Multi-Coil Wireless Charging With Ping-Based Metal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless charging devices using the electromagnetic induction method face inefficiencies in charging speed and safety issues when metallic objects are present, leading to potential overheating and fires.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging device with multiple coils and a processor that transmits ping signals to detect electronic devices and select appropriate coils for charging, while avoiding metallic objects by sensing changes in current, voltage, and frequency, ensuring safe and efficient power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single coil is used for wireless charging, then the device structure is simple, but charging speed is slow and charging efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging device divides the coil system into multiple independent coils (first coil, second coil, third coil, fourth coil) arranged in different regions. Each coil can be independently controlled and activated based on the position of the electronic device, allowing parallel power transmission to achieve faster charging speeds while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If multiple coils are used to improve charging efficiency, then charging speed increases, but the risk of overheating and fire from metallic objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before initiating power transmission, the system performs preliminary detection by transmitting detection signals through each coil and measuring impedance changes. This preliminary action identifies the presence of metallic objects and determines the optimal coil to activate, preventing overheating risks before they occur while enabling efficient charging through informed coil selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors impedance changes during charging operations and uses this feedback to detect metallic objects in real-time. When a metallic object is detected through impedance variation, the system adjusts or stops power transmission to the affected coil, preventing overheating while maintaining charging efficiency through dynamic adaptation.
3Loss of energy
If coil alignment is required for efficient charging, then charging efficiency improves, but ease of operation decreases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is segmented into multiple coils positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows the system to detect the electronic device's position through impedance measurements on individual coils and activate only the coil(s) that provide optimal coupling, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining high charging efficiency through automated coil selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which coil to activate based on real-time detection of the electronic device's position and orientation. This dynamic adaptation allows the charging efficiency to be optimized automatically without requiring the user to manually align the device, as the system adjusts the active coil configuration to match the device's actual position.
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
The solution enables quick and safe charging of electronic devices by selectively using coils to optimize charging efficiency and prevent overheating from metallic objects, enhancing both speed and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic induction method using a coil can perform charging by wirelessly transmitting power from a wireless charging device (e.g., wireless charging transmitter) to an electronic device (e.g., wireless charging receiver) through a magnetic field induced by the coil
Implementation Method 2
Wireless charging of the electronic device uses wireless power transmission and reception, and the battery may be charged when the electronic device is in close contact with a wireless charging device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a wireless charging device and method. The wireless charging device may include: a first group of coils; a second group of coils; and a processor. The processor may be configured to: transmit a first ping signal through the first group of coils and the second group of coils; sense a change in current, voltage, and/or frequency occurring in the first group of coils and the second group of coils in response to the first ping signal to detect that an electronic device is placed on the wireless charging device; select at least one coil from the first group of coils and at least one coil from the second group of coils at which the change is sensed; transmit a second ping signal through the selected coils; and wirelessly transmit power to the electronic device by using the selected coils. Various other embodiments are also disclosed.