Smart Charging System Dynamic Magnetic Attraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic device connectors are prone to physical damage during jolting events due to the strong magnetic forces maintaining attraction, and existing solutions waste power with constant visual indicators for connection status.
Innovation Solution
A smart charging system that dynamically controls magnetic attraction and repulsion using an inductor coil to minimize damage and provides haptic feedback for connection status without constant power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic connectors are used to reduce physical damage during jolting events, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the magnetic connectors maintain attracting force throughout the entire jolting event
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static magnetic attraction to dynamic electromagnetic control. The inductor coil allows the magnetic field to be actively controlled - creating attraction during normal operation for easy connection, and generating repulsion during jolting events to prevent damage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters (strength and polarity) based on operational conditions. During normal charging, the inductor coil generates attractive magnetic force for secure connection. During detected jolting events, the system reverses the current direction to create repulsive force, protecting the connector. This parameter change strategy simultaneously achieves easy operation and enhanced reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a visual indicator is constantly on to indicate successful mating, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by replacing continuous visual indication with intermittent haptic feedback. The haptic device provides tactile confirmation at specific moments (during connection and disconnection events) rather than requiring constant power for visual indicators. This periodic feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation while dramatically reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/visual indication systems with haptic feedback mechanisms. Instead of relying on constantly powered visual indicators, the system uses haptic devices to provide tactile feedback that confirms connection status. This substitution reduces power consumption while maintaining user awareness of connection state.
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 system effectively reduces connector damage during jolting events and enhances user feedback through haptic devices, improving charging efficiency by eliminating the need for constant visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor coil positioned proximate to the interface surface, where a central axis of the inductor coil is perpendicular to at least a portion of the interface surface
Implementation Method 2
The smart charging system includes a magnetized connector and a charging component that can be configured to dynamically attract and repel the connector
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic connector includes a haptic device that can communicate to a user whether the connector is successfully coupled to the charging component
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments describe a charging component for an electronic device that includes an interface surface comprising a portion of an external surface of a housing of the electronic device; a plurality of contacts positioned at the interface surface and exposed for making contact with contacts of a connector; one or more sensors for detecting a separation event; an inductor coil positioned proximate to the interface surface, wherein a central axis of the inductor coil is perpendicular to at least a portion of the interface surface; and a processor coupled to the inductor coil and the one or more sensors, wherein the processor is configured to change an operation of the inductor coil based at least in part on a measurement from the one or more sensors.