Reconfigurable distributed active wireless charging system

Abstract

Method for charging a device (104, 106, 108, 110) comprising: Configuring an arrangement of unit coils (102); and Providing a magnetic field via an arrangement of unit coils (102), wherein the unit coils (102) comprise at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) on at least two conductive layers of a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) each comprise two sections arranged symmetrically and connected to each other by one or more conductors.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for wireless charging and / or near-field communication, in particular to a method for charging a device, and to magnetic induction devices.

[0002] Wireless charging (also known as inductive charging) uses inductive coils to provide an electromagnetic field that transfers energy from a charging source to a device. Wireless charging can be used with various devices, such as mobile devices (e.g., cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.), electric vehicles, remote control devices, medical devices, and more. Wireless chargers generally use a fixed inductive wire coil in the charging source and a fixed inductive wire coil in the device. The coils in conventional wireless chargers are typically large and not configurable.

[0003] From publication US 2011 / 0074349A1, a method for charging a device is known in which a magnetic field is provided via an arrangement of configured unit coils.

[0004] In the publication Sekino, M., Kato, T., Ohsaki, H. et al.: Eccentric figure-eight magnetic stimulator coils, ICME International Conference in Complex Medical Engineering (CME), Kobe Japan, 2012, pages 728-733, a unit coil is disclosed which consists of two eccentric coils, with conductive parts near a line of symmetry of the eccentric coils.

[0005] Publication US 2004 / 0256468 A1 shows unit coils which have right-angled eccentric coils.

[0006] From publication US 2009 / 0001930 A1, a device for receiving electromagnetically induced currents is known, which has unit coils with eccentric coils having conductive parts near a symmetry line of the eccentric coils.

[0007] According to the invention, a method for charging a device is provided, and magnetic induction devices are provided according to the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] Advantageously, the unit coils have a first-direction coil arranged in a first direction and a second-direction coil arranged in a second direction, the first and second directions being different from each other.

[0010] The first direction is vertical and the second direction is horizontal.

[0011] Advantageously, the coil of the first direction is located on a printed circuit board substrate and the coil of the second direction is located on the printed circuit board substrate, wherein the coil of the first direction has at least one conductor provided by the coil of the second direction, and the coil of the second direction has at least one conductor provided by the coil of the first direction.

[0012] Advantageously, each unit coil has a printed circuit board coil designed in a planar eccentric shape, thereby reducing a negative effect due to opposing currents.

[0013] The arrangement is advantageously configured for a multi-device charging mode or a single-device charging mode.

[0014] Advantageously, the arrangement is automatically configured by sensing the type of mobile device.

[0015] The device is advantageous as a charger.

[0016] Advantageously, the unit coils feature dual planar dual eccentric coils.

[0017] Advantageously, the unit coils have a planar, right-angled, eccentric coil.

[0018] Advantageously, the unit coils have a right-angled eccentric coil with external flux lines that are at least partially arranged in a non-parallel manner.

[0019] Advantageously, the unit coils have a first-direction coil arranged in a first direction and a second-direction coil arranged in a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are in different planes, wherein the first coil is arranged on a printed circuit board substrate and the second coil is arranged on the printed circuit board substrate, and the first coil is configured in a planar eccentric pattern and the second coil is configured in a planar eccentric pattern.

[0020] The unit coils are advantageously configured to be coupled in parallel to a power source.

[0021] The unit coils are advantageously arranged as a pair of eccentric coils.

[0022] Advantageously, the arrangement of unit cells provides a three-ring flow path.

[0023] Advantageously, each of the three flow paths is perpendicular.

[0024] Advantageously, the arrangement of unit cells provides a flow path, the flow path being designed for a variety of device types.

[0025] Advantageously, the device type is detected and the flow path is automatically designed according to the device type. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Various objectives, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent and better understood with reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Identical reference numerals consistently denote corresponding elements. In the drawings, identical reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a configurable wireless charging system according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. 2 is a general block diagram of the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a charging procedure for one or more consumer devices by means of a magnetic induction device according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 4 is an electrical circuit diagram of a wireless charging system according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. 5 is a general block diagram of an arrangement of unit coils for the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a unit coil for the [unclear text]. Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown according to some exemplary embodiments, wherein the unit coil is shown in top view and in perspective view; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic top view of charging lines, which are connected to an arrangement of unit coils for the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown can be generated according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic top view of eccentric unit coils for the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic top view of a pair of right-angled eccentric unit coils for the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic top view of an arrangement of right-angled eccentric unit coils for the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic top view of a system consisting of an arrangement of right-angled eccentric unit coils for the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system generated magnetic field according to some exemplary embodiments; and Fig. 12 is a perspective schematic representation of an eccentric double-layer coil for the in Fig. 1 Configurable wireless charging system shown according to some exemplary embodiments. Detailed description

[0027] Before discussing the features that explain the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or shown in the figures. It is understood that the terminology serves only for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive.

