3D Wireless Charging Coil for Wearables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices require efficient and comfortable charging solutions that accommodate their three-dimensional shapes, as planar charging coils do not effectively utilize the non-planar housing space and may not be comfortable for wear.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional wireless charging coil with windings that match the shape of the housing, including a chamfer, and magnetic shielding to enhance energy transfer efficiency and comfort, while minimizing heating effects on internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a planar charging coil is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the energy transfer efficiency is poor and it does not accommodate the three-dimensional housing shape
Solution Approach 1:
The charging coil transitions from a traditional planar two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional configuration that conforms to the housing shape. The coil windings are arranged to follow the chamfer and curved surfaces of the housing, utilizing the third dimension to improve magnetic field coupling and energy transfer efficiency while adapting to the non-planar housing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure incorporates curved windings that follow the chamfer and rounded contours of the housing. Instead of straight planar traces, the coil uses curved paths that match the housing's three-dimensional shape, improving both aesthetic integration and electromagnetic performance by maintaining optimal spacing and coupling throughout the curved surface.
2Productivity
If a three-dimensional coil matching the housing shape is used, then the energy transfer efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is implemented using a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that can be bent and shaped to conform to the three-dimensional housing. This flexible substrate allows the coil windings to follow the chamfer and curved surfaces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard FPCB fabrication processes, avoiding complex rigid three-dimensional coil structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic shielding is added to reduce heating of internal components, then the protection of internal components improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shielding layer is integrated with the coil structure and housing design rather than being added as a separate component. The shielding material is positioned between the coil windings and internal components, combining the charging function with thermal and magnetic protection in a unified structure that minimizes additional complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a more effective and comfortable charging method for wearable devices by aligning the coil windings with the housing shape, improving energy transfer efficiency and reducing heating risks to internal components.
Implementation Method 1
a coil disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
magnetic shielding disposed in the housing between the first outer surface and the second outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable devices are described herein that include a housing, a magnetic shielding, and a coil. The housing includes a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, the second outer surface being narrower than the first outer surface and being configured to contact skin at an external body surface, and a chamfer of a given shape between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The magnetic shielding is disposed in the housing between the first and second outer surfaces. The coil is disposed in the housing and configured to receive energy via a magnetic field. The coil includes coil windings that substantially fit the shape of the chamfer, where the coil windings include a first portion of windings proximate to the magnetic shielding and further include a second portion of windings narrower than the first portion and proximate to the second outer surface.