Inductive Charging Dock Proximity Alarm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional docking stations for mobile computing devices face mechanical strain and reliability issues due to repeated mating and removal actions, which can compromise connector integrity and fail to effectively monitor the proximity of the device for inductive charging and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses proximity sensors such as magnetic, mechanical, acoustic, Hall-Effect, and IR sensors to detect the presence of a mobile computing device and activate an alarm when it is no longer proximate to the docking station, ensuring seamless inductive charging and data transfer capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional insertive male/female connectors are used for docking stations and mobile computing devices, then mechanical connection and data transfer are enabled, but the connectors experience mechanical strain and reliability issues due to repeated mating and removal actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical insertive connector system with an inductive charging system that uses electromagnetic fields for power and data transfer. The docking station includes a transmitter coil and the mobile device includes a receiver coil, enabling wireless energy and data transfer without physical connector contact, thereby eliminating mechanical strain on connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the docking station and mobile device for power and data transfer. The transmitter coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the receiver coil, serving as a non-contact intermediary that transfers energy and information without requiring direct mechanical connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional docking stations without proximity detection are used, then simple charging functionality is provided, but the system cannot monitor device proximity or activate alarms when devices are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical proximity detection mechanisms with magnetic sensors that detect the presence of the mobile device through magnetic field interactions. This provides proximity monitoring capability without requiring complex mechanical switches or contact-based detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensors automatically detect device proximity and trigger alarm functions without requiring additional control logic or user intervention. The system self-monitors the magnetic field changes caused by device presence or removal and autonomously activates the alarm when the device is taken away.
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 enhances the mechanical reliability of docking stations by reducing strain on connectors and provides a reliable method to monitor and alert on device proximity, ensuring continuous operation and data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
uses proximity sensors such as magnetic, mechanical, acoustic, Hall-Effect, and IR sensors to detect the presence of a mobile computing device
Implementation Method 2
uses proximity sensors such as magnetic, mechanical, acoustic, Hall-Effect, and IR sensors to detect the presence of a mobile computing device
Implementation Method 3
uses proximity sensors such as magnetic, mechanical, acoustic, Hall-Effect, and IR sensors to detect the presence of a mobile computing device
Implementation Method 4
docking station that provides inductive charging and data transfer capabilities for the mobile computing device
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrated is a system and method to activate an alarm where a mobile computing device is no longer proximate to a docking station that provides inductive charging and data transfer capabilities for the mobile computing device. The computer system includes at least one coil to provide inductive charging for a mobile computing device. Further, the computer system includes a processor to control the inductive charging of the mobile computing device. Additionally, the computer system includes a proximity sensor operatively connected to the processor, the proximity sensor to determine that the mobile computing device is proximate to the computer system. Moreover, the computer system includes an alarm logic module to activate an alarm when the mobile computing device is no longer proximate to the computer system.