Patterned Conductive Layer for Wireless Charging Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless charging systems face challenges in achieving uniform coupling and position flexibility, particularly for large devices like tablets and laptops, due to varying magnetic resonance coupling caused by metallic components in the device chassis, leading to inefficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a patterned conductive layer between the Power Receiving Unit (PRU) and the Power Transmitting Unit (PTU) to redirect Eddy currents and compensate for coupling variations, ensuring a substantially uniform magnetic field and improved energy transfer regardless of the relative positioning of the PRU and PTU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wireless charging is implemented for large devices like tablets and laptops, then power delivery capability is improved, but coupling uniformity deteriorates due to varying magnetic resonance coupling caused by metallic components in the device chassis
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the PRU coil and the metallic chassis. This conductive layer acts as a mediator that redirects Eddy currents away from regions that would disrupt magnetic coupling, thereby maintaining uniform coupling across different charging positions while preserving the high power delivery capability needed for large devices
2Strength
If metallic components are present in the device chassis, then structural strength is improved, but magnetic resonance coupling deteriorates due to Eddy currents disrupting the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful Eddy currents generated by metallic chassis components into a beneficial effect. By introducing a conductive layer that strategically redirects these Eddy currents, the system transforms the disruptive electromagnetic effect into a mechanism that enhances coupling uniformity, allowing metallic components to remain for structural strength while improving overall charging reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the PRU is positioned away from the center of the PTU, then position flexibility is improved, but coupling uniformity deteriorates due to varying overlap between coils
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer serves as a compensatory intermediary that offsets the non-uniform magnetic field distribution caused by off-center positioning. By redirecting Eddy currents to specific regions, the conductive layer maintains consistent coupling strength across various positions on the charging surface, enabling greater position flexibility without sacrificing coupling uniformity
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 solution significantly enhances coupling uniformity by up to 110% compared to conventional methods, allowing for more flexible and efficient wireless charging of larger devices without requiring significant modifications to existing systems or increasing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless charging or inductive charging uses a magnetic field to transfer energy between two devices. PTUs of A4WP use an induction coil to generate a magnetic field from within a charging base station
Implementation Method 2
a second induction coil in the PRU (i.e., portable device) takes power from the magnetic field and converts the power back into electrical current to charge the battery
Implementation Method 3
Greater distances between sender and receiver coils can be achieved when the inductive charging system uses magnetic resonance coupling. Magnetic resonance coupling is the near field wireless transmission of electrical energy between two coils that are tuned to resonate at the same frequency
Implementation Method 4
due to varying magnetic resonance coupling caused by metallic components in the device chassis
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method, apparatus and system to wirelessly charge a device. Specifically, the disclosed embodiments provide improved charging stations for increased active charging area. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an offset device for use with a Power Receiving Unit (PRU). The offset device includes a conductive layer supporting an aperture, the aperture aligned with an inner most coil loop of the PRU; and a first slot formed in the conductive layer extending from the aperture to an outside edge of the conductive layer.