[0028] With general reference to the figures, systems and methods for wireless charging according to various exemplary embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, the systems and methods are configurable or reconfigurable, distributed, and / or active. In one or more embodiments, a device is wirelessly charged by configuring an array of unit coils in a wireless charging system. In some embodiments, higher power transmission efficiency is achieved by using the unit coils compared to using larger, conventional fixed coils.

[0029] In some embodiments, a method for charging a device configures an array of unit coils and provides a magnetic field via the array of unit coils. In some embodiments, a magnetic induction device comprises an array of unit cells. In some embodiments, each cell consists of two eccentric coils. In some embodiments, a magnetic induction device comprises an array of unit coils configured to couple separately to a power source, and the array is configurable to provide two or more rings of charging leads.

[0030] In some embodiments, the arrangement of unit coils can be configured to provide a magnetic field that delivers energy from a charging source to a consumer device. In some embodiments, the arrangement of unit coils is configured to provide multiple magnetic fields that transfer energy from one or more charging sources to multiple consumers. In one or more embodiments, the unit coils have magnetic field-generating structures. In some embodiments, the unit coils have one or more pairs of orthogonal eccentric coils. In some embodiments, the eccentric coils have a centrally concentrated structure that provides a centrally concentrated current field. In some embodiments, the unit coils have small dimensions. In some embodiments, the unit coils are arranged on one or more conductive layers of a printed circuit board.

[0031] In some embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure are used in a magnetic induction device. The magnetic induction device may have an array of unit coils configured to couple separately to a power source. The array of unit coils may further be configured to provide two or more rings of flux lines. The two or more rings of flux lines may serve as the primary field for generating electromagnetic induction. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction device has an array of unit cells, and each cell further has two pairs of eccentric coils. The two pairs of eccentric coils are arranged in opposite directions.Each unit cell can be configured to provide a magnetic field in any or nearly any direction by combining two magnetic fields generated by the pair of eccentric coils.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram of a wireless charging system according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to Fig. Figure 1 comprises a wireless charging system 100, a magnetic induction device 101, mobile devices 104 and 106, a medical device 108, and a remote device 110. In some embodiments, the wireless charging system 100 is a reconfigurable or configurable distributed active charging system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the magnetic induction device 101 is a charging platform that provides one or more magnetic fields and supplies energy to one or more mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, and the remote device 110 located within the one or more magnetic fields. In some other embodiments, the magnetic induction device 101 is used for near-field communication. The magnetic induction device 101 can be used, for example, as an inductive flow meter, transformer, electric generator, etc.

[0034] The magnetic induction device 101 comprises an array of unit cells or unit coils 102 and a control system 112. In some embodiments, each of the unit coils 102 can be configured to provide a unit magnetic field. The array of unit coils 102 can further be configured to combine several unit magnetic fields to form a magnetic field as a primary magnetic field. In some embodiments, the combined primary magnetic field has two or more rings of charging leads.

[0035] In some embodiments, an array of unit coils 102 is arranged on a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, each unit coil 102 comprises a pair of coils. Each coil in the pair of unit coils 102 is arranged in a different direction (e.g., horizontally and vertically). In some embodiments, the unit coils 102 comprise any type of conductive material and have an eccentric shape. In some embodiments, several unit coils 102 in the array are connected in parallel to a power source, such that the array of unit coils 102 combines the parallel power source inputs to generate a higher current with a small form factor. In some embodiments, several unit coils 102 in the array are connected in series to a power source. In other embodiments, some of the unit coils 102 are connected in series to the power source and others are connected in parallel.The parallel connection also allows each of the unit coils 102 to be individually controlled by the power source. The control system 112 can regulate the current and can connect the mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, and the remote device 110 in parallel or in series.

[0036] In some embodiments, the control system 112 of the magnetic induction device 101 includes a sensing circuit or sensors to detect secondary coils in the mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, and the remote device 110. In some embodiments, the control system 112 is a hardware system or a combination of hardware and software systems that controls connections, power, and signals to provide the magnetic field of the magnetic induction device 101. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction device 101 is actively configured for the type, size, and number of mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, and the remote device 110 by the operation of the control system 112 and the arrangement of unit coils 102.In some embodiments, the sensors of the control system 112 are any type of sensor that detects secondary coils in the mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108 and the remote device 110, or the size and shape of the mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108 and the remote device 110, for example inductive sensors, optical sensors, mechanical sensors, etc.

[0037] In some embodiments, the arrangement of unit coils 102 is configured in a single-device charging mode or a multi-device charging mode, as controlled by the control system 112. In some embodiments, the operating mode depends on the determination of the number of mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, and the remote device 110. In some embodiments, the arrangement of unit coils 102 is configured to switch on the selected unit coils 102 during operation and to switch off all other unit coils 102 to save energy. In some embodiments, an arrangement of unit coils 102 is composed of several types of unit coils 102.

[0038] The control system 112 is used to control and configure the arrangement of unit coils 102 according to one or more embodiments. The control system 112 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and / or code that enables the control of the operations of the magnetic induction device 101. The control system 112 may be configured to supply control signals to the arrangement of unit coils 102 and the various other components of the magnetic induction device 101. The control system 112 may be configured to control data transmissions between different components of the magnetic induction device 101. The control system 112 may include one or more controllers.

