Bendable Wireless Charging Apparatus With Flexible Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging technologies for wearable electronics are limited by rigid or brittle components in flexible batteries and non-bendable receiving coils, which restrict the degree to which these devices can be flexed, making them unsuitable for complex, curved shapes.
Innovation Solution
A bendable wireless charging apparatus integrated with a flexible battery, featuring a flexible substrate, a flexible receiving coil, a flexible EMI-shielding layer, and a control module, allowing the apparatus to bend up to 90 degrees while maintaining functionality, and including an additional output connection for simultaneous charging and discharging processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid or brittle components (ceramic separators, thick metal wire coils) are used in flexible batteries and receiving coils, then structural strength and electrical performance are improved, but the degree of bending flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid ceramic separators with flexible polymer separators and uses thin film structures for the receiving coil and battery components. The receiving coil is formed as a thin flexible pattern on a flexible substrate rather than using thick metal wire, enabling the entire assembly to bend to at least 90 degrees while maintaining structural integrity and electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of key components: reducing the thickness of the receiving coil from thick metal wire to thin flexible conductive traces, replacing ceramic materials with flexible polymers, and designing the battery with a flexible structure that can withstand repeated bending. These parameter changes enable both structural strength and bending flexibility to coexist.
2Reliability
If the receiving coil is formed from thick metal wire to ensure electrical performance, then electrical conductivity is improved, but bendability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil is constructed as a thin flexible conductive pattern deposited or printed on a flexible substrate rather than using traditional thick metal wire winding. This thin film approach maintains electrical conductivity while enabling the coil to flex and bend without breaking or losing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving coil assembly uses composite structures combining flexible substrates with conductive materials, creating a flexible circuit board-like structure that provides both electrical performance and bendability. The composite design allows the coil to maintain its electrical function while adapting to curved surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is designed to bend to at least 90 degrees for wearable applications, then adaptability to complex shapes is improved, but structural integrity and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The entire apparatus is constructed using flexible substrates and thin film structures that can accommodate 90-degree bending without compromising structural integrity. The flexible battery, receiving coil, and EMI-shielding layer are all designed as flexible components that maintain their functional properties after repeated bending cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective flexible layers and stress-distributing structures that prevent damage during bending operations. The flexible housing and internal component mounting structures are designed to absorb and distribute mechanical stress, preventing failure points from developing during repeated flexing to 90 degrees or more.
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 flexible and efficient wireless charging and discharging in wearable devices, with the apparatus capable of withstanding repeated bending without loss of performance, ensuring continuous operation and preventing damage from overcharging or over-discharging.
Implementation Method 1
inductive wireless charging devices for wirelessly charging portable electronic devices have been introduced. Wireless power transfer may be defined as a resonant wireless transfer of power through magnetic induction between coils located at a power transmitting unit (PTU) and coils located at a power receiving unit (PRU).
Implementation Method 2
The EMI-shielding layer is disposed between the receiving coil disposed on the substrate and the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A bendable wireless charging apparatus having an operational bend radius of approximately 90 degrees is disclosed, which includes a flexible substrate, a receiving coil, a battery, a flexible EMI-shielding layer and a control module. The receiving coil is disposed on a surface of the substrate, and is electrically connected to the control module. The battery, which may also be flexible, is located beneath another surface of the substrate. The EMI-shielding layer is disposed between the receiving coil and the battery.