Magnetic Wireless Charging Interface for Battery Packs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless, battery-operated devices face challenges in convenient charging, as traditional methods require removal and reinstallation, which can be cumbersome and costly, especially in locations where wired connections are difficult or impractical.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing magnetic elements and charging interfaces allows for secure attachment and wireless charging of battery-operated devices, enabling power transfer through direct or indirect contact, along with communication capabilities for software updates and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wired charging methods are used, then power can be reliably transferred to the device, but the device must be removed from its mounting location for charging, causing downtime and operational interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcharging downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into a stationary charging device mounted at the installation location and a portable battery pack that can be attached as needed. This allows the charging function to be separated from the device itself, enabling charging without removal from mounting location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the charging device and battery-operated device, enabling secure attachment and alignment of charging contacts without mechanical fasteners or removal procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the device is removed for charging, then charging can be performed, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) are replaced with a magnetic coupling system that provides secure attachment through magnetic force alone, eliminating complex installation procedures and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling strength is optimized to provide sufficient holding force for charging while allowing easy attachment and detachment, changing the physical parameters of the coupling mechanism to achieve both security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If wireless charging is implemented without secure attachment, then charging can be performed, but alignment and contact reliability become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging simplicityVSAvoidcharging contact reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic elements serve as an intermediary force that automatically aligns the charging contacts between the charging device and battery pack, ensuring reliable electrical contact through magnetic attraction and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling provides omnidirectional attraction that guides the battery pack into proper alignment with the charging device, accommodating minor positioning errors and ensuring consistent contact reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables convenient, zero-downtime charging of devices without the need for removal, facilitating continuous operation in challenging installation environments while ensuring secure and efficient power management.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic element is provided that secures the charging device to the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

power received through the charging interface from the charging device when the charging device is secured to the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10873203B2Systems and methods for wireless charging of devices

Publication Date: 2020.12.22 FLIR COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for facilitating wireless charging of devices. A battery-operated device may include a charging interface. The battery-operated device may further include a magnetic element configured to secure a charging device to the battery-operated device. The battery-operated device may further include a battery configured to be charged by the charging device via power received through the charging interface from the charging device when the charging device is secured to the battery-operated device. The battery-operated device may include a communication circuit configured to provide for transmission information associated with the battery to a user device. Related systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.