Inductive Charger Biasing Structure for Coil Alignment and Charging Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction charging technologies face inefficiencies due to the distance between the inductor coils and the electronic devices, which affects the strength of the magnetic field and consequently the charging rate, as they often fail to maintain optimal contact and alignment during charging.
Innovation Solution
The charger incorporates a biasing member, such as a frame and inductor engagement member, that applies a force to the inductor member to press it against the interior surface of the housing, minimizing the distance and enhancing the magnetic field strength for efficient charging, and includes a method of manufacturing that secures the inductor member in close proximity to the charging region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inductor member is positioned within the housing without biasing, then the device structure is simpler, but the distance between the inductor member and the charging region increases, reducing magnetic field strength and charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the inductor member and the housing. This biasing member applies a biasing force to press the inductor member against the interior surface of the housing at the charging region, ensuring minimal distance and optimal magnetic field coupling without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing force applied by the biasing member dynamically adjusts the position of the inductor member, changing the distance parameter between the inductor member and the charging region to maintain optimal values for magnetic field strength and charging efficiency
2Power
If the inductor member is pressed against the housing interior surface with a biasing member, then the magnetic field strength and charging rate increase, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that provides the necessary force to maintain optimal contact between the inductor member and the housing, achieving high charging rates without requiring complex actuation or positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, the inductor member, and the biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and effectiveness
3Productivity
If the inductor member is allowed to move freely within the housing, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the alignment between the inductor member and the charging region deteriorates, reducing charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member acts as a simple mechanical intermediary that automatically maintains proper alignment between the inductor member and the charging region through applied force, eliminating the need for complex precision mounting structures while ensuring consistent charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides self-adjusting functionality, automatically maintaining optimal inductor member position and alignment without requiring external control systems or complex manufacturing precision, allowing the device to self-correct for minor manufacturing variations
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 configuration significantly improves the charging efficiency by maintaining optimal contact and alignment, increasing the strength of the magnetic field and thus the charging rate, while preventing the inductor member from moving away from the charging region.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor member can be positioned within the interior of the housing and electrically connected to the substrate, the inductor member configured to receive electrical current from the cable and generate a magnetic field responsive to the received electrical current, the magnetic field configured to induce electrical current in the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations of chargers are provided herein for inductively charging an electronic device. In some implementations, the charger includes: a housing having an interior and a charging region configured to receive a portion of the electronic device; a substrate positioned within the interior; a cable configured to connect to a power source to provide energy to the charger; and an inductor member positioned within the interior. The inductor member receives electrical current from the cable and generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field induces electrical current in the electronic device when the portion of the electronic device is positioned at the charging region. The charger further includes a biasing member arranged within the interior and configured to apply a biasing force to the inductor member such that the inductor member is pressed against a portion of an interior surface of the housing at said charging region.