Bowl-Shaped Wireless Charging Module for Modular Sensing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensing devices lack modularity and flexible charging solutions, requiring wired connections and precise positioning for operation and charging, which limits their versatility and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging module with a bowl-shaped structure and modularized sensing device that uses magnetic induction to charge electronic apparatuses without physical contact, allowing for increased flexibility in device placement and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional wireless charging bases use built-in induction coils coiled on a particular plane, then the charging structure is simple, but the charged portable electronic device must be set at a specific location precisely which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar induction coils to a three-dimensional bowl-shaped charging chamber. The charging coil is configured to extend along the circumferential direction of the bowl shape, creating a volumetric charging field rather than a planar one. This dimensional change allows electronic devices to be charged at multiple orientations and positions within the bowl, eliminating the need for precise placement on a specific plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple induction coils are incorporated to improve charging flexibility, then charging coverage is increased, but power consumption increases which worsens energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple induction coils into a unified bowl-shaped charging chamber structure. Instead of using separate planar coils that would require multiple independent power sources, the coils are integrated along the circumferential direction of the bowl, sharing a common magnetic core and power supply. This consolidation achieves versatile charging coverage while optimizing power utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bowl-shaped charging chamber serves multiple functions: it provides a unified charging field for various device orientations, acts as a magnetic shielding structure, and enables both horizontal and vertical charging configurations. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate charging systems, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If sensing devices are designed with integrated equipment and power source connected by wire connection, then the sensing device structure is stable, but it requires tedious work when changing or relocating sensing units which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing device system is segmented into modular components: a portable sensing unit and a separate power supply unit. The sensing unit can be easily detached and relocated, while the power supply remains stationary and connected to mains electricity. This segmentation enables flexible deployment and reconfiguration of sensing devices without the complexity of redesigning integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless charging module acts as an intermediary between the portable sensing unit and the stationary power supply. The module includes a bowl-shaped charging chamber with induction coils that wirelessly transmit power to the sensing unit when placed within the chamber. This intermediary enables contactless power transfer, eliminating the need for physical wire connections while maintaining stable power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 implementation and positioning of sensing devices with increased effective charging angles and eliminates the need for precise alignment during charging, enhancing the usability and efficiency of both sensing and charging processes.

Implementation Method 1

the first charging unit generates a magnetic field due to an electric current from the power supply, and an induced current for charging the electronic apparatus is induced in the electronic apparatus accommodated in the accommodating chamber via magnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10523057B2Wireless charging module with versatile charging orientation and modularized sensing device therewith
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 NAT CHUNG SHAN INST SCI & TECH
  • US10523057B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides a wireless charging module and a modularized sensing device therewith. A first charging unit is disposed around the inside of the wireless charging module for wirelessly charging a sensing module. Without introducing a transmission line as an electricity transmitting medium, the sensing module can be directly disposed inside and charged by the wireless charging module, which improves flexibility of implementation. Further, since the first charging unit is configured to surround the inside of the wireless charging module shaped as a bowl structure, the sensing module can be simply disposed into the bowl structure and wirelessly charged by the surrounding first charging units, which saves the inconvenience of setting the sensing module to a specific location or area for stable wireless charging and increases effective charging angles.