Cylindrical Wireless Charging Coil for Smartwatch Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart watches face limitations in battery capacity due to internal space constraints, leading to frequent charging needs and challenges in implementing wireless charging technology effectively, including mechanical restrictions and low charging efficiency, especially with the difficulty of mounting reception coils and circuits in small spaces.

Innovation Solution

A coil structure for wireless power transmission featuring a cylindrical body with an upper transmission coil generating an electromagnetic field through the upper surface and side transmission coils generating fields through the side surfaces, including a magnetic shield layer to prevent reverse magnetic fields and insulators to prevent short circuits, allowing for efficient charging of devices with both flat and curved surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional single-loop transmission coil is used, then the device structure is simple, but reverse direction magnetic fields are generated causing electronic circuit malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil structureVSAvoidelectronic circuit operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single-loop transmission coil is segmented into multiple independent coil loops (first coil loop, second coil loop, third coil loop, fourth coil loop) arranged in a specific configuration. Each loop generates magnetic fields in specific directions, and by combining multiple loops, the patent eliminates reverse direction magnetic fields while maintaining structural simplicity. The segmented coil structure allows selective orientation of magnetic fields to prevent circuit malfunction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If wireless charging technology is introduced to eliminate USB connectors for waterproof performance, then waterproof and dustproof performance is improved, but charging efficiency decreases and internal space constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof and dustproof performanceVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar coil arrangement to a three-dimensional coil configuration with multiple loops extended in different spatial dimensions. The first and second coil loops are arranged in one dimension while the third and fourth coil loops are arranged in another dimension, creating a multi-dimensional magnetic field distribution. This dimensional expansion increases the effective charging area and improves charging efficiency without compromising waterproof performance.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the transmission coil is extended to cover larger area for improved charging coverage, then charging freedom is improved, but the mechanical appearance of smart watches is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging freedomVSAvoidmechanical appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts a curved cylindrical arrangement for the coil loops instead of a flat planar configuration. The first, second, third, and fourth coil loops are arranged in a curved three-dimensional pattern that follows a cylindrical geometry. This curved configuration provides extended charging coverage and freedom while maintaining a compact form factor that preserves the mechanical appearance and aesthetic design of smart watches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enables efficient wireless charging of smart watches and other devices by preventing reverse magnetic field malfunctions and short circuits, thereby enhancing charging efficiency and expanding market potential for waterproof and dustproof smart watches.

Implementation Method 1

an upper transmission coil formed on the body and configured to generate an electromagnetic field passing through an upper surface of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one side transmission coil formed on the body and configured to generate an electromagnetic field passing through a side surface of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic shield layer formed in an upper portion of the body below the upper surface of the body, and configured to block the magnetic field generated by the upper transmission coil from propagating toward a lower portion of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field blocking: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10135296B2Coil structure for wireless power transmissions and wireless power transmitter including the same
Publication Date: 2018.11.20 WITS CO LTD
  • US10135296B2 patent drawing
  • US10135296B2 patent drawing
  • US10135296B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A coil structure for wireless power transmissions includes: a body having a cylindrical shape; an upper transmission coil formed on the body and configured to generate an electromagnetic field passing through an upper surface of the body; and at least one side transmission coil formed on the body and configured to generate an electromagnetic field passing through a side surface of the body.