[0039] Mobile devices 104 and 106, medical device 108, and remote device 110 are shown as exemplary consumer devices in the wireless charging system 100. The consumer devices have inductive coils as secondary coils to receive the induced current transmitted by the magnetic induction device 101. Mobile devices 104 and 106 can be any type of mobile computing device, for example, a mobile phone, tablet, minicomputer, GPS receiver, mobile hotspot, smartwatch, activity tracker, computer, notebook, laptop, any device that uses charging or near-field communication, etc. In some embodiments, mobile device 104 and mobile device 106 have different types of secondary coils. For example, mobile device 104 has a built-in coil, and mobile device 106 has a skin adapter that includes a coil. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, and the remote device 110 can be charged in any area of ​​the arrangement of unit coils 102, so that the arrangement of unit coils 102 efficiently utilizes its area and shape. In some embodiments, each type of conductive coil in the consumer devices can be identified and connected to the respective unit coils.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a wireless charging system according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to Fig. 2 In some embodiments, the magnetic induction device 101 comprises an arrangement of unit coils 102, a user interface 205 and a control system 112 with a processor 202, several sensors 204, a coil arrangement configuration module or circuit 206, a coil current configuration module or circuit 201, a memory and a control circuit 214.

[0041] The processor 202 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and / or code that enables the processing of data and / or the control of operations of the magnetic induction device 101. The processor 202 may be a microprocessor capable of supplying control signals through the control circuit 214 to the various other components of the magnetic induction device 101. The processor 202 may be capable of controlling data transmissions between different components of the magnetic induction device 101. The processor 202 may be capable of executing programs containing one or more instructions. For example, the programs may instruct the processor 202 to generate, parse, couple, optimize, transmit, or otherwise process data.The programs can, for example, instruct the processor 202 to configure or control the operation of the various components of the magnetic induction device 101. The instructions can, for example, instruct the magnetic induction device 101 to respond to the detection of a consumer device 207 (e.g., one or more mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, and the remote device 110). Fig. 1) To perform various actions, for example, to configure the arrangement of unit coils 102 according to the coil type in the identified devices. The processor 202 can be or have any type of general-purpose or specialized processor.

[0042] In some embodiments, the control circuit 214 includes circuitry for providing connections (e.g., switches) and for applying current from the power source 209 under the control of the processor 202. In some embodiments, the control circuit 214 includes circuitry for coupling with the coil arrangement configuration circuit 206, the coil current configuration circuit 212, and the arrangement of unit coils 102.

[0043] In some embodiments, sensors 204 are used to determine various parameters of the consumer device 207, for example, coil type, position, current level, etc. In some embodiments, the sensors 204 are mechanical sensors such as a pressure sensor, a position sensor, a metal detector sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, etc. In some embodiments, the mechanical sensors are used to determine the location of the consumer device 207. In some embodiments, for example, a pressure sensor is used to detect a consumer device 207 that is in contact with the magnetic induction device 101 and to send signals to the processor 202 and the control circuit 214.In some embodiments, for example, a motion sensor is used to detect movement of the consumer device 207 in order to reconfigure the unit coils 102 according to the changed positions. In some embodiments, the sensors 204 have electronic proximity sensors to detect a metal object, for example, a secondary coil in the consumer device 207. In some embodiments, the consumer device 207 can be detected without contact with the magnetic induction device 101, which can be advantageous for charging certain inaccessible devices (for example, an electronic medical device implanted in a patient). In some embodiments, the sensors 204 can also have electromagnetic sensors to detect a current state in the consumer device 207.In some embodiments, the sensors 204 are suitable logic and / or code that enables the circuits integrated in the arrangement of unit coils 102 to determine corresponding parameters. In some embodiments, the sensors 204 are hardware, such as various mechanical sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors 204 are combinations of suitable logic, circuitry, code, and hardware. In some embodiments, the sensors 204 include circuitry for wirelessly determining the inductive properties of the consumer device 207. In some embodiments, the inductive properties can be used to determine the type of consumer device 207.

[0044] The user interface 205 can be used to input user commands, such as starting charging, selecting charging time, setting the charging level, setting automatic shut-off, etc. The user interface 205 can also be used to output various parameters of the magnetic induction device 101 and the consumer device 207, such as charging capacity, charging history, temperature, efficiency, current level, current value, etc. The user interface 205 can feature various input and output methods and systems, such as a display, touchscreen, voice control interface, motion control interface, buttons, speakers, etc.

[0045] Memory 210 is a storage device, for example, a non-volatile medium. Memory 210 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and / or code that can be operated to store information, for example, instructions to be executed by processor 202, data generated by one or more components of magnetic induction device 101, data received by one or more components of magnetic induction device 101, and / or parameters for controlling the operation of magnetic induction device 101. Memory 201 may store instructions for coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 and coil current configuration circuit 212. Memory 210 may include any type of computer- or machine-readable storage medium, such as SRAM, DRAM, flash memory, and / or magnetic storage.Parameters stored in memory 210 can include, for example, parameters determined by sensors 204, configuration histories, etc. In some embodiments, memory 210 can store user preferences, such as a charging start plan for a medical device. The plan can be a fixed or an unfixed plan.

