Slidable Primary Coil Inductive Charger for Universal Device Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in the positioning of secondary coils in portable electronic devices makes it difficult for inductive wireless charging systems to achieve optimal charging, as each device requires a unique charger base unit, leading to increased costs and space requirements for multiple chargers.
Innovation Solution
A slidable primary coil within an inductive charger base unit, combined with magnets that align the primary and secondary coils for optimal magnetic coupling, allowing a single charger to accommodate various device geometries and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dedicated charger base unit is designed for each portable electronic device to ensure optimal coil alignment, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity and the number of required chargers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the primary coil movable within the charger base unit. The coil can slide along a guide rail or track to adjust its position dynamically. This allows a single charger to adapt to different device geometries and secondary coil positions, maintaining optimal magnetic coupling without requiring multiple dedicated chargers for different device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a charger base unit that can serve multiple device types through the movable primary coil mechanism. The single charger structure with adjustable coil positioning can accommodate various portable electronic devices with different shapes and coil locations, eliminating the need for device-specific chargers and reducing the total number of charging units required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated charger base units are used to accommodate different device geometries, then adaptability is improved, but physical space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable primary coil along a guide rail enables the single charger to physically adapt its coil position to match different device geometries and secondary coil locations. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility across multiple device types while consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate charger units, thereby reducing the total physical space needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging function by separating the primary coil from the charger housing, allowing independent movement of the coil component. This segmentation enables the coil to be repositioned to accommodate different devices without moving the entire charger unit, providing adaptability while maintaining a compact single-unit footprint.
3Device complexity
If the primary coil is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency decreases due to misalignment with secondary coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controlled dynamics by allowing the primary coil to move along a predefined guide rail or track within the charger housing. This movement capability enables the coil to achieve proper alignment with various secondary coil positions while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of guide rails and constrained motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail or track acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed charger housing and the movable primary coil. This intermediary structure enables smooth, constrained movement of the coil while maintaining structural simplicity and providing a straightforward mechanical implementation that balances complexity with charging efficiency.
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 universal charging of portable electronic devices with different geometries using a single charger base unit, improving charging efficiency, reducing heat dissipation, and minimizing the need for multiple chargers.
Implementation Method 1
When power is applied to the charger base unit, a current is passed through the primary coil creating a magnetic flux. When the secondary coil of the portable electronic device is placed in close proximity to the primary coil, the magnetic flux couples to the secondary coil inducing a current in the secondary coil.
Implementation Method 2
a first magnet attached to the primary coil. The first magnet is adapted to exert a force to the primary coil sufficient to cause the primary coil to slide within the coil compartment when the first magnet is acted upon by the magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device. An embodiment of the apparatus includes an inductive charger with a housing having an internal compartment, wherein the internal compartment has a first lateral dimension, and a primary coil disposed within the internal compartment. The primary coil has a second lateral dimension that is less than the first lateral dimension, and the primary coil is slidably engaged within the internal compartment.