Magnetic Alignment Structure for Multi-Device Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a wireless charging system that efficiently transmits power to different types of power receiving devices while avoiding saturation of magnetic shields in devices with varying configurations, such as those with and without magnetic shields, is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A power transmitting device with multiple wireless power transfer coils and a magnetic alignment structure that shifts positions based on the type of power receiving device, using a magnetic shunt to pull the alignment structure into a retracted position when a device without a magnetic shield is present, and a guide structure to align coils without saturating the magnetic shield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetic alignment structure is used to attract magnets in power receiving devices for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but magnetic shield saturation occurs in devices with varying configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic alignment structure is made movable between a first position (extended) and a second position (retracted). When a power receiving device of a first type is detected, the structure shifts to the first position to attract the magnet for alignment. When a device of a second type is detected, it shifts to the second position to prevent magnetic shield saturation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between achieving alignment precision and avoiding harmful magnetic saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the magnetic alignment structure is changed based on the type of power receiving device detected. By shifting between two discrete positions, the system adjusts the magnetic field interaction parameters to match different device configurations, thereby achieving both precise alignment when needed and preventing saturation when the device type requires it.
2Device complexity
If a single wireless power transfer coil is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different power receiving device types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmitting device is equipped with multiple wireless power transfer coils (first coil and second coil) that can be selectively activated based on the type of power receiving device detected. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different device types (first type with magnet alignment, second type without magnetic shield saturation issues) while maintaining a unified device structure, thus achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which wireless power transfer coil to activate based on the detected device type. This dynamic configuration allows a single power transmitting device to serve multiple device types effectively, balancing complexity and adaptability by only activating the necessary components for each specific use case.
3Reliability
If the magnetic alignment structure is always in the extended position to ensure alignment, then alignment reliability is improved, but magnetic shield saturation occurs in certain device types
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic alignment structure transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic system that can shift between extended (first position) and retracted (second position) states. This dynamic behavior ensures alignment reliability when working with devices that require it (first type) while preventing magnetic shield saturation when working with devices that are sensitive to magnetic fields (second type), thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic alignment structure is extracted from a permanently fixed position and made movable. By allowing the structure to be taken out of the extended position and moved to the retracted position when appropriate, the system eliminates the harmful magnetic shield saturation effect in certain device types while maintaining alignment capability when needed.
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
Enhances wireless power transfer efficiency by preventing magnetic shield saturation and ensuring proper alignment for efficient charging across different device types.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic alignment structure configured to shift to a first position within the power transmitting device when the power receiving device of the first type is on a charging surface
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic shunt disposed on a housing portion and configured to provide a magnetic force to pull the magnetic alignment structure to the second position
Implementation Method 3
a power transmitting device such as a charging puck can transmit wireless power to a power receiving device such as a battery-powered, portable electronic device. The power transmitting device has a coil that produces electromagnetic flux.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system that includes a power transmitting device and one or more power receiving devices of varying types is provided. The power transmitting device can include a first wireless power transfer coil configured to transmit wireless power to a power receiving device of a first type, a second wireless power transfer coil configured to transmit wireless power to a power receiving device of a second type, and a magnetic alignment structure. The magnetic alignment structure can be operable in a first state or position when the power receiving device of the first type is disposed on a charging surface of the power transmitting device and can be operable in a second state or position when the power receiving device of the second type is disposed on the charging surface.