Keyboard Touch Input Device Inductive Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peripheral input devices, such as keyboards and touch input devices, lack efficient methods for simultaneous charging and software updates, particularly in scenarios where wired connections are inconvenient or unavailable.

Innovation Solution

The integration of magnetic coupling and inductive charging modules in keyboard and touch input devices allows for wireless energy transfer and software updates, enabling devices to charge each other and receive firmware updates without the need for direct wired connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wired connections are used for charging and software updates, then reliable power transfer and data communication are achieved, but convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to physical connection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of charging and updatesVSAvoidreliability of power transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a magnetic field-based inductive power transmission system. The keyboard device's transmitter coil generates an alternating magnetic field that inductively couples with the receiver coil in the touch input device, enabling wireless energy transfer and eliminating the need for physical plugging and unplugging of charging cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the keyboard device and touch input device. Magnets embedded in both devices create a magnetic bridge that enables both inductive power transfer and wireless communication without direct physical contact, serving as a mediator that maintains reliable connection while improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If inductive charging modules are integrated into both devices, then wireless charging capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless charging capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating the inductive charging transmitter coil into the keyboard device, which already serves as a primary input device. This allows the keyboard to simultaneously function as both an input device and a wireless charging station, eliminating the need for separate charging infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the charging function with the keyboard device by embedding the transmitter coil within its housing. This consolidation combines two functions (input and charging) into a single device, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall system architecture despite adding wireless capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If magnets are added for magnetic coupling, then pairing and alignment between devices are improved, but weight of the devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoidweight of input devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods (such as physical guides or connectors) with magnetic coupling for pairing and alignment between the keyboard and touch input device. The magnets create an attractive force that automatically aligns the devices during pairing, improving pairing accuracy without requiring complex mechanical structures.

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

This solution facilitates convenient and wireless charging and software updates between devices, enhancing their operational efficiency and user experience by eliminating the dependency on wired connections.

Implementation Method 1

The inductive charging module can be configured to inductively provide energy by inductive power transmission to an electronic device located on the touch input surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The keyboard device may further include a magnet disposed in the internal volume and configured to magnetically couple to a magnet of a touch input device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10642385B1Touch input device and keyboard device for electronic devices

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

A keyboard device and a touch input device are disclosed. The keyboard device may include several keys designed to generate a command to a computing system, and the touch input device may include a touch input surface designed to generate a touch input by contact with the touch input surface. In addition to carrying several keys, the keyboard device is designed to magnetically couple to the touch input device. Further, the keyboard device may include a transmitter coil and the touch input device may include a receiver coil such that the keyboard device can transmit power to the touch input device by inductive power transmission. The inductive charging can be used to power i) the touch input device, ii) a battery of the touch input device, and/or iii) an electronic device (e.g., smartphone, wearable device, or handheld device) located on the touch input surface.