Antenna-Based Wireless Charging for Thin Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging technologies require a charging coil in terminal devices, which occupies space and limits design to thin and lightweight forms, and necessitate a stable location relationship between the device and charger, restricting user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging method and apparatus utilizing a plurality of antennas, where a target antenna is determined based on signal strength to receive energy supply signals, allowing for simultaneous communication and charging without additional charging coils, enabling flexible positioning and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a charging coil is used for wireless charging, then wireless charging function is achieved, but device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless charging function with existing antenna structures used for communication. The antenna serves dual purposes: communication signal transmission/reception and wireless charging energy reception, eliminating the need for a separate charging coil and thereby reducing device weight and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a communication antenna and a wireless charging receiver. This multi-functional design allows the same component to handle both data communication and power reception, avoiding additional weight from dedicated charging coils.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a charging coil is used for wireless charging, then wireless charging function is achieved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless charging reception capability into the existing antenna structure. By using the same antenna for both communication and charging, the patent avoids adding the thickness that would result from incorporating a separate charging coil into the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is designed to universally handle both communication and wireless charging functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional thickness to accommodate a dedicated charging coil, maintaining thin device profiles.
3Productivity
If a stable location relationship is required between device and charger, then charging efficiency is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple antennas that can dynamically select the optimal antenna for charging based on real-time signal conditions. This dynamic selection capability allows the system to maintain efficient charging even when the device's position relative to the charger changes, eliminating the need for a stable location relationship and thereby improving user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different antennas based on signal strength and charging conditions. This parameter change approach enables the system to adapt to varying positional relationships between device and charger, maintaining charging efficiency without requiring fixed positioning.
4Device complexity
If multiple antennas are used for both communication and charging, then space is saved, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-slot allocation where communication signals and charging signals are transmitted and received at different time intervals. This periodic separation prevents signal interference between communication and charging functions while utilizing the same antenna structure, thus saving space without compromising signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the time domain into different slots for communication and charging operations. By dividing the operational timeline into distinct periods for each function, the system avoids signal interference between communication and charging while using shared antenna resources, reducing overall device 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
This solution effectively saves space in terminal devices, supports thin and lightweight designs, and allows for wireless charging during normal use, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for a stable location relationship between the device and charger.
Implementation Method 1
receiving at least an energy supply signal through the target antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A wireless charging method, applied to a terminal device including a plurality of antennas, comprises: transmitting or receiving a communication signal through the plurality of antennas; and determining a target antenna among the plurality of antennas in response to that a charging trigger operation is detected, receiving at least an energy supply signal through the target antenna, and transmitting and receiving a communication signal through an antenna other than the target antenna among the plurality of antennas