Wireless Earphone Charging Case Thermal Control via Metal Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless charging systems for wireless earphones lack effective temperature control mechanisms, which can lead to safety issues and inefficient charging due to overheating during the wireless charging process.

Innovation Solution

A charging case for wireless earphones incorporating a coil, a metal portion, and a control module that uses electromagnetic induction to establish or disconnect wireless communication based on the temperature of the metal portion, ensuring safe and efficient charging by controlling the temperature range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wireless charging is performed using electromagnetic induction, then charging efficiency is improved, but temperature increases causing overheating risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature of charging case
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control module continuously monitors the temperature of the metal portion and adjusts the wireless charging operation accordingly. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control module automatically stops or reduces charging, creating a closed-loop control system that balances charging efficiency with thermal safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the wireless charging system by dynamically adjusting the charging state based on temperature conditions. The system transitions between different charging power levels or states (charging, pausing, stopping) according to the detected temperature, thereby optimizing both charging efficiency and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If metal portion is placed near coil for wireless communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a non-metallic spacer or insulating structure as an intermediary element between the metal portion and the coil. This intermediary component maintains the necessary spatial relationship for communication efficiency while preventing direct electromagnetic interference between the metal and the coil, thereby resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and interference reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the charging case. The metal portion is strategically positioned and isolated in specific areas to maintain communication efficiency, while non-metallic materials are used in proximity to the coil to minimize electromagnetic interference, creating localized zones with optimized properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If temperature control mechanism is added to prevent overheating, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging safetyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service temperature control system where the charging case autonomously monitors its own temperature and makes independent decisions about charging operation. The control module uses built-in temperature sensors and pre-programmed logic to automatically adjust charging parameters without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, thereby improving safety while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the temperature control function with the existing wireless communication and charging control modules. By integrating the temperature monitoring and control logic into the existing control architecture rather than adding separate independent systems, the patent achieves improved safety with minimal increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution effectively manages the temperature of the charging case, preventing overheating and ensuring safe and efficient wireless charging by dynamically controlling the communication with the charging base, thereby enhancing the safety and stability of the charging process.

Implementation Method 1

configured to receive electrical energy from the charging base through electromagnetic induction during the wireless communication between the charging case for the wireless earphone and the charging base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A temperature of the metal portion changes, when the coil receives the electrical energy from the charging base through the electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20230254625A1Charging case for wireless earphone, charging case, and wireless charging system
Publication Date: 2023.08.10 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US20230254625A1 patent drawing
  • US20230254625A1 patent drawing
  • US20230254625A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The charging case for the wireless earphone includes a coil, a metal portion, and a control module. The coil is configured for wireless communication between the charging case for the wireless earphone and a charging base, and configured to receive electrical energy from the charging base through electromagnetic induction. The metal portion is spaced apart from the coil. The control module is electrically connected with the coil. The control module is configured to control, according to a temperature of the metal portion, to establish or disconnect the wireless communication via the coil between the charging case for the wireless earphone and the charging base.