Interleaved Coil Ferrite Configuration for Near Field Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The small form factor of thin portable electronic devices limits the effectiveness of near field coupling, such as wireless power transfer (WPT) and near field communications (NFC), due to interference from metallic objects and unfavorable device orientations, which restricts the coupling efficiency of flat coil antennas.
Innovation Solution
The use of strategically shaped and placed ferrite materials as flux guides and shields to improve the coupling between coil antennas, allowing for side-by-side device orientations and enhancing the magnetic flux penetration, thereby increasing the coupling coefficients and power transfer efficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If flat coil antennas are used in thin devices, then the device form factor is maintained, but the coupling efficiency between coils is reduced due to interference from metallic objects and unfavorable orientations
Solution Approach 1:
Ferrite materials are introduced as intermediary elements between the coil and metallic objects. These ferrite components act as flux guides and shields, directing magnetic flux away from metallic interference and toward the receiving coil, thereby maintaining coupling efficiency while preserving the thin device form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic properties of the device are enhanced by incorporating ferrite materials with specific permeability characteristics. This changes the magnetic flux distribution parameters, allowing the coil to maintain effective coupling despite the thin profile and presence of metallic components
2Ease of operation
If devices are oriented side-by-side for ergonomic use, then user comfort is improved, but the coupling between coils is limited due to increased distance and edge field sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extends the magnetic flux path into the third dimension using vertically oriented ferrite flux guides. This allows the magnetic field to couple effectively between side-by-side devices by utilizing the vertical dimension for flux confinement and direction, rather than relying solely on horizontal proximity
Solution Approach 2:
Ferrite flux guide structures serve as mediators that extend and direct the magnetic field from one device to another in side-by-side configurations. These intermediaries bridge the gap between coils, maintaining flux continuity even when devices are positioned laterally adjacent to each other
3Strength
If metallic objects are present within devices, then structural integrity and aesthetic requirements are met, but magnetic flux is diverted away from the coils
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrite materials are strategically positioned to convert the harmful flux-diverting effect of metallic objects into a beneficial arrangement. By placing ferrite flux guides between the coil and metallic structures, the system uses the metallic objects' presence to define flux pathways, where the ferrite channels flux around the metal rather than allowing it to short-circuit the magnetic field
Solution Approach 2:
Ferrite components are inserted as intermediary layers between the coil and metallic structures. These intermediaries provide a high-permeability pathway for magnetic flux, preventing the flux from being diverted by adjacent metallic components while allowing the metal to remain for structural and aesthetic purposes
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 enables more efficient near field coupling in thin devices, allowing for improved WPT and NFC functionality, including side-to-side device operations, with increased power transfer efficiencies and broader frequency ranges, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
strategically shaped and placed ferrite materials as flux guides and shields to improve the coupling between coil antennas, allowing for side-by-side device orientations and enhancing the magnetic flux penetration
Implementation Method 2
objects within the devices and near the coils might divert the flux of the magnetic field away from the coils. Notably, metallic objects tend to divert magnetic flux around themselves
Implementation Method 3
Both near field coupling functions use radio frequency (RF) antennas in each of the devices to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are techniques related to near field coupling (e.g., wireless power transfers (WPF) and near field communications (NFC)) operations among others. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.