[0046] In some embodiments, the coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 includes suitable logic, a software module, hardware, circuitry, and / or code that can be operated to configure the arrangement of unit coils 102. The coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 can configure each active unit coil 102 to generate a desired unit magnetic field and unit current field. The coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 can further configure the arrangement of unit coils 102 to combine the unit magnetic fields and form a magnetic field. In some embodiments, the combined magnetic field has two or more rings of charging leads. The coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 can configure the direction of the magnetic field by vector addition of two or more magnetic vectors generated by two or more coils arranged in different directions.In some embodiments, the coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 receives commands from the processor 202 and the control circuit 214 based on data acquired by the sensors 204. In some embodiments, the coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 configures a path of operating unit coils 102 based on the optimization of current transfer efficiency. In some embodiments, the processor 202 and the coil arrangement configuration circuit 206 sense the inductive properties of the load device 207 via sensors 204 and adjust the configuration of the unit coils 102, the current supplied to the unit coils 102, and / or the frequency of the current signal supplied to the unit coils 102 for charging efficiency. In some embodiments, the inductive properties provide feedback to increase current transfer.In some designs, the settings are adjusted until inductive peak characteristics are detected.

[0047] In some embodiments, the coil current configuration circuit 212 includes suitable software, a software module, hardware, circuitry, and / or code that can be operated to configure the arrangement of unit coils 102. The coil current configuration circuit 212 can configure each unit coil in the arrangement to be active or inactive, or to receive a specific current magnitude. The coil current configuration circuit 212 can configure the unit coils 102 to be connected in parallel with a current source 209. In some embodiments, the coil current configuration circuit 212 configures the unit coil to be connected in series with a current source 209. In some embodiments, the coil current configuration circuit 212 configures the unit coils 102 to be coupled to multiple, and the multiple current sources are different from one another.In some embodiments, the coil current configuration circuit 212, using the control circuit 214, configures some unit coils 102 to be connected in parallel to one or more power sources, and other unit coils 102 to be connected in series to one or more power sources. The coil current configuration circuit 212 can receive commands from a user through the user interface 205. For example, a user can select a fast-charging mode or a normal-charging mode. The fast-charging mode and the normal-charging mode can result in different current configurations. In some embodiments, the user interface 205 is optional.

[0048] The consumer device 207 can be any type of electrical device that has a receiver (e.g., a coil receiver) or a device that can be adapted to a coil receiver, for example, the mobile devices 104 and 106, the medical device 108, the remote device 110, an electric vehicle, etc. The consumer device 207 can be charged by the magnetic induction device 101 using various charging modes, for example, a multi-device charging mode, a single-device charging mode, a fast charging mode, a normal charging mode, a full charging mode, etc. Different charging modes correspond to different coil arrangement configurations and coil current configurations (e.g., more current in a fast charging mode than in a normal charging mode). The consumer device 207 can communicate with the magnetic induction device 101 via the user interface 205.

[0049] The power source 209 can comprise multiple unit current sources. The power source 209 can be an AC source that supplies AC current to the magnetic induction device 101. According to some embodiments, the power source 209 can be a DC source. A current transformer can convert DC current into an AC signal for charging an array of cells 102. The power source 209 can comprise multiple transformers, for example, an AC-DC converter, an AC-AC converter, a DC-DC converter, etc.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a flow for charging one or more consumer devices by a magnetic induction device according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to Fig. 3 During an operation 302 of the flux 300, the magnetic induction device 101 detects one or more consumer devices 207 by means of various sensors 204. In some embodiments, for example, an electronic proximity sensor detects the consumer device 207 when it is close enough to the magnetic induction device 101. In some embodiments, an electromagnetic sensor determines the current level and the coil type of the consumer device 207. In some embodiments, the identity of the consumer device 207 is determined (for example, by a BLUETOOTH ®interface or by sensing the properties of the consumer device 207). In some embodiments, a charging profile belonging to the identified consumer device 207 is extracted from memory 210. The charging profile can contain information about the consumer device 207, for example, a user-preferred charging mode, charge level, charging history, coil type, charging time, etc. Operation 302 can also include outputting the identified information about the consumer device 207 through the user interface 205.

[0051] In Operation 304, a user can input commands through the user interface 205 based on information obtained from the consumer device 207. For example, a user can instruct the magnetic induction device 101 to operate in a multi-device charging mode, instructing a mobile device to operate in a fast-charging mode and a medical device to operate in a normal charging mode to prevent excessive heat from being generated in the medical device by the secondary coil. According to one or more embodiments, the processor 202 receives the commands from the user. In some embodiments, charging is performed without user input or automatically. In some embodiments, Operation 304 is optional.

