Integrated Charging Pad for Tetherless Device Powering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of multiple consumer electronics face clutter and inconvenience due to the need for multiple charging cables and tethers to connect devices for charging and data transfer.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a charging pad into a powered device, such as a monitor or keyboard, which includes a power supply to deliver an electrical charge to chargeable devices without the need for tethers, using inductive or magnetic resonance coupling for charging, and allowing multiple devices to be chained for simultaneous charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple charging cables and tethers are used to connect devices for charging and data transfer, then devices can be charged and communicate data, but cable clutter increases and physical workspace is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice charging convenienceVSAvoidphysical workspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless power transfer technology. The charging pad uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power to devices without physical contact, eliminating the need for USB cables and tethers while maintaining charging functionality. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing mechanical connectors that occupy workspace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging pad is designed to simultaneously charge multiple devices of different types (smartphones, tablets, laptops) through a single unified interface. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple device-specific charging cables and adapters, reducing cable clutter while maintaining ease of operation for various device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging cables and tethers are used to connect devices, then devices can be charged, but the number of devices and charging cables increases workspace clutter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice charging capabilityVSAvoidcharging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging pad provides a universal charging solution that accommodates multiple device types through a single platform. It can simultaneously charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices with compatible wireless charging capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple device-specific charging solutions and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple charging functions into a single integrated charging pad unit. Instead of having separate charging solutions for different devices, the system merges power delivery, device detection, and charging control into one unified device, simplifying the charging ecosystem while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If tethered charging is used to charge devices, then devices can be charged reliably, but cables take up room in the user's physical workspace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidworkspace area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable-based charging with wireless electromagnetic power transfer. This substitution maintains charging reliability through established wireless charging protocols while completely eliminating the physical cables that occupy workspace area, directly resolving the identified contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Reduces cable clutter and allows for efficient charging of multiple devices using a single power source, maintaining a clean workspace while enabling flexible and convenient device charging without the need for direct connections.

Implementation Method 1

using inductive or magnetic resonance coupling for charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using inductive or magnetic resonance coupling for charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance coupling: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10396587B2Tetherless device charging for chained devices

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes integrating a charging pad into a powered device having a power supply, where the powered device is at least one of a monitor and a keyboard. The method includes configuring the charging pad to receive a first chargeable device in a charging position relative to the charging pad. The method further includes configuring the charging pad to deliver an electrical charge from the power supply to the first chargeable device when the chargeable device is in the charging position.