Wireless Charge Mat Coil Selection Using Device Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging systems face inefficiencies due to misalignment of receive and transmit coils, leading to reduced power transfer efficiency and increased power output, which can cause overheating and other undesirable conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging mat equipped with a detection system that uses inductive, capacitive, or pressure sensing to determine the location and orientation of an electronic device, allowing for the selection of the optimal transmit coil for efficient power transfer without requiring feedback from the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the transmitter device increases its power output to compensate for misalignment, then the power received by the electronic device is improved, but the power-transfer efficiency of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the electronic device's position and orientation using capacitive sensors before initiating power transfer. This allows the transmitter to pre-select the optimal transmit coil that is best aligned with the device's receive coil, avoiding the need to increase power output due to misalignment and thereby maintaining high power-transfer efficiency
2Loss of energy
If multiple transmit coils are used to improve alignment with the receive coil, then the power-transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging mat is divided into multiple independent transmit coil segments arranged in a grid pattern. Each transmit coil can be independently activated based on the detected position of the electronic device. The segmentation allows the system to achieve high power-transfer efficiency by selecting only the necessary coil segments rather than using a single large complex coil system
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor array performs preliminary detection of the electronic device's location and orientation before power transfer begins. Based on this preliminary information, the system pre-selects the optimal transmit coil from the array, simplifying the control logic and reducing the complexity of real-time coil switching during charging
3Ease of operation
If the transmit coil is not aligned with the receive coil, then the device can still be charged, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the electronic device's position and orientation using capacitive sensors before initiating power transfer. This allows the transmitter to pre-select the optimal transmit coil that minimizes misalignment, thereby reducing charging time while still allowing flexible device placement on the charging surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which transmit coil to activate based on the real-time detected position of the electronic device. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal alignment regardless of where the user places the device on the charging mat, balancing placement flexibility with charging efficiency
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 approach enhances power transfer efficiency by selecting the best positioned transmit coil, reducing charging time, and minimizing power consumption, thus preventing overheating and improving overall charging performance.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic device can receive power wirelessly, such as via electromagnetic induction. For example, an electronic device can include a coil for receiving power (a 'receive coil') and a transmitter device can include a coil for transmitting power (a 'transmit coil'). The electronic device is positioned nearby the transmitter device so that the transmit coil can transfer power to the receive coil via mutual induction.
Implementation Method 2
In some examples, a detection system includes a set of capacitive electrodes disposed on or below the upper surface or charging surface of the wireless charging mat. The capacitive electrodes experience a change in capacitance in response to a nearby electronic device, and may determine the location and orientation of the electronic device based on a comparison of the changes in capacitance of different electrodes.
Implementation Method 3
In some examples, a detection system includes a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect a deflection of the upper surface in response to the electronic device contacting the upper surface or charging surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging mat and method of operating the same. The wireless charging mat includes a detection system configured to determine a location and an orientation of an electronic device on the wireless charging mat. The location and orientation are determined based on detected locations of one or more structural features of the electronic device. The wireless charging mat is operated according to the detected location and orientation.