Multimode Coil for Inductive Power and Acoustic Transduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive power transfer methods face challenges when a common iron core is not feasible, leading to inefficiencies and design issues, particularly in electronic devices with multiple components and varying spacings.
Innovation Solution
A first electronic device with a coil that operates in two modes: one for sound or haptic functions and another for inductive power transfer, allowing the coil to transmit or receive power from a second device, with current frequencies adjusted accordingly to optimize power transfer without moving membranes or producing perceivable sound or haptic outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a common iron core is used for inductive power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the iron core from the inductive power transfer system, transitioning to an air-core configuration. This extraction eliminates the sealing issues caused by iron cores while maintaining power transfer functionality through optimized coil design and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an acoustic transducer (speaker/microphone) and an inductive power transfer component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated power transfer coils, reducing component count while achieving reliable air-core inductive coupling.
2Loss of energy
If dedicated transmitting and receiving induction coils are used, then inductive power transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the coil assembly to serve dual purposes: acoustic transduction and inductive power transfer. The same coil structure that drives or detects sound waves also functions as the inductive coupling element, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power transfer coils and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the acoustic transducer function and the inductive power transfer function into a single integrated coil assembly. By combining these previously separate functions into one component, the device achieves power transfer capability without increasing component count, as the coil serves both acoustic and electromagnetic coupling purposes.
3Loss of energy
If coil spacing is reduced to improve power transfer, then inductive coupling is enhanced, but component placement flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is designed to fulfill multiple roles including acoustic transduction and inductive coupling, which allows it to be positioned based on acoustic optimization rather than being constrained by dedicated power transfer coil placement requirements. This multi-functionality provides flexibility in component positioning while maintaining effective inductive coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different operating frequencies for acoustic and power transfer functions. By utilizing frequency differentiation, the system can optimize coil positioning for acoustic performance while still achieving effective inductive power transfer at the power transfer frequency, thereby maintaining placement flexibility without sacrificing coupling efficiency.
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 inductive power transfer between electronic devices without the need for a common iron core, improving design flexibility and sealing capabilities while maintaining functionality in both power transfer and acoustic or haptic modes.
Implementation Method 1
The first coil may be used to inductively transmit power to and/or inductively receive power from at least one second coil included in a second electronic device
Implementation Method 2
current may be applied at a first frequency in the first mode that causes the first coil to move at least one membrane to produce sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
A first electronic device includes a first coil that is operative in at least two modes. In a first mode, the first coil may be utilized to moves a membrane to produce one or more sound waves, register movement of a membrane to detect one or more sound waves, or generates one or more haptic outputs. In the second mode, the first coil may be used to inductively transmit power to and/or inductively receive power from a second coil included in a second electronic device. In various cases, the second coil may be a dedicated inductive power transmission coil. In other cases, the second coil may be capable of multimode operation similar to the first coil.