Inductive Charger QoC Detector with Color Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inductive charging systems lack the ability to provide users with real-time information about the quality of charge (QoC) metric, making it difficult for users to optimize device placement for efficient energy transfer and reduced battery charge time.
Innovation Solution
A QoC detector is integrated into inductive charging systems to measure and display the QoC metric, allowing users to adjust the relative positions of charging devices for improved energy transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple on/off charging indicator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information about QoC metric occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing indicators (such as LEDs displaying different colors or brightness levels) to represent different QoC metric ranges. This allows the system to convey detailed quality information through simple visual changes, maintaining low device complexity while preventing information loss about charging efficiency.
2Productivity
If the user is provided with detailed QoC metric information, then the productivity of charging process is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a QoC detector as an intermediary component that measures and processes charging quality metrics, then presents this information to the user through simplified indicators. This mediator approach enables detailed productivity optimization while keeping the user interface simple and the overall system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors and responds to changes in QoC parameters (such as coupling coefficient, power transfer efficiency) by providing feedback to the user. This allows the system to optimize charging productivity based on real-time parameter changes without requiring complex user intervention or system reconfiguration.
3Loss of time
If the battery charge time is reduced through optimized placement, then the loss of time is minimized, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring optimal position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the QoC detector continuously monitors charging quality and provides real-time visual feedback to the user through color-coded indicators. This allows users to quickly identify and adjust to optimal device placement positions, minimizing charge time without requiring complex measurement tools or technical knowledge.
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 QoC detector enables users to maximize energy transfer efficiency by displaying the QoC metric, resulting in shorter battery charge times and improved charging performance.
Implementation Method 1
An inductive charger typically utilizes a primary inductor or coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field from within a charging base station
Implementation Method 2
The secondary inductor takes power from the electromagnetic field based on the received signal strength and converts it back into electrical current that can be used to charge a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A quality of charge (QoC) detector for use in inductive charging systems is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes an inductor that receives a current signal to generate an electromagnetic field during a power transfer to an external device, and a quality detector to determine a quality metric associated with the power transfer. The apparatus also includes an indicator that indicates multiple states, where one of the multiple states is selected to indicate the quality metric.