Transparent Wireless Charging Stand for Clutter-Free Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing and display devices lack an efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution for charging and positioning, as conventional charging solutions often obstruct the view and clutter the workspace with cables.

Innovation Solution

A charging device with a base that includes power transmission circuitry, a transparent charger panel, and a visible coil, allowing for wireless charging while maintaining a clean and ergonomic design by positioning the computing device at an adjustable angle, thus enabling both charging and optimal viewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional charging solutions are used, then charging function is provided, but the view is obstructed and workspace is cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging functionVSAvoidworkspace clutter
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the charging coil from the traditional enclosed charging pad design and positions it within a transparent panel, allowing the charging function to be separated visually from the physical structure. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by removing the visual obstruction while maintaining the charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes transparency (optical property) of the panel material to change the visual appearance from opaque to transparent, allowing the workspace to appear less cluttered while the charging coil remains functional. This principle addresses the contradiction by modifying the optical properties of the charging component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Device complexity

If transparent material is used for charger panel, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but coil visibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcoil visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent intentionally utilizes the transparency of the panel material to allow coil visibility, transforming what could be considered a negative (visible coil) into a positive aesthetic feature. The coil's metallic appearance against the transparent background creates a modern, sleek design that enhances rather than detracts from the overall aesthetic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of visible coils (which might be considered ugly or distracting) into a beneficial aesthetic feature. The visible coil structure, when viewed through the transparent panel, creates an interesting visual element that enhances the modern design language of the device.

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

3Device complexity

If wireless charging is implemented, then cable clutter is reduced, but power transmission efficiency may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable clutterVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection (cable) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The coil structure is optimized for efficient wireless power transfer while eliminating the need for physical cable connections, thus reducing workspace clutter while maintaining acceptable power transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides efficient wireless charging and maintains a clutter-free, aesthetically pleasing workspace by allowing for adjustable positioning of the computing device, enhancing user experience and workflow efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a coil operatively coupled to the power transmission circuitry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11916402B2Charging device
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US11916402B2 patent drawing
  • US11916402B2 patent drawing
  • US11916402B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charging device can include a base that includes power transmission circuitry, a charger panel and a coil operatively coupled to the power transmission circuitry, where the charger panel includes a transparent material, and where the coil is visible via the transparent material.