Pivoting Wireless Charger Panel for Vehicle Cup Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless cellular telephone chargers for vehicles face issues such as the phone sliding off during movement, electromagnetic compatibility problems, and inefficient charging due to unnecessary coil activation when not in use, especially in all-terrain vehicles and cup holder installations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charger with a pivoting charging panel that automatically aligns with the cellular telephone, featuring a resilient member to secure the phone and a micro-switch for coil activation only when the phone is present, ensuring efficient inductive coupling and preventing interference from other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transmitter coil is energized continuously to ensure charging readiness, then charging availability is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility issues increase and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous electrical energization with a mechanical detection system (micro-switch) that physically detects the presence of the cellular telephone. The micro-switch mechanism mechanically responds to phone insertion, triggering coil activation only when needed, thereby eliminating continuous electromagnetic radiation and its associated compatibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter coil is activated periodically rather than continuously - specifically, it is energized only when the micro-switch detects phone presence. This periodic activation pattern maintains charging availability while significantly reducing electromagnetic compatibility problems and energy consumption during non-charging periods.
2Productivity
If the charging panel projects above the cup holder to align the transmitter coil with the receiver coil, then charging efficiency is improved, but the ability to close the cup holder lid is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charging panel is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to pivot between a retracted position (when no phone is present) and an extended charging position (when phone is detected). This dynamic configuration enables the panel to project above the cup holder only when needed for charging, maintaining both charging efficiency and lid closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-switch detects phone insertion in advance and triggers the charging panel to pivot to the charging position before charging begins. This preliminary action ensures proper coil alignment is achieved proactively, allowing efficient charging while the panel remains retracted otherwise to permit lid closure.
3Productivity
If the charging panel is extended to improve coil alignment, then inductive coupling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into functionally independent components: the micro-switch detection mechanism, the pivoting charging panel with transmitter coil, and the control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the integrated system.
4Reliability
If the resilient member is added to secure the cellular telephone, then phone stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is designed to automatically engage with the cellular telephone upon insertion, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The resilient member's elastic properties enable it to automatically adapt to the phone's presence and secure it in place, improving stability while minimizing added complexity.
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 charger securely holds the phone in place, reduces electromagnetic interference, and optimizes charging efficiency by aligning coils automatically, allowing for safe and efficient charging without user adjustment, even in cup holders where lid closure is maintained.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter coil mounted in the charger and configured to couple with a receiver coil of the cellular telephone when the cellular telephone is inserted within the slot, to charge the battery of the cellular telephone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a charger (1, 101, 201) for wirelessly charging a cellular telephone (T). The charger (1, 101, 201) comprises a housing (9, 109, 209) for receiving a portion of the cellular telephone (T), and a charging panel (7, 107, 207) comprising means (30) for wirelessly charging the cellular telephone (T). The charging panel (7, 107, 207) is movably mounted to the housing (9, 109). The charging panel (7, 107, 207) is movable between a non-charging position and a charging position.