Segmented Metallic Back Cover for Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metallic back covers for cellular devices interfere with wireless charging by blocking magnetic fields, while non-metallic covers lack aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
Designing a metallic back cover with pieces of metal separated by electrical insulation, where the front major surfaces face the device's componentry and the back major surfaces are surrounded by insulation, allowing for efficient wireless charging while maintaining a metal aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a solid metallic back cover is used, then aesthetic appeal and perceived sturdiness are improved, but wireless charging performance deteriorates due to interference with magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The back cover is divided into multiple separate metal pieces (first metal piece, second metal piece, third metal piece) instead of using a solid metallic cover. These segmented metal pieces are positioned at different locations on the back cover, allowing the magnetic field to pass through the gaps between them, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining metal aesthetic appeal and enabling wireless charging functionality.
2Reliability
If metal pieces are separated by electrical insulation, then wireless charging performance is improved by reducing eddy currents, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical insulation material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the metal pieces. This insulation layer prevents direct contact between the metal pieces, thereby reducing eddy currents and improving wireless charging efficiency. The intermediary material is applied in a manner that does not significantly increase device complexity, as it can be integrated into the existing back cover structure.
3Reliability
If metal pieces are made thin to reduce interference, then wireless charging performance is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The back cover employs a composite structure combining thin metal pieces with electrical insulation material and potentially other support materials. The thin metal pieces (with thickness less than 2 mm) reduce electromagnetic interference, while the composite nature of the back cover, including the insulation layers and the arrangement of multiple pieces, maintains overall structural strength and rigidity.
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
This configuration enables effective wireless charging by reducing eddy currents and enhancing electromagnetic radiation transfer to the device's coil, while maintaining the perceived ruggedness and aesthetic appeal of a metal cover.
Implementation Method 1
the componentry includes a coil for receiving power via induction through the back cover
Implementation Method 2
This configuration enables effective wireless charging by reducing eddy currents and enhancing electromagnetic radiation transfer to the device's coil
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular phone or tablet computer device includes a front face having a display screen, a back cover opposite the front face, and componentry between the front face and back cover. The back cover is metallic and includes pieces of metal separated from one another by electrical insulation.