Vehicle Seat Wireless Charging System with Ferrite Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless charging technology is limited in range and does not allow for device interaction during charging, making it difficult to utilize effectively in automotive environments, especially for second row occupants.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging integration system that includes a multi-layered docking station or tray with transmitter coils, a thermal mitigation layer, and USB ports, allowing for secure, efficient, and interactive charging of mobile devices, with visual and haptic indicators for orientation and charging status, powered by the vehicle's battery with DC-DC conversion and filtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless charging is implemented in vehicle seats, then charging functionality is provided for occupants, but electromagnetic interference and heat generation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference and heat

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A ferrite layer is introduced as an intermediary material between the wireless charging transmitter coil and the seat structure. This ferrite shield acts as a mediator that captures and directs electromagnetic energy, preventing interference with seat electronics and reducing unwanted radiation while allowing the charging function to operate effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic radiation and heat by designating specific regions where electromagnetic energy is concentrated and controlled. The ferrite layer transforms dispersed harmful radiation into directed energy flow toward the charging receiver, while heat-generating regions are strategically positioned and thermally managed to convert waste heat into useful charging energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transmitter coils are integrated into seat cushions, then wireless charging is enabled, but structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless charging capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system is segmented into separate functional layers: the ferrite shield layer, the transmitter coil layer, and the seat cushion layer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling wireless charging functionality in the seat structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter coil and ferrite shield are nested within the multi-layer seat cushion structure. The ferrite layer is positioned between the coil and external environment, with the coil embedded in the cushion assembly. This nesting approach integrates charging components into existing seat structures without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If charging components are added to vehicle seats, then wireless charging is provided, but weight and system footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless charging functionVSAvoidseat weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Thin ferrite shield layers and flexible transmitter coil assemblies are used instead of bulky rigid components. The ferrite layers are applied as thin films between seat cushion layers, and the coil structures are designed to conform to the seat's flexible cushion geometry, minimizing added weight while maintaining charging functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables safe, efficient, and EMC-compliant wireless charging for multiple devices in a vehicle, improving viewing angles and reducing electromagnetic interference, while providing non-visual confirmation of charging status and minimizing system footprint.

Implementation Method 1

transmitter coils, circuitry and at least one battery to transfer wireless power to a mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

thermal mitigation layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

thermal mitigation layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

layer containing ferrite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10286862B2Charging integration system for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 ADIENT US LLC

AI summary

A charging integration system for a vehicle. The charging integration system includes a seat structure, a charging system carrier and a charging station structure. The charging system carrier is pivotably connected to the seat structure. The charging station structure is movably connected to the charging system carrier. The charging integration system allows one or more devices to be charged wirelessly or by a physical connector that connects the one or more devices to the charging station structure.