[0052] In some embodiments, the processor 202 determines a coil assembly current configuration in an operation 306 based on a user instruction and / or based on ascertained information relating to the power consumer 207. For example, if the user instructs a normal charging mode for a medical device, the unit coils 102 corresponding to the type of secondary coils can be configured to be connected to a low-current source. In some embodiments, determining a coil assembly current configuration in operation 306 includes determining which unit coils 102 correspond to the ascertained secondary coils and activating the corresponding unit coils 102 by connecting the unit coils 102 to one or more power sources.In some embodiments, determining a coil arrangement current configuration includes determining the current level in each circuit formed by one or more coils.

[0053] In some embodiments, the active unit coils 102 are configured to generate a magnetic field based on the acquired information and / or user commands in an operation 308. In some embodiments, the unit coils 102 are formed by a pair of coils arranged in opposite directions. In some embodiments, each coil in the unit coils 102 is configured to generate a magnetic vector. Thus, in some embodiments, the unit coils 102 generate at least one pair of magnetic vectors. A unit magnetic vector can be generated by adding the pair of magnetic vectors. The unit magnetic vector represents a unit magnetic field, which is provided in an operation 310. In some embodiments, each unit coil 102 has only one coil or more than one pair of coils.

[0054] In some embodiments, the combination of all unit coils 102 generates a magnetic field that serves as a primary coil magnetic field. In some embodiments, when multiple consumer devices 207 are detected, the unit coils 102 are configured to form multiple primary coil magnetic fields for coupling to the multiple detected secondary coils in the multiple consumer devices. In some embodiments, the primary magnetic field generated by the unit coils 102 induces a voltage in the magnetically coupled secondary coil. The induced voltage can be used to charge the consumer device 207.

[0055] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 204 are used to monitor the consumer device 207 during charging in an operation 312. In some embodiments, the operation 312 is optional. For example, an electromagnetic sensor can be used to monitor the induced voltage in the consumer device 207 ( Fig. 2) to prevent the device from overheating and to monitor the current level in the load device 207. In some embodiments, the current level of the load device 207 is monitored and displayed to the user.

[0056] In some embodiments, when the current level reaches a desired level, the unit coils 102 are disconnected from the power source 209 in an operation 314. In other embodiments, when the current level reaches the desired level, the unit coils 102 remain connected to the power source 209 and enter a standby mode to maintain a desired current level in the consumer device 207. In some embodiments, the unit coils are reconfigured based on the monitored results. For example, when a mobile device is fully charged, the unit coils are reconfigured with a new current level for a standby mode. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction device 101 is a double-sided charging device (i.e.,The loads 207 can be charged on either side of the arrangement of unit coils 102, so that the unit coils 102 can correspond to one or more loads 207. In some embodiments, if monitoring reveals that a first load on one side of the magnetic induction device 101 is fully charged, the unit coils 102 can be reconfigured to combine with other unit coils and form a new primary coil to charge a second load on the other side of the magnetic induction device 101. In some embodiments, the flux 300 can begin as soon as a new load 207 is detected.

[0057] Fig. Figure 4 shows a wireless charging system according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to Fig. 4 The wireless charging system 400 transmits energy between the coils 402, 404, 406, 408 and the coils 409a-j by electromagnetic induction. In some embodiments, individual coils or sets of coils 409a-j are selected for operation according to the characteristics of the coils 402, 404, 406 and 408. In some embodiments, the coils 402, 404, 406, 408 are secondary coils in or adapted to a corresponding consumer device 207. The coils 409a-j are unit coils or sets of unit coils 102 in the arrangement of unit coils ( Fig. 1) The control system 112 can be used to control and configure the unit coils 409a-j. Although described above and below, the consumer devices 207 have conventional coils, they can also have coil structures similar to the arrangement of coils 102 without departing from the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the consumer devices 207 can have an arrangement of coils similar to the coils 102, configured to operate as a secondary coil.

[0058] In one embodiment, the coils 409a-d are connected in parallel to a current source. In some embodiments, the coils 409a-d are connected to different current sources 411a-d, which allows flexibility in shaping the field strength for the coils 402 and 404. Selecting suitable coils 409a-d and the current supplied to the coils 409a-d enables efficient operation for the coils 402 and 404 because only the necessary coils 409a-j are selected for operation. In another example, the coil 409h is selected for operation with the coil 406. The coils 409e-g can remain unenergized to save power.

[0059] In some embodiments, the coils 409a-j are connected in series with one or more current sources. In some embodiments, for example, the coils 409i-j are connected in series rather than in parallel. In some embodiments, the coils 409i-j are selected to match the coil 408. In some embodiments, the coils 409i-j are configured to generate a magnetic field to induce a voltage in the coil 408. In some embodiments, the field is selected to match the capacitance of the coil 408.

