Wireless Audio Charging Control Using Pairing History Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless audio devices face challenges in managing battery charge levels during storage and transport to prevent overcharging, which can be unsafe and hinder performance, while ensuring a seamless user experience upon initial use.

Innovation Solution

A wireless audio device system that includes a controller and switch to detect pairing with an audio source, enabling it to transition from restricted to normal charging modes based on paired history data, allowing full charging only when paired with an audio source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless charging is implemented for audio devices, then charging convenience is improved, but susceptibility to foreign objects and charging interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidforeign object susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A charging case is introduced as an intermediary device between the wireless charger and the audio device. The charging case contains a foreign object detector that identifies and prevents charging when foreign objects are present, while still enabling convenient wireless charging for the audio device when conditions are safe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through foreign object detection mechanisms in the charging case. The detector continuously monitors the charging environment and provides feedback to control the charging process, stopping or preventing charging when foreign objects are detected to avoid interference or safety issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the charging case remains closed to protect the audio device, then protection is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The charging case lid is designed to dynamically adjust its position during charging. The lid automatically opens to a specific degree during the charging process to allow heat dissipation, while still providing sufficient protection. This dynamic adjustment balances protection and thermal management requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If the charging case lid is always open for heat dissipation, then temperature control is improved, but susceptibility to foreign objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidforeign object susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charging case lid dynamically adjusts its opening degree based on charging status. During charging, the lid opens partially to enable heat dissipation while maintaining protection. When charging is complete or not active, the lid remains closed to protect the audio device from foreign objects, thus balancing thermal management and protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables wireless audio devices to be shipped with partially charged batteries without violating charge thresholds, ensuring safe and efficient operation upon user activation, thereby providing a seamless 'out-of-the-box' experience.

Implementation Method 1

a processor configured to detect, while the audio device is being wirelessly charged, a foreign object near the audio device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

systems and methods for wirelessly charging an audio device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless charging: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3834269B1Systems and methods for charging wireless audio devices
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 BOSE CORP
  • EP3834269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3834269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3834269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless audio device, charging system, and method of charging a battery. The wireless audio device includes a communication module configured to enable the wireless audio device to communicate wirelessly and a battery. A charging interface is configured to establish a power transfer connection to the battery from a power source. A memory is configured to store paired history data indicating that the wireless audio device has been paired to an audio source upon the audio device being wirelessly paired. A controller is configured to detect the power transfer connection, determine a charge level of the battery, check the memory for the paired history data, and generate a control signal for selectively disabling the power transfer connection to prevent the charge level from exceeding a preset threshold unless the memory contains the paired history data.