Reconfigurable Inductive Coil for Mobile Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive energy transmission systems for mobile devices face inefficiencies due to varying shapes, sizes, and positions of secondary winding structures, leading to reduced energy transfer efficiency and potential abortion of charging processes.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple electrical connection elements and switching elements that form different coil structures, allowing adaptation to specific secondary winding configurations through adjustable switching states, enabling efficient energy transmission by forming optimal coil structures for varying device geometries and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a stationary primary winding structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but energy transmission efficiency decreases when secondary winding structure position or size varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidenergy transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the primary winding structure dynamically reconfigurable through switching elements. Instead of a fixed stationary winding, the system can dynamically change the coil configuration (series/parallel connections, active winding segments) to match different secondary winding positions and sizes, thereby maintaining high energy transmission efficiency across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying electrical connection parameters (switching states, resistance values, inductance configurations) of the primary winding structure. By changing these electrical parameters based on detected secondary winding characteristics, the system optimizes energy transmission efficiency for different device positions and geometries without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the primary winding structure is adapted to each secondary winding configuration, then energy transmission efficiency is maximized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transmission efficiencyVSAvoidwinding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the primary winding structure into multiple separable winding segments that can be independently connected or disconnected. This allows the system to activate only the necessary segments for each charging scenario, achieving optimal energy transmission without requiring a completely different winding structure for every case, thus controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single primary winding structure that can serve multiple functions through reconfiguration. The same physical winding structure can be adapted to charge various device types (different positions, sizes, shapes) by changing switching states and electrical connections, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated winding structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If switching elements are added to reconfigure coil structures, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidswitching element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the switching elements directly into the winding structure fabric or substrate, combining the electrical connection function with the structural support function. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing, as the switching elements become part of the overall winding assembly rather than add-on components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through control circuits that automatically detect secondary winding characteristics and autonomously determine the optimal primary winding configuration. The system self-adjusts switching states based on real-time feedback, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If multiple coil structures are provided for different positions, then energy transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcharging device area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a single physical winding structure that can dynamically reconfigure into multiple effective coil configurations through switching elements. This dynamic reconfiguration provides the reliability benefits of multiple dedicated coils while occupying the space of only one physical winding structure, thus solving the space versus reliability trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures maximum energy transmission efficiency by dynamically forming coil structures that match the size and shape of the secondary winding structure, reducing stray fields and ensuring complete and efficient charging, even under varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A so-called primary winding structure generates an electromagnetic field, which can also be referred to as a power transmission field. This power transfer field or at least part of it can be received by a so-called secondary winding structure, wherein the power transfer field induces a current in the secondary winding structure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3516670B1Device and method for generating an electromagnetic field for inductive energy transmission
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 MOLEX CVS DABENDORF GMBH
  • EP3516670B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3516670B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~7
  • EP3516670B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to a device (1) for generating an electromagnetic field for inductive energy transmission, in particular to a mobile terminal device (2), wherein the device (1) comprises a plurality of electrical connecting elements and at least one switching element (S), wherein at least two electrical connecting elements can be electrically connected by the at least one switching element (S), wherein in a first switching state of the at least one switching element (S) the electrical connecting elements form a coil structure having first coil characteristics, wherein in a further switching state of the at least one switching element (S) the electrical connecting elements form a coil structure having further coil characteristics.