[0060] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram of an arrangement of unit coils according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to Fig. 5 can be an arrangement 500 of unit coils 502 similar to an arrangement of unit coils 102 ( Fig. 1) Each unit coil 502 can generate a magnetic field and has a coil 504 arranged in a first direction and a coil 506 arranged in a second direction. The first direction differs from the second direction. By separately driving the coils 504 and 506, a magnetic field can be generated in practically any direction in some embodiments. A current flow Jv→ In coil 504 (e.g. the horizontal coil) a horizontal magnetic field is generated. Hh→ A current flow 1st century → In coil 506 (e.g. the vertical coil) a vertical magnetic field is generated. Hv→. A combination of the two vectors Hh→ and Hh→ can the magnetic field H→ generate the magnetic field H→ can be controlled by varying the sizes of the vertical and horizontal magnetic fields.

[0061] In some embodiments, the coils 504 and 506 are orthogonal, such as a vertical coil and a horizontal coil. In some embodiments, the unit coils 502 are located on a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the unit coils 502 are made of any conductive material. In some embodiments, the coils 504 and 506 are wire coils or mounted on a combination of a printed circuit board (PCB) and conductive material. In some embodiments, some of the unit coils 502 in the arrangement are made of different materials or have a different geometric arrangement.

[0062] One or more unit coils 502 can be selected to form a combined current field and a combined magnetic field. The arrangement 500 of unit coils 502 can be configured to activate and / or deactivate one or more unit coils 502. In some embodiments, the unit 500 of unit coils 502 can be configured to generate multiple magnetic fields simultaneously. Each of the magnetic fields can be used to induce a voltage for charging the consumer device 207. In some embodiments, the arrangement of unit coils 502 is configured to connect to any type of secondary coil in the consumer devices 207. In some embodiments, the configurable arrangement 500 of unit coils 502 can efficiently charge the device in terms of area and shape. In some embodiments, the arrangement 50 of unit coils 502 is located in the same plane (e.g.,a planar arrangement) as in . Fig. Figure 5 shows that in some embodiments, the arrangement 500 of unit coils 502 is located in several planes (e.g., a 3D arrangement). The arrangement 500 of unit coils 502 is located, for example, in a portable charger.

[0063] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram of a unit coil in various views according to an exemplary embodiment. According to some embodiments, the unit coil 600 can replace the unit coil 502 in the arrangement 500 ( Fig. 5) or the unit coil 102 ( Fig. 1) In some embodiments, the unit coil 600 comprises a coil 604 and a coil 606, each of which can be controlled by its own power source. The unit coils 600 can be configured as printed circuit board coils, with conductors from coil 604 passing through coil 606 and conductors from coil 606 passing through coil 604. In some embodiments, conductors on an upper surface of coil 604 are perpendicular to conductors on an upper surface of coil 606. In some embodiments, conductors on a lower surface of coil 604 are perpendicular to conductors on a lower surface of coil 606.

[0064] In some embodiments, the combination of several unit coils 600 can generate high current and a small geometric magnetic field with a small form factor, enabling an inductor with a very high quality factor and a small geometric magnetic field. In some embodiments, coils 604 and 606 are orthogonal, for example, a vertical coil and a horizontal coil. In some embodiments, coils 604 and 606 are provided on a printed circuit board with four conductive layers (e.g., coil 604 is located on layers 1 and 3, which are connected by conductive vias, and coil 606 is located on layers 2 and 4, which are connected by conductive vias).

[0065] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram of a magnetic field generated by an array of unit coils according to an exemplary embodiment. A planar array 700 of unit coils 702 (similar to unit coils 102, 502, and 600) is configured to provide right-angled rings, such as a ring 704. Each selected unit coil 702 is connected to a power source and generates a magnetic field based on a desired configuration. In some embodiments, the magnetic field has four right-angled conduction patterns. In some embodiments, the conduction patterns are configured for specific types and numbers of consumer devices 207. Combining all the unit magnetic fields in each ring produces a right-angled four-ring path.The unit coils 702a can, for example, be configured to generate a magnetic field corresponding to a vertical section of the ring 704 by activating one of the vertical coils or the horizontal coil (e.g., the horizontal coil) and deactivating the other of the vertical coil or the horizontal coil. The unit coils 702b can, for example, be configured to generate a magnetic field with a 45-degree direction by activating vertical and horizontal coils. The 45-degree magnetic field can be generated by configuring the vertical and horizontal coils in the unit coils 702b to produce two magnetic fields with the same amplitude. The unit coils 702c can, for example, be configured to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the horizontal section of the ring 704 by activating one of the vertical coils or the horizontal coil (e.g., the horizontal coil).to generate power to one of the vertical coils and to deactivate the other of the vertical coils or the horizontal coils. In some embodiments, multiple rings or sets of rings are provided, each set or ring being sized to charge a specific separate device.

[0066] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram of an arrangement of eccentric unit coils according to an exemplary embodiment. An arrangement 800 comprises eccentric unit coils 802 (e.g., similar to coils 102, 502, 600, and 702). In some embodiments, the unit coils 802 each comprise an eccentric coil 804 and an eccentric coil 806. Each of the eccentric coils 804 and 806 has a section 808 and a section 810. In some embodiments, the eccentric coils 804 and 806 are arranged in different directions and on different planes. In some embodiments, the coils 804 and 806 are orthogonal (i.e., a vertical pair of eccentric coils and a horizontal pair of eccentric coils). In some embodiments, the coils 804 and 806 are arranged to provide a magnetic field vector in different directions relative to each other.In some embodiments, coils 804 and 806 are eccentric dipole coils.

