Reconfigurable Alignment Magnets for Multi-Device Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems face challenges in efficiently aligning wireless power coils between devices for optimal power transfer, particularly when different devices have varying magnetic pole patterns, leading to misalignment and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of reconfigurable alignment magnets in wireless power systems that can adjust their magnetic structures vertically or rotationally to align with fixed magnets of different devices, ensuring proper coil alignment and magnetic attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed alignment magnets with opposite magnetic polarities are used in all devices, then magnetic attachment between devices is achieved, but compatibility with devices having different magnetic pole patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment magnet is made reconfigurable with movable magnetic elements that can change their position or orientation. This dynamic structure allows the magnet to adapt its pole pattern to match different mating devices, maintaining reliable magnetic attachment across multiple device types without requiring fixed polarity configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic pole configuration is changed by physically moving magnetic elements within the alignment magnet. By altering the position or orientation of these elements, the magnet presents different pole patterns to different devices, enabling compatibility with various magnetic pole arrangements while maintaining attachment reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable alignment magnets with movable magnetic elements are used, then device compatibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the dynamic nature of reconfigurable magnets increases complexity, the patent manages this by using simple mechanical movement mechanisms for the magnetic elements. The movable elements can be repositioned through straightforward mechanical means, keeping the added complexity minimal while achieving high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable alignment magnet serves multiple functions: it provides magnetic attachment, enables coil alignment, and adapts to different device types. By consolidating these functions into a single reconfigurable component, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment magnets are used to magnetically attach devices, then coil alignment is achieved, but misalignment occurs when devices have varying magnetic pole patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment magnet uses localized magnetic elements that can be independently positioned or oriented. By adjusting the local configuration of specific magnetic elements, the magnet creates targeted magnetic fields that align with the pole patterns of different devices, ensuring precise coil alignment regardless of the mating device's pole arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The movable magnetic elements allow the alignment magnet to dynamically adjust its local magnetic field configuration. This dynamic adjustment enables the magnet to match different pole patterns and maintain precise coil alignment across various device types that would otherwise be incompatible
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
Ensures consistent and efficient wireless power transfer by aligning coils regardless of the magnetic pole patterns of paired devices, enhancing system compatibility and performance.
Implementation Method 1
Alignment magnets are used to magnetically attach the mated devices to each other so that coils in the devices are aligned
Implementation Method 2
The reconfigurability of the alignment magnet may be provided using magnetic structures that move vertically in and out of the second device parallel to a surface normal of the housing of the second device, by magnets that rotate, and/or by other movable magnetic elements
Implementation Method 3
a wireless power transmitting device uses a wireless power transmitting coil to transmit wireless power signals to a wireless power receiving device
Implementation Method 4
The coil of the wireless power receiving device receives alternating-current wireless power signals from the wireless power transmitting device. The rectifier circuitry converts the received signals into direct-current power
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power system has electronic devices that mate with each other to transfer wireless power. Each device may have a wireless power coil. Alignment magnets may be used to magnetically attach devices to each other so that the coils in the devices are aligned with respect to each other for wireless power transfer. The system may include first, second, and third devices. The first and third devices may have fixed alignment magnets with poles of opposite magnetic polarity that allow the first and third devices to be attached to each other so that their coils are aligned. The second device may have a reconfigurable alignment magnet that is operable in a first mode in which the second device is magnetically attached to the first device and a second mode in which the second device is magnetically attached to the third device.