Countertop Wireless Charging Coil Layout for Free Device Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems are limited in flexibility and complexity, struggling to accommodate the increasing diversity in mobile device form factors and charging configurations, as they are optimized for simple configurations and basic charging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a modular wireless charging system with multiple transmitting coils arranged in a honeycomb configuration, allowing for free-positioning charging surfaces that can concurrently charge multiple devices of varying sizes and shapes, using Litz coils and advanced sensing techniques to detect device location and optimize power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wireless charging coil is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate devices of arbitrary shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system divides the charging surface into multiple independent coil segments arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Each coil can be independently activated based on device position and size, allowing the system to adapt to various device form factors while maintaining manageable complexity through modular control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-planar charging surface to a three-dimensional honeycomb arrangement of multiple coils at different positions and orientations. This spatial dimensionality enables simultaneous charging of multiple devices with different shapes and sizes by activating appropriate coil combinations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitting coils are used to charge multiple devices, then charging flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coil control functions into a unified honeycomb-patterned charging surface with integrated sensing and control systems. This consolidation allows simultaneous management of multiple coils through a single control architecture, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-device charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic device detection and positioning sensors that enable the charging surface to self-configure optimal coil activation patterns based on detected device locations and orientations, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing control system complexity
3Ease of operation
If precise alignment is required for charging, then power transfer efficiency is high, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system dynamically adjusts power distribution across multiple coils based on real-time device positioning and orientation detected by sensors. This dynamic adaptation maintains high power transfer efficiency by actively optimizing the active coil configuration while allowing devices to be placed freely without precise alignment requirements
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 provides efficient and flexible wireless charging capabilities, enabling charging of devices with arbitrary shapes and sizes without the need for precise alignment, while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity through matrix multiplexed switching and direct current drive topologies.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transmitting coils arranged in a pattern that defines a charging surface
Implementation Method 2
a light source provided below the countertop and configured to illuminate an indicator line that identifies a physical location of the charging surface
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system includes a wireless charging device and is embedded in or attached to a countertop, table, desk, workbench, bar top, kitchen worksurface, or other item of furniture. The wireless charging device includes a plurality of transmitting coils, at least one light source and a controller. The plurality of transmitting coils is arranged in a pattern that defines the area or limits of a charging surface located within an upper surface of a countertop. Each light source may be provided below the countertop and may be configured to illuminate an indicator line that identifies a physical location of the charging surface. The indicator line appears on the upper surface of the countertop.