A1 - A9, where the charging tray is elongated and defines a longitudinal axis LT, where at least one end surface of the charging tray defines a surface angle θ within the range of approximately 5° to approximately 10°, where the surface angle θ is measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and the central normal axis C1, and where the central normal axis C1 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and is substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the charging tray at a position equidistant from the ends of the charging tray.

[0096] (A11) In the computing systems of A1 - A10, where the hinge assembly includes at least one rigid region inserted between flexible regions, and where the charging tray is disposed in the rigid region.

[0097] (B1) A peripheral device that includes an elongated housing, at least one dipole magnet (e.g., Figure 3 , 320), a charging coil (e.g., Figure 5 , 530), a charging controller (e.g., Figure 5 , 532), and a rechargeable battery (e.g., Figure 5 , 534). At least one dipole magnet (e.g., Figure 3 , 320) is located within the housing and is positioned laterally offset toward a first side of the housing relative to the longitudinal axis LS of the housing. The charging coil (e.g., Figure 5 , 530) is configured to generate current when inductively coupled to a charger portion (e.g., Figure 1 , 110) of a charging system (e.g., Figure 1 , 112). The charging coil is located within the housing and is positioned laterally offset toward the first side of the housing. The charging controller (e.g., Figure 5, 532) is located within the housing and the charging controller is electrically coupled to the charging coil and configured to regulate or adjust at least one of the current. A rechargeable battery (e.g., Figure 5 , 534) is located within the housing and is electrically coupled to the charging coil and the charging controller.

[0098] (B2) Among the peripherals of B1, where the peripheral includes a plurality of dipole magnets, and the housing defines a central radial axis C2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LS, such that the central radial axis C2 extends substantially radially through the outer wall of the housing and is substantially parallel to the magnetic field vector of at least one of the dipole magnets, the central radial axis C2 extends through a portion of the charging coil, and the plurality of dipole magnets are equidistantly spaced from the central radial axis C2.

[0099] (B3) Among the peripherals of B1 - B2, where the housing has an elliptical cross-sectional shape defining a plurality of stable adjacent regions, and the first side includes one of the stable adjacent regions among the plurality of stable adjacent regions.

[0100] (B4) Among the peripherals of B1 - B3, where the peripheral is a stylus and the housing defines a tip (e.g., Figure 6 , 636) and a rounded end (e.g., Figure 6 , 637).

[0101] (B5) Among the peripherals of B1 - B4, where the peripheral includes a plurality of dipole magnets, and each of the plurality of dipole magnets is laterally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis LS of the housing.

[0102] (B6) Among the peripherals of B1 - B5, where at least one of the dipole magnets is configured to interact with one or more magnets of the charger portion to position the charging coil of the peripheral within the charging distance of the charging coil of the charger portion of the charging system.

[0103] (B7) Among the peripherals of B6, where at least one of the dipole magnets is configured such that the interaction causes the peripheral to rotate about the longitudinal axis LS such that the first side of the housing faces the charger portion of the charging system.

[0104] (B8) Among the peripherals of B6, where the interaction causes the peripheral to move laterally along the radial axis to shorten the distance between the charging coil of the peripheral and the charging coil of the charger portion of the charging system.

[0105] (B9) Among the peripherals of B1 - B8, further includes an indicator configured to notify the user when the peripheral is charging.

[0106] IV. Conclusion

[0107] Although the subject matter has been described in terms of structural features and / or acts specific thereto, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. On the contrary, the above specific features and acts are disclosed as examples for implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A computing device, comprising: The first housing; The second housing; A hinge assembly including a recessed charging tray, the hinge assembly coupling the first housing and the second housing such that the first housing is hinged relative to the second housing; And A charger portion of a charging system, the charger portion being located within the hinge assembly adjacent to the recessed charging tray, the charger portion including: A first charging circuit; and A first dipole magnet; Wherein the charger portion is configured to wirelessly charge a peripheral device; Wherein the first dipole magnet is configured to interact with one or more magnets of the peripheral device such that when the peripheral device is in a first orientation, the first dipole magnet attracts the peripheral device toward the charging tray and positions the charging circuit of the peripheral device within a charging distance of the first charging circuit, and when the peripheral device is in a second orientation, the first dipole magnet causes the peripheral device to rotate toward the first orientation.

2. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first charging circuit is configured such that: when the peripheral device is in the first orientation, a first side of the peripheral device faces the bottom of the charging tray to position the charging circuit of the peripheral device within the charging distance of the first charging circuit, and when the peripheral device is in the second orientation, a second side of the peripheral device faces the bottom of the charging tray and the first side does not face the bottom of the charging tray, such that the distance between the charging circuit of the peripheral device and the first charging circuit is greater than the charging distance.

3. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first dipole magnet is configured to interact with the one or more magnets of the peripheral device such that it causes the peripheral device to rotate toward the first orientation by combining the gravitational force that pulls the peripheral device into the charging tray.

4. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first housing supports a keyboard, and the second housing supports a display.

5. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first dipole magnet is configured to interact with the one or more magnets of the peripheral device to cause the peripheral device to move laterally to align the first charging circuit with the charging circuit of the peripheral device.

6. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first charging circuit includes a first charging coil, and wherein the first charging coil is configured to inductively couple with a charging coil of the charging circuit of the peripheral device when the peripheral device housing of the peripheral device is within the charging distance.

7. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The charger portion includes a plurality of first dipole magnets spaced apart from each other.

8. The computing device according to claim 7, wherein, The charging tray is elongated and defines a longitudinal axis LT, wherein the plurality of first dipole magnets are equidistantly spaced from a central normal axis C1 of the charging tray, and wherein the central normal axis C1 is an axis that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and is substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the charging tray at a position equidistant from the ends of the charging tray.

9. The computing device according to claim 7, wherein, The charging tray is elongated and defines a longitudinal axis LT, wherein the plurality of first dipole magnets are spaced from the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray by a distance within a range of approximately 10.0 mm to approximately 30.0 mm, and wherein the central normal axis C1 is an axis that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and is substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the charging tray at a position equidistant from the ends of the charging tray.

10. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The charging tray is elongated and defines a longitudinal axis LT, wherein at least one end surface of the charging tray defines a surface angle θ within a range of about 5° to about 10°, wherein the surface angle θ is measured in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis LT and the central normal axis C1 of the charging tray, and wherein the central normal axis C1 is an axis that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LT of the charging tray and is substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the charging tray at a position equidistant from the ends of the charging tray.

11. The computing device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge assembly includes at least one rigid region inserted between flexible regions, wherein the hinge assembly includes a fabric covering, and wherein the charging tray is disposed within the rigid region under the fabric covering.

12. A peripheral device, comprising: An elongated housing; At least one dipole magnet, the at least one dipole magnet being located within the housing and positioned laterally offset toward a first side of the housing relative to the longitudinal axis LS of the housing; A charging coil configured to generate a current when inductively coupled to a charger portion of a charging system, and the charging coil being located within the housing and positioned laterally offset toward the first side of the housing; A charging controller located within the housing, wherein the charging controller is electrically coupled to the charging coil and is configured to regulate or adjust at least one of the currents; And A rechargeable battery located within the housing and electrically coupled to the charging coil and the charging controller.

13. The peripheral device according to claim 12, wherein, The peripheral device includes a plurality of dipole magnets, wherein the housing defines a central radial axis C2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LS such that the central radial axis C2 extends substantially radially through the outer wall of the housing and is substantially parallel to the magnetic field vector of the at least one dipole magnet, wherein the central radial axis C2 extends through a portion of the charging coil, and wherein the plurality of dipole magnets are equidistantly spaced from the central radial axis C2.

14. The peripheral device according to claim 12, wherein, The housing has an elliptical cross-sectional shape defining a plurality of stable abutment regions, and wherein the first side includes one of the plurality of stable abutment regions.

15. The peripheral device according to claim 12, wherein, The peripheral device is a stylus and the housing defines a tip end and a rounded end.

16. The peripheral device according to claim 12, wherein, The peripheral device includes a plurality of dipole magnets, wherein each of the plurality of dipole magnets is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis LS of the housing.

17. The peripheral device according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one dipole magnet is configured to interact with one or more magnets of the charger portion to position the charging coil of the peripheral device within a charging distance of the charging coil of the charger portion of the charging system.

18. The peripheral device according to claim 17, wherein, The at least one dipole magnet is configured such that the interaction causes the peripheral device to rotate about the longitudinal axis LS such that the first side of the housing faces the charger portion of the charging system.

19. The peripheral device according to claim 17, wherein, The interaction causes the peripheral device to move laterally along the radial axis to reduce the distance between the charging coil of the peripheral device and the charging coil of the charger portion of the charging system.

20. The peripheral device according to claim 12, further comprising an indicator configured to notify a user when the peripheral device is being charged.

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