Multi-Coil Charging Surface Using Voltage-Based Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems struggle to efficiently charge devices with varying form factors and locations on multi-coil charging surfaces, often requiring precise device placement and lacking accuracy in detecting device position and movement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-coil wireless charging system with a free-positioning charging surface that uses capacitive, resistive, inductive, touch, pressure, or strain sensing to detect device location, and selectively activates coils through a matrix multiplexed switching system to optimize power transfer, allowing devices to be charged without precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging coils are used to support various device locations, then charging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging surface is divided into multiple independent charging coils arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective activation of individual coils or combinations of coils based on device position and size. This segmentation enables versatile charging configurations without requiring all coils to be active simultaneously, managing system complexity through modular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific charging coils based on real-time detection of device location, size, and power requirements. The controller adjusts which coils are active and at what power levels, providing adaptability while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than fixed configurations.
2Productivity
If device position detection accuracy is improved, then charging efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The charging coils serve dual functions: both power transmission and position detection. By monitoring impedance changes, voltage variations, and current characteristics of each coil, the system determines device location without requiring separate sensor arrays. This multi-functionality improves charging efficiency while avoiding the complexity of dedicated detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors electrical characteristics of charging coils and uses this feedback to refine position detection accuracy. By analyzing changes in coil impedance, voltage, and current as devices are placed or moved, the controller dynamically adjusts its understanding of device position, improving detection accuracy through iterative measurement rather than requiring high-precision sensors from the start.
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 efficient and flexible charging of devices with varying sizes and shapes, supporting multiple devices simultaneously, while dynamically adjusting power transfer based on device movement and position for optimal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a controller to provide a charging current to at least one active transmitting coil in the charging surface
Implementation Method 2
uses capacitive, resistive, inductive, touch, pressure, or strain sensing to detect device location
Implementation Method 3
uses capacitive, resistive, inductive, touch, pressure, or strain sensing to detect device location
Implementation Method 4
uses capacitive, resistive, inductive, touch, pressure, or strain sensing to detect device location
Implementation Method 5
uses capacitive, resistive, inductive, touch, pressure, or strain sensing to detect device location
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus for wireless charging are disclosed. A charging device has a plurality of charging cells provided on a charging surface provided at a charging surface of the wireless charging device, and a controller. The controller may be configured to provide a charging current to at least one active transmitting coil in the charging surface, measure voltages across three or more transmitting coils in the charging surface and determine that the chargeable device is in motion across the charging surface based on changes in the voltages measured across the three or more transmitting coils. The charging current may cause a wireless transfer of power through the at least one active transmitting coil to a chargeable device located on the charging surface.