[0067] According to one or more embodiments, the eccentric coils 804 and 806 are arranged on a printed circuit board. The eccentric coil 804 is located on one conductive layer of the printed circuit board, and the other eccentric coil 806 is located on another conductive layer of the printed circuit board. Each of the eccentric coils 804 and 806 can be individually configured to generate a magnetic field.

[0068] In some embodiments, each of sections 808 and 810 is symmetrical or nearly symmetrical and has an eccentric pattern. In some embodiments, sections 808 and 810 are not symmetrical. In some embodiments, sections 808 and 810 are connected to each other by one or more conductors. In some embodiments, section 808 is located on a printed circuit board substrate and section 810 is located on the same printed circuit board substrate. In some embodiments, sections 808 and 810 are connected by one or more conductors in a region between sections 808 and 810 to form the eccentric coil 804 or 806. In some embodiments, the concentrated parts in both sections 808 and 810 are located near a line of symmetry 816 between sections 808 and 810. The line of symmetry 816 is shown for the coil 804 between section 808 and section 810.In some embodiments, sections 808 and 810 also have a symmetrical current pattern because they are connected by at least one conductor and have the same current direction. For example, section 808 has a clockwise current pattern on one side of the symmetry line 816, and section 810 has a counterclockwise current pattern on the other side of the symmetry line 816. Thus, the central part of the combination of sections 808 and 810 has a current direction. The concentrated central structure allows more current to flow through the central conductors to reduce the negative effect due to opposing currents. In some embodiments, the outer, less concentrated parts of sections 806 and 810 contribute less to the field strength than the concentrated central sections. Compared to conventional coils, this pairwise eccentric coil arrangement can provide a stronger magnetic field.

[0069] Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram of two pairs of right-angled eccentric coils with different structures. Referring to Fig. In section 9, a right-angled eccentric coil 902 is formed by two right-angled eccentric sections 906 and 908. The coil 902 is similar to the coils 804 and 806 ( Fig. 8) Sections 906 and 908 can be connected by one or more conductors and arranged symmetrically, with the concentrated portions located near a symmetry centerline 905. This concentrated central structure can generate a central concentrated current field, which in turn can generate a central concentrated magnetic field. This concentrated central structure can also reduce a negative effect due to opposing current directions in the right-angled coil. Thus, in some embodiments, the central concentrated magnetic field can be much stronger compared to conventional coils. In some embodiments, the right-angled eccentric coils are smaller in size compared to conventional coils.

[0070] A right-angled eccentric coil 904 is similar to the coil 902 and, according to one exemplary embodiment, has an advantageous structure. In some embodiments, more conductive parts (e.g., longer conductors) of sections 910 and 912 of the right-angled eccentric coil 904 are located near the line of symmetry 905. In some embodiments, this structure can concentrate more current passing through the central conductors of the eccentric coil 904, which can furthermore generate a stronger magnetic field. In some embodiments, both right-angled eccentric coils 902 and 904 have a size of 20 mm x 20 mm. In some embodiments, the smaller coils use a higher frequency for energy transmission. Thus, in some embodiments, a pair of small eccentric coils 902 or 904 can provide highly efficient energy transmission compared to conventional coils.In some embodiments, coils 902 and 904 may be located on a two-layer printed circuit board.

[0071] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram of an arrangement of right-angled eccentric unit coils according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to Fig. 10 An arrangement of 1000 right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 can be configured to generate one or more magnetic fields, and these magnetic fields can induce one or more voltages in one or more consumer devices 207. The right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 can be similar to coils 102, 502, 600, 702, and 802. In some embodiments, the arrangement of 1000 right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 is located in a single plane, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 shows that in some embodiments the arrangement of 1000 right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 is located in several planes.

[0072] In some embodiments, each of the right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 comprises two right-angled eccentric coils 902. The two right-angled eccentric coils 902 are arranged in opposite directions. In some embodiments, one is arranged to provide a field in the vertical direction, and the other is arranged to provide a field in the horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 are located on a printed circuit board. One right-angled eccentric coil 902 is located on one conductive layer of the printed circuit board, and the other right-angled eccentric coil 902 is located on another conductive layer of the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the right-angled eccentric coils 1002 are located on a double-sided printed circuit board.In some embodiments, the right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 have two right-angled eccentric unit coils 904.

