Annular Magnetic Alignment for Stable Wireless Coil Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing and maintaining optimal alignment between wireless power transfer coils in electronic devices is challenging, often requiring trial and error, and is prone to misalignment due to jostling, which affects charging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating annular magnetic alignment components with complementary magnetic orientations, such as quad-pole configurations, to facilitate precise alignment and attachment of devices, optionally with movable magnets and near-field communication (NFC) for identification and rotational alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented without physical connectors, then convenience and ease of operation are improved, but alignment precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with magnetic field-based alignment. Magnetic alignment components generate magnetic fields that automatically guide the receiver coil into proper alignment with the transmitter coil, eliminating the need for mechanical guides or precise manual positioning while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic alignment components as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver coils. These components mediate the alignment process by creating magnetic attraction forces that draw the coils into proper positioning, serving as a bridge between the wireless charging convenience requirement and the alignment precision requirement.
2Manufacturing precision
If magnetic alignment components are added to achieve precise alignment, then alignment precision and charging efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic alignment components with the existing wireless charging coil structure. The magnetic components are integrated into the same housing or mounting structure as the transmitter coil, combining multiple functions into a single integrated assembly rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic alignment components serve multiple functions: they provide alignment guidance, maintain operational positioning, and can assist in attachment or detachment processes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trial and error method is used for alignment, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic alignment components enable the system to self-align automatically when devices are brought into proximity. The magnetic attraction forces naturally guide the coils into proper positioning without requiring user intervention or trial-and-error adjustments, making the system both adaptive and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic alignment components are pre-configured to generate magnetic fields that automatically perform the alignment function as soon as the devices are placed near each other. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent manual adjustment or trial-and-error positioning, immediately establishing optimal alignment.
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
Enhances alignment efficiency, reduces misalignment issues, and maintains optimal charging performance by ensuring consistent magnetic attraction and alignment between devices.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic alignment system can include a primary magnetic alignment component and a secondary magnetic alignment component. The primary and secondary magnetic alignment components can have magnetic orientations that are complementary such that the primary and secondary magnetic alignment components can attach electronic devices in a desired alignment using magnetic attraction.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic alignment components can include annular magnetic alignment components that, in some embodiments, can surround inductive charging transmitter and receiver coils.
Implementation Method 3
A transmitter coil disposed below the charging surface is driven with an alternating current that produces a time-varying magnetic flux that induces a current in a corresponding receiver coil in the portable electronic device. The induced current can be used by the portable electronic device to charge its internal battery.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.