Rotationally Symmetric Inductive Charging Dock for Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current docking systems lack integration of efficient charging and communication systems in non-contact configurations, with inductive charging pads experiencing inefficiencies due to misalignment of transformers between the pad and the device.

Innovation Solution

A docking system with a planar docking platform and portable electronic device featuring rotationally symmetric power transfer mechanisms for efficient inductive charging and communication, allowing alignment-independent power transfer and data exchange, along with authentication features for access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If inductive charging pads use traditional transformer alignment, then power transfer can occur, but charging efficiency decreases due to misalignment between the pad and device transformers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidalignment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric magnetic field distribution through specifically designed coil geometries and orientations. The primary and secondary coils are configured with asymmetric winding patterns and spatial arrangements that create a magnetic field profile optimized for efficient coupling without requiring precise alignment, thereby resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes curved or circular coil configurations instead of traditional linear arrangements. The rotating coil assembly can sweep through angular positions, creating a spheroidal interaction zone that maintains magnetic coupling efficiency regardless of the device's precise placement, thus eliminating the alignment requirement while maintaining charging efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If docking stations provide multiple functions (charging and communication), then system versatility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates charging and communication functions into a unified docking system. The same rotational coil assembly serves dual purposes: transferring power through inductive charging and enabling wireless communication through modulated electromagnetic signals. This merging of functions increases versatility while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station employs universal electromagnetic coupling mechanisms that can simultaneously or alternatively perform charging and communication tasks. The system is designed to handle multiple operational modes through a single interface, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to support diverse functions without requiring separate specialized components for each function

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

Enables efficient, alignment-independent power transfer and data communication between the docking station and portable device, while ensuring secure access rights, enhancing usability and security.

Implementation Method 1

inductive charging pads experiencing inefficiencies due to misalignment of transformers between the pad and the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11290587B2Docking station for portable devices providing authorized power transfer and facility access
Publication Date: 2022.03.29 MULTIFOLD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED PTE LTD
  • US11290587B2 patent drawing
  • US11290587B2 patent drawing
  • US11290587B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A docking station for docking portable electronic devices is disclosed. The docking station is configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device for non-contact charging and data transfer. The docking station can provide security features for providing and/or restricting access to computational facilities such as printers, databases, installed programs, etc. Such security features can include installing applications on such portable devices that limit access.