Near-Field Charging Surface Layout for Uniform Device Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inductive charging pads suffer from limitations such as requiring precise alignment and orientation of devices for optimal charging, susceptibility to interference from metallic objects, and the need for a large receiver coil, which is not ideal for devices with limited internal space.
Innovation Solution
A near-field charging system is designed with a housing that includes a charging surface, a radiating antenna, and a non-radiating element positioned above the radiating antenna. This configuration produces a uniform electromagnetic field distribution, allowing devices to be charged at various positions on the surface without the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional inductive charging pads are used, then magnetic coupling can occur for charging, but the device must be placed at a specific position and orientation, creating dead zones and reducing charging flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into multiple radiating elements arranged in an array, each contributing to the overall electromagnetic field. This segmentation allows the field to be distributed across multiple zones, eliminating dead spots and enabling charging at various positions on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple radiating elements are combined to create a unified near-field charging area where their electromagnetic fields overlap and reinforce each other. This merging of fields produces a uniform charging zone that accommodates devices at different positions and orientations without requiring precise alignment.
2Reliability
If conventional inductive charging pads are used, then charging can occur, but metallic objects near the pad interfere with operation, preventing magnetic coupling
Solution Approach 1:
A non-radiating element is introduced as an intermediary component between the radiating elements and the charging surface. This element modifies the electromagnetic field distribution to reduce the impact of metallic objects, allowing charging to proceed reliably even when metal items are present on or near the charging surface.
3Productivity
If conventional inductive charging is used, then devices can be charged, but a relatively large receiver coil is required, consuming internal device space
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional inductive charging mechanisms with near-field radio-frequency-based transmission. This substitution enables the use of smaller receiver antennas in devices while maintaining charging capability, as the near-field technique is more efficient at coupling energy over the required distance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If near-field radio-frequency-based transmission is used, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but the charging area is insufficiently uniform, limiting device placement options
Solution Approach 1:
The non-radiating element is strategically positioned and configured to locally modify the electromagnetic field distribution. By adjusting the field characteristics in specific regions, it creates a more uniform near-field charging area across the entire surface, ensuring consistent power delivery regardless of device placement.
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 system significantly increases the usable charging area, providing at least 200 milliwatts of usable power to wireless-power receivers across a larger portion of the charging surface, thereby enhancing charging flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The radiating antenna is configured to produce a first electromagnetic field distribution that is configured to be received by a wireless-power receiver placed on the charging surface
Implementation Method 2
the non-radiating element is configured to change a distribution characteristic of the first electromagnetic field distribution to produce a second electromagnetic field distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An example near-field charging system includes a housing that includes a charging surface and at least one other surface, a radiating antenna, and a non-radiating element positioned above the radiating antenna within the housing such that the non-radiating element is closer to the charging surface than the radiating antenna. The radiating antenna produces a first electromagnetic-field distribution that is received by a receiver, the first electromagnetic-field provides usable power when the receiver is placed at any position on a first portion of the charging surface. The non-radiating element changes a distribution characteristic of the first electromagnetic-field distribution to produce a second electromagnetic-field distribution, the second electromagnetic-field distribution providing usable power to the receiver when the receiver is placed at any position across a second portion of the charging surface of the housing, and the second portion is at least 10% percent greater than the first portion.