Retractable Tab Inductive Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive charging systems for portable electronic devices are either inefficient, costly, or prone to mechanical failure due to complex alignment and detection requirements, failing to provide an optimal price/quality ratio and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device stand with a receiving face featuring multiple series of retractable tabs that align and center devices of different dimensions, ensuring accurate and stable electromagnetic contact without the need for complex detection or moving coil systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flat receiving face without cradle is used to accommodate multiple device sizes, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but alignment precision between induction and receiving coils deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving face is segmented into multiple zones with different tab configurations, where each zone corresponds to a specific device size category. This segmentation allows the system to provide appropriate alignment features for each device type while maintaining a unified flat surface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position based on the applied device. When a device is placed on the receiving face, the tabs move to provide appropriate mechanical support and alignment, adapting to different device dimensions and weights.
2Ease of operation
If multiple induction coils are used to charge devices regardless of position, then ease of operation is improved, but electromagnetic coupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the device's own weight and placement position to automatically activate the appropriate induction coil through the movable tab mechanism. When a device is placed on the receiving face, the tabs move in response to the device's position and weight, thereby selecting and activating the corresponding induction coil without requiring external detection or control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If detection elements and moving induction coil are used to ensure alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic detection systems and motorized moving coils with a simple mechanical tab system. The tabs' movement is driven purely by the gravitational force of the placed device, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and motorized mechanisms while achieving the same alignment function.
4Manufacturing precision
If detection elements and moving mechanisms are implemented, then alignment accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The tab mechanism uses simple, robust mechanical components that are inherently more reliable than fragile electronic sensors and motorized systems. The tabs are designed to be durable mechanical elements that can withstand repeated use without deterioration, providing a reliable alignment solution throughout the system's operational life.
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 provides efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly inductive charging by ensuring proper alignment and stability of devices, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms and enhancing the robustness of the charging system.
Implementation Method 1
The induction coil or coils are electrically isolated from the receiving coil or coils. The energy is transferred by electromagnetic coupling between the induction coil and the receiving coil, which creates an induced current in the receiving coil used to charge the battery or batteries of the portable electronic device.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an inductive charging system for a portable electronic device, the system incorporating at least one induction coil and having a receiving face for the application of the device including a receiving coil positioned on the receiving face in electromagnetic contact with the induction coil. The receiving face includes multiple series of tabs defining at least discontinuously a perimeter corresponding to the device, the tabs of each series projecting from the receiving face in a first position being movable from the first position to a second position in which each tab is retracted into the receiving face under an application of a force corresponding to that exerted on this tab by the device when applied against the receiving face.