Hinged Wireless Charger for Smartwatch Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless chargers for smart watches are bulky and difficult to carry, especially for travel, and often require precise alignment which can be challenging due to the device's thickness, limiting their portability and usability in different orientations.
Innovation Solution
A compact wireless charger with a hingedly coupled charging pad and adjustable stand assembly that allows the charging pad to be folded up or down for upright or flat positioning, featuring an adjustable thickness mechanism to accommodate devices of varying heights, ensuring proper alignment and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless charger supports nightstand mode with upright positioning, then usability is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging module is designed with a hinge joint connecting the charging pad to the stand assembly, enabling dynamic transformation between flat and upright positions. This mechanical flexibility allows a single compact device to provide multiple charging orientations without requiring separate dedicated structures for each mode.
2Volume of moving object
If a wireless charger is made compact for portability, then device size is reduced, but alignment precision with the charging module deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charger is segmented into distinct functional components: a charging pad, a hinge joint, and an adjustable stand assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the stand assembly providing adjustable positioning to ensure precise alignment between the charging module and device despite the compact overall form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand assembly incorporates an adjustable thickness mechanism that enables dynamic adaptation of the charging module's position. This adjustability compensates for variations in device thickness and ensures optimal alignment between the charging coil and device battery, maintaining charging precision in a compact design.
3Volume of moving object
If the charging module is made compact, then device size is reduced, but adaptability to different device orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint connects the charging pad to the stand assembly, enabling smooth transition between flat and upright positions. This dynamic mechanical structure allows the compact charging module to adapt to different device orientations and charging scenarios without requiring multiple separate charging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can charge devices in both flat and upright positions, accommodating different user preferences and scenarios. The adjustable stand assembly further enhances versatility by adapting to devices of varying thicknesses, making a single compact device universally applicable.
4Manufacturing precision
If the stand assembly is made adjustable for different device heights, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stand assembly is designed as a separate, modular component with discrete thickness levels. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly, where the stand can be adjusted to predefined height positions rather than requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
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 provides a portable and versatile charging solution that efficiently charges smart watches in both upright and flat positions, accommodating different device sizes and orientations while ensuring optimal alignment and charging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a charging pad configured to be folded up or down relative to the top surface to wirelessly charge an electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging module comprising a charging pad and a stand assembly hingedly coupled to the charging pad. In many embodiments, the stand assembly can include a top surface. The charging pad can be configured to be folded up or down relative to the top surface to wirelessly charge an electronic device in an upright position or a flat position, respectively, while the electronic device is located over the top surface. Further, the stand assembly can include an adjustable thickness. The stand assembly can be configured to cause a height of the charging pad to change, relative to a support surface for the charging module. Other embodiments are also provided.