[0073] Fig. Figure 11 is a representation of the magnetic field generated by an arrangement of right-angled eccentric unit coils. With reference to Fig. In some embodiments, 11 has an arrangement of 1100 right-angled eccentric unit coils 1102 multiple right-angled eccentric unit coils (e.g. a pair of coils 904 or coils 902 ( Fig. 9)). Each eccentric coil in the unit of right-angled eccentric unit coils 1102 can be configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnitude of the generated magnetic field can be controlled by the power source. For example, a large power supply or a strong current supplied by the power supply can generate a strong magnetic field. A unit magnetic field can be formed by combining the magnetic fields generated by the two eccentric coils. The direction of the unit magnetic field can be controlled by varying the magnitudes of the two magnetic fields. Each of the right-angled eccentric unit coils 1002 can be configured to generate a magnetic field. For example, unit 1002a generates a magnetic field 1004 around a 45-degree axis. Unit 1002b, for example, generates a magnetic field 1006 around an axis in the vertical direction (the H-vector is, for example, horizontal).Unit 1002c, for example, generates a magnetic field 1010 around an axis in the horizontal direction (the H-vector is, for example, vertical). The arrangement of unit coils 1100 can be configured to connect the adjacent magnetic fields (for example, the magnetic fields generated by unit coils 1002a and 1002b). The connected magnetic fields can form one or more rings 1012, as shown in [reference]. Fig. Figure 11 shows that the one or more rings can serve as the primary magnetic field to induce a voltage in a consumer device. As shown, the magnetic field extends from the surface of the arrangement to be connected to the consumer device 207 ( Fig. 2) In some embodiments, the magnetic field extends concentrated from the arrangement 1100 and can achieve field shapes belonging to a U-shaped magnetic coil.

[0074] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram of eccentric double-layer coils. Referring to Fig.12. An eccentric double-layer coil 1200 can be used as a single coil in eccentric unit coils 802 (for example, the eccentric unit coils 802 can have two eccentric double-layer coils 1200 arranged in different directions). According to some embodiments, the eccentric double-layer coils 1200 have two eccentric coils 1202 and 1204. In some embodiments, the eccentric coil 1202 is located on one conductive layer of a printed circuit board, and the eccentric coil 1204 is located on another conductive layer of the printed circuit board. The eccentric coils 1202 and 1204 each have two sections that are arranged symmetrically and connected to each other by one or more conductors. This structure allows currents to be highly concentrated near a line of symmetry 1206, which furthermore generates a strong magnetic field. The eccentric coils can have any shape.In some embodiments, the eccentric double-layer coils 1200 have small dimensions. In some embodiments, a unit of eccentric coils is composed of two orthogonal eccentric double-layer coils. In some embodiments, the eccentric coils 1200 have an eccentric coil with three or more layers.

[0075] The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and program outputs on any machine-readable storage medium for performing the operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented using circuits, for example, processing circuits (e.g., an existing processor or a special processor manufactured for this or another purpose).

[0076] It is understood that the systems described above can provide multiple components, including one or all of them, and that these components can be implemented on an integrated circuit or, in some embodiments, on multiple circuits, printed circuit boards, or discrete components. Furthermore, the systems and methods described above can be adapted for various system parameters and design criteria, such as the shape of the coils, coil layers, etc. Although certain components are shown directly connected in the drawings, this direct connection is not meant to be restrictive but is shown only as an example. Alternative embodiments include circuits with indirect connections between the components shown.

[0077] It should be noted that, although the flowcharts presented here show a specific sequence of process steps, the actual order of these steps may, of course, differ from what is shown. Furthermore, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such changes depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on the designer's decision.

Claims

[1] Method for charging a device (104, 106, 108, 110) comprising: Configuring an arrangement of unit coils (102); and Providing a magnetic field via an arrangement of unit coils (102), wherein the unit coils (102) comprise at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) on at least two conductive layers of a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) each comprise two sections arranged symmetrically and connected to each other by one or more conductors. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the unit coils (102) comprise a first direction coil arranged in a first direction and a second direction coil arranged in a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are different from each other. [3] Method according to claim 2 wherein the first direction is vertical and the second direction is horizontal. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the coil of first direction is located on a printed circuit board substrate and the coil of second direction is located on the printed circuit board substrate, wherein the coil of first direction has at least one conductor provided by the coil of second direction, and the coil of second direction has at least one conductor provided by the coil of first direction. [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein each unit coil (102) has a printed circuit board coil designed in a planar eccentric shape, thereby reducing a negative effect due to opposing currents. [6] Method according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is configured for a multi-device charging mode or a single-device charging mode. [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is automatically configured by sensing the type of a mobile device (104, 106). [8] Magnetic induction device (101) comprising: an arrangement of unit coils (102) designed to be coupled separately to a power source (209), wherein the arrangement is configurable to provide two or more ring lines; wherein the unit coils (102) have at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) on at least two conductive layers of a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) each have two sections which are arranged symmetrically and are connected to each other by one or more conductors. [9] Device according to claim 8, wherein the device is a charger. [10] Magnetic induction device (101) comprising: an arrangement of unit cells, each cell consisting of two eccentric coils (1202, 1204); wherein the unit cells have at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) on at least two conductive layers of a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two eccentric coils (1202, 1204) each have two sections which are arranged symmetrically and are connected to each other by one or more conductors.

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