Expandable Earbud Charging Case for Stable Wireless Coil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficient wireless transfer of power and data between mobile devices and peripheral devices, such as earbuds, is hindered by the alignment and stability of the sending and receiving antennas, making it inconvenient for users to maintain proper alignment for charging and data exchange.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical attachment system for mobile devices that aligns receiver coils with an NFC coil, allowing for efficient wireless charging of multiple devices, including earbuds, using a case with expandable plates and adjustable attachments like clips or adhesive, enabling flexible usage modes and easy attachment to various phone sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed charging case is used for wireless charging, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the alignment between receiver coils and NFC coil is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the charging case expandable and adjustable. The case can change its shape and size to accommodate different device configurations, allowing the NFC coil to dynamically adjust its position to maintain optimal alignment with receiver coils during wireless charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions and geometric configuration of the charging case. The expandable mechanism allows the case to transition between different states (collapsed and expanded), changing the position of the NFC coil relative to the devices being charged, thereby optimizing alignment parameters for reliable power transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are charged simultaneously, then the versatility is improved, but the alignment and stability of antennas becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a charging case that can simultaneously charge multiple types of devices (earbuds, smartphones, tablets) with different form factors. The expandable mechanism and adjustable attachments enable the case to accommodate various device sizes and configurations while maintaining reliable NFC coil alignment for wireless power transfer to all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charging case into multiple independent compartments or zones, each capable of holding and charging a device. This segmentation allows each section to be independently adjusted for optimal alignment, enabling simultaneous charging of multiple devices without compromising the alignment stability of any individual device.
3Reliability
If the charging case is made expandable and adjustable, then the alignment and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible shells and thin films in the construction of the expandable charging case. The case incorporates flexible materials and thin-walled structures that can be easily deformed and adjusted, allowing the NFC coil to be repositioned for optimal alignment without requiring complex rigid mechanical components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining alignment reliability.
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 ensures efficient wireless charging and data transfer by maintaining optimal antenna alignment, reducing costs for manufacturers, and providing a versatile and user-friendly charging solution for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless connection systems are used in a variety of applications for the wireless transfer of electrical energy, electrical power, electromagnetic energy, electrical data signals, among other known wirelessly transmittable signals. Such systems often use inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field, and hence, an electric current, in a receiving element.
Implementation Method 2
Such systems often use inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field, and hence, an electric current, in a receiving element.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system is provided for mobile charging of one or more listening devices. A case configured for attachment to a mobile electronic device having a wireless power transfer antenna includes a first plate and a second plate expandably connected to the first plate, such that when expanded, the first plate and a second plate define a hollow for each of the listening devices. Each hollow is shaped and located to hold a listening device in a coupling position with the wireless power transfer antenna of the mobile electronic device when the case is mounted to the mobile electronic device. An attachment may be used to mount the case to the mobile electronic device.