Hinged Wireless Charging Puck for Stable Foldable Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for charging devices that can securely hold electronic devices in a useful position, fold into a compact shape, and provide charging power, while preventing accidental closure due to the weight of the device.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charger with a wireless charging assembly, a base, and a hinge that allows the assembly to be positioned upright for easy viewing, featuring a high-friction cap and magnet array for secure holding, and control electronics for wireless charging and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wireless charging assembly is made compact and foldable for easy transport, then portability is improved, but the device may inadvertently fold up or close due to the weight of the electronic device being charged
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is pre-configured with increased friction resistance to counteract the closing force generated by the weight of the electronic device. This preliminary anti-action prevents inadvertent closure while maintaining the compact foldable structure for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge friction parameter is specifically adjusted to provide increased resistance to closing. By changing the friction parameter of the hinge mechanism, the system maintains reliability during charging while preserving the compact design for transport.
2Reliability
If the hinge provides increased friction to resist closing and securely hold the electronic device, then charging stability is improved, but the hinge may become difficult to open for use
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge friction characteristic is made asymmetric, providing high resistance in the closing direction to prevent inadvertent closure, while allowing easier opening through deliberate user action. This asymmetry resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the cap uses high-friction or adhesive surfaces to increase holding force, then the electronic device is securely held in place, but the shear force needed to remove the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap surface is engineered with localized high-friction or adhesive properties specifically at the contact interface with the electronic device. This local quality enhancement provides secure holding during charging while the overall cap structure remains removable with controlled force.
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 securely holds electronic devices upright during charging, allows for easy transport in a compact form, and provides efficient wireless charging and data transmission while minimizing accidental closure.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge can be configured to allow the wireless charger to readily open for use, but can provide increased friction to resist closing.
Implementation Method 2
The cap can include a high-friction or high-stiction surface that can increase a shear force needed to remove an electronic device from the charger.
Implementation Method 3
The cap can be at least partially adhesive to increase a normal force necessary to remove the electronic device from the charger.
Implementation Method 4
The wireless charging assembly can include one or more magnets that can magnetically attract a corresponding one or more magnets in an electronic device in order to hold the electronic device in place in against the cap of the wireless charging assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Charging devices that can securely hold an electronic device in a useful position, fold into a compact shape, and provide power to the electronic device. One example can provide a wireless charger that can include a wireless charging assembly, a base, and a hinge connecting the wireless charging assembly to the base. When opened, the wireless charging assembly can be positioned upright relative to the base such that an electronic device being charged by the wireless charging assembly can be maintained in an upright position for easy viewing. The wireless charging assembly can be rotated, folded, or otherwise closed into a cavity or passage in the base, which can provide for easy transport. The hinge can be configured to readily open for use, while providing increased friction to resist closing. This increased friction can help the charger to securely hold the electronic device in place while charging.