Flexible Wireless Charger for Multi-Geometry Inductive Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless chargers are inefficient for devices with varying geometries, leading to clutter and the need for multiple chargers, as they do not conform to the shape of different devices, resulting in suboptimal charging efficiency and increased costs due to additional accessories required to manage cables.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wireless charger integrated into an information handling system that conforms to the shape of devices, using a bendable transmission coil and receiver coil configuration to ensure efficient inductive power transfer, accommodating devices with flat and curved geometries, and featuring a retractable design to minimize clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional rigid wireless charger is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it cannot conform to devices with varying geometries resulting in poor charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charger employs a flexible substrate that allows the charging coil to dynamically change its shape and conform to the geometry of different devices being charged. This dynamic adaptability enables the charger to maintain optimal charging efficiency across various device forms without requiring multiple specialized chargers, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the charger substrate from rigid to flexible, allowing the charging surface to deform and adapt to different device geometries. This parameter change enables the single charger to efficiently charge multiple device types while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of flexible materials and simplified coil configurations.
2Productivity
If multiple wireless chargers are used to accommodate different device geometries, then charging efficiency for each device type is optimized, but device complexity and clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charger is designed with universal applicability through its flexible construction, enabling a single device to charge multiple types of electronic devices with varying geometries efficiently. The flexible substrate allows the charging coil to adapt its shape whether charging a flat smartphone, a curved wearable, or another geometry, eliminating the need for multiple specialized chargers and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a flexible substrate as the foundation of the wireless charger, allowing the charging coil to be mounted on a pliable surface that can conform to different device shapes. This flexible shell approach enables one charger to serve multiple device geometries, reducing the number of chargers needed and simplifying the charging ecosystem.
3Productivity
If a flexible wireless charger is used to conform to different device shapes, then charging efficiency increases, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible wireless charger uses a dynamic substrate that can change its shape to match the device being charged, improving charging efficiency through better geometric conformity. The structural complexity is managed by using a inherently flexible material base with a mounting system that allows the coil to naturally conform, rather than requiring complex mechanical actuation systems, thus balancing flexibility with structural simplicity.
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 flexible wireless charger enhances charging efficiency for multiple device geometries, reduces clutter, and eliminates the need for multiple chargers by conforming to the shape of devices, thereby optimizing charging performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible wireless charger integrated into an information handling system that conforms to the shape of devices, using a bendable transmission coil and receiver coil configuration to ensure efficient inductive power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charger inductively charges devices of various shapes and/or types, such as with multiple bend radii. Smartphones, headphones, key fobs, and other wireless devices may be laid atop the wireless charger. The wireless charger has flexible and pliable features that conform to the shape of the wireless device. The flexible and pliable features maintain a conformal relationship with the wireless device laid atop the wireless charger. The flexible and pliable features increase the efficiency of inductive power transfer and can reduce charge times and/or reduce heat generated due to thermal losses.