Inductive Interconnection Systems for Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices often face usability issues due to their small form factor, lacking physical keyboards and suitable surfaces for writing, and existing accessory devices with exposed electrical contacts are prone to dust and moisture ingress, limiting ease of charging.
Innovation Solution
An inductive interconnection system enabling wireless power transfer between a host device and an accessory device, utilizing a transmitting element with a ferromagnetic structure and inductor coil to generate time-varying magnetic flux, allowing the accessory device to receive power in various rotational orientations, and a receiving element with a similar configuration to induce current for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If exposed electrical contacts are used for charging accessory devices, then power transfer can be established, but dust and moisture can intrude and damage the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-socket electrical contact system with an inductive wireless power transfer system. The transmitting element in the host device generates a time-varying magnetic flux that induces current in the receiving element of the accessory device, eliminating the need for exposed electrical contacts and physical connections, thereby preventing dust and moisture intrusion while maintaining power transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium for power transfer. The transmitting element generates a time-varying magnetic flux that serves as the intermediary to transfer energy from the host device to the accessory device without direct electrical contact, thus avoiding the harmful effects of exposed contacts to environmental factors
2Use of energy by moving object
If plug-and-socket type connections are used, then electrical contact is established for charging, but the accessory device must be physically connected to the host device, limiting ease of charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-and-socket connection system with an inductive wireless power transfer system. The transmitting element generates a time-varying magnetic flux that enables power transfer without physical connection, allowing the accessory device to be charged by simply placing it near the host device without requiring precise alignment or insertion actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic and flexible positioning of the accessory device during charging. The inductive coupling allows power transfer across a range of positions and orientations, making the charging process more adaptable and easier to perform compared to rigid plug-and-socket connections that require precise alignment
3Ease of operation
If inductive interconnection system is used for wireless power transfer, then ease of charging is improved and exposure to dust and moisture is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the inductive power transfer components (transmitting element, receiving element, ferromagnetic structures) into the existing device architectures. The transmitting element is incorporated into the host device and the receiving element into the accessory device, merging the wireless charging functionality with the core device functions without requiring entirely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive interconnection system serves multiple functions: it enables wireless power transfer, provides alignment guidance through ferromagnetic structure interaction, and maintains compatibility with existing device form factors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall system integration
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 solution enhances the ease of power reception for accessory devices, such as styluses, by allowing wireless charging in multiple orientations, reducing physical connection requirements and minimizing exposure to dust and moisture.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting inductor coil wound about a transmitting groove region of the transmitting ferromagnetic structure and in between the two transmitting end regions, the transmitting inductor coil configured to generate time-varying magnetic flux through the transmitting ferromagnetic structure
Implementation Method 2
a receiving element with a similar configuration to induce current for charging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Embodiments describe a receiving element that includes a ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the ferromagnetic structure. The ferromagnetic structure includes a groove region defining two end regions on opposing sides of the groove region, where the groove region has a smaller length than the two end regions. The receiving element also includes an inductor coil wound about the groove region of the ferromagnetic structure and in between the two end regions.