Vehicle Seat Wireless Charging with Auxiliary Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat systems lack the capability to wirelessly charge portable electronic devices for passengers seated in rear seats, and they do not provide a reliable power source in situations where the vehicle power supply is disrupted.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat apparatus that includes a receiving device to hold an auxiliary battery and a portable electronic device, with a controller managing power transmission between the auxiliary battery and the seat's convenience devices. This apparatus allows for wireless charging of the portable device using the auxiliary battery and ensures continued operation of the seat's functions even when the vehicle power supply is cut off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless charging module is provided only around the driver's seat, then the driver can use wireless charging, but passengers in rear seats cannot effectively use wireless charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging availabilityVSAvoidcharging system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless charging system into multiple independent modules, with each seat (driver seat and rear seats) equipped with its own wireless charging module. This segmentation allows each seat to function independently for wireless charging, expanding availability to all passengers without requiring a single complex centralized system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If USB port charging is used, then charging capability is provided, but a separate charging cable needs to be provided causing inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidcharging accessories
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (USB cable charging) with a wireless electromagnetic induction charging system. The wireless charging module uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power without physical contact, eliminating the need for charging cables and improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If vehicle power supply is used for all functions, then adequate power is available, but seat functionality is lost when vehicle power supply is cut off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat function continuityVSAvoidpower supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an auxiliary battery that can be charged in advance when vehicle power is available. When the vehicle power supply is cut off or fails, the pre-charged auxiliary battery automatically takes over to power the wireless charging module and other seat functions, ensuring continuous operation without requiring complex real-time power switching systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If wireless charging modules are installed in all seats, then all passengers can use wireless charging, but the cost and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging coverageVSAvoidsystem installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the wireless charging module as a universal, standardized component that can be installed in any seat position (driver seat, front passenger seat, rear seats). Each module performs the same function and uses identical specifications, simplifying the manufacturing and installation process while enabling wireless charging coverage across all seats without requiring custom designs for different locations.

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

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 expands the range of passengers who can use wireless charging in vehicles, enhances convenience by allowing charging in various seat positions, and reduces the risk of loss of life in accidents by maintaining seat functionality even without the vehicle power supply.

Implementation Method 1

The portable electronic device received in the receiving device may be wirelessly charged by the auxiliary battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless charging: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250033568A1Vehicle seat apparatus for charging portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US20250033568A1 patent drawing
  • US20250033568A1 patent drawing
  • US20250033568A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle seat apparatus includes: a receiving device provided on a seat of a vehicle, where an auxiliary battery and a portable electronic device are received in the receiving device, and a controller that controls power transmission between the auxiliary battery received in the receiving device and a convenience device of the seat. The receiving device is provided on a back board of the seat, and the auxiliary battery and the portable electronic device may be received in the receiving device or taken from the receiving device. During charging, the auxiliary battery is charged with power of a vehicle power supply or the portable electronic device is wirelessly charged with power of the auxiliary battery in normal times, and the power of the auxiliary battery may be supplied to the convenience device of the seat in an emergency.