Inductive Charging Interface with Magnetic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive charging for electronic devices is inefficient due to high energy losses from leakage flux and non-ideal magnetic paths, requiring large receiving coils that consume space and result in longer charge times compared to wired charging.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic core of the inductive charging configuration is divided into two U-shaped magnetic elements, one in the plug connector and one in the receptacle, with magnetically permeable windows to guide magnetic flux in a circular path, reducing losses and allowing for alignment and retention of the connectors, thereby enhancing charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging is implemented, then wireless charging convenience is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to high energy losses from leakage flux and non-ideal magnetic paths
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core is divided into two separate U-shaped magnetic elements: one integrated into the plug connector and the other into the receptacle connector. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while working together to create an efficient closed magnetic path, resolving the contradiction between wireless convenience and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped magnetic elements act as intermediary components that guide and contain the magnetic flux between the transmission and receiving coils. These magnetic elements serve as mediators that prevent flux leakage and establish ideal magnetic paths, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining wireless charging functionality.
2Power
If large receiving coils are implemented for inductive charging, then charging capability is improved, but device space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core elements are merged with the connector structures themselves, integrating the magnetic guidance function into the existing plug and receptacle designs. This merging allows the magnetic elements to be positioned close to the coils without requiring additional space, thereby maintaining charging capability while minimizing volume consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped magnetic elements create a three-dimensional magnetic path that efficiently contains flux in the vertical and lateral dimensions. This dimensional approach allows the magnetic flux to be confined in a compact volume near the connectors, enabling effective charging without requiring large planar coil areas that would consume device space.
3Ease of operation
If inductive charging is used, then wireless charging is achieved, but charge time increases compared to wired charging
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the magnetic core into two U-shaped elements positioned in plug and receptacle respectively, the invention creates optimized magnetic paths that maximize coupling between transmission and receiving coils. This segmentation enables higher power transfer efficiency, thereby reducing charge time while maintaining wireless charging convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the typically harmful magnetic flux leakage into a beneficial concentrated magnetic path by using the U-shaped magnetic elements to guide and contain the flux. This conversion of flux that would normally be lost into useful magnetic coupling between coils significantly improves charging efficiency and reduces charge time.
4Loss of energy
If magnetic elements are added to plug and receptacle connectors, then charging efficiency is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped magnetic elements perform multiple functions simultaneously: they guide magnetic flux, provide structural support for the coils, and enable mechanical alignment between plug and receptacle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features and simplifies the overall connector design despite adding magnetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped magnetic elements introduce asymmetric geometry that naturally guides magnetic flux in a specific direction and provides inherent alignment features. This asymmetric design simplifies the mating process and reduces the need for complex alignment mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while improving efficiency.
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 configuration achieves around 90% inductive charging efficiency by minimizing energy losses and allowing for faster charging times, while also eliminating the need for complex structural retention features, thus providing a more compact and efficient charging solution.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element having poles aligned to generate a magnetic field that attracts a corresponding receptacle connector of an electronic device and orients and aligns the plug connector therewith
Implementation Method 2
a wire wound around the magnetic element to form an inductive transmission coil, an electrical connection coupled to the inductive transmission coil and configured to apply a current to the inductive transmission coil to induce a current in an inductive receiving coil
Implementation Method 3
The magnetically permeable window also can be configured to allow magnetic flux to flow to and from the corresponding receptacle connector when the corresponding receptacle connector is mated with the plug connector
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive charging interface with magnetic retention can be used for charging electronic devices and accessories. For example, a magnetic core of an inductive charging configuration may be divided into two magnetic elements, one element can be housed within a receptacle or receiving connector of housing of an electric device and the other element can be housed within a plug or transmission connector. The poles of the two elements of the magnetic core may create a magnetic field to retain the plug connector in an aligned, mated position with the receptacle connector of the electronic device in addition to directing magnetic flux to flow in a circular path around and between the two elements of the magnetic core, thereby inducing a current for charging the internal battery of a device.