Wireless Charger Airflow Control for Compact Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging devices face inefficiencies in cooling, particularly in high-temperature conditions due to airflow intake from unclimate-controlled spaces, which reduces cooling effectiveness, and larger packaging sizes are required to maintain sufficient cooling airflow.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging device with a housing featuring a pedestal and circumferentially arranged air vents, incorporating an air movement device, such as a fan, and an electronic controller that adjusts airflow direction based on temperature sensors to optimize cooling efficiency, while also protecting against liquid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If airflow is intake from spaces below the charger, then the cooling air is readily available, but the cooling efficiency is reduced due to higher air temperatures from unclimate-controlled spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic airflow control by switching between two airflow configurations based on operating conditions. The system can dynamically select to intake air from below the charger (readily available but warmer) or from the climate-controlled cabin (cooler but requires more complex ducting), thereby optimizing cooling efficiency while managing thermal conditions in different environmental scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the cooling system by providing multiple airflow intake options with different temperature characteristics. By selecting different air sources (below-charger space vs. climate-controlled cabin), the system alters the temperature parameter of the cooling air to match operational requirements, improving overall cooling effectiveness
2Productivity
If airflow configuration intakes air from climate-controlled cabin, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the packaging size increases due to larger ducting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic airflow control system that can switch between two airflow configurations based on operational needs. The system dynamically selects whether to intake air from below the charger or from the climate-controlled cabin, allowing optimization of cooling efficiency without permanently increasing packaging size for ducting that may not always be required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional cooling system where the same cooling apparatus can operate in two different airflow modes. The system serves both functions (intaking air from below or from the cabin) using a shared cooling infrastructure, thereby avoiding the need for separate dedicated ducting systems for each airflow configuration and reducing overall packaging size
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 enhances cooling efficiency by dynamically controlling airflow and protecting internal components from liquids, maintaining effective charging performance even in high-temperature conditions without increasing packaging size.
Implementation Method 1
a source coil configured to transmit electric power to a receiver coil in a separate device
Implementation Method 2
an air movement device disposed within the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless charging device (100, 600) may include a source coil (208, 712) configured to transmit electric power to a receiver coil in a separate device (402). The wireless charging device (100, 600) may include a housing (204, 704) having a pedestal (102, 706) projecting from the housing (204, 704) in which the source coil (208, 712) is disposed. The housing (204, 704) defines a plurality of first air vents (106, 708) located circumferentially around the pedestal (102, 706). The wireless charging device (100, 600) may include an air movement device (214, 718) disposed within the housing (204, 704). The wireless charging device (100, 600) may include an electronic controller (302) disposed on a printed circuit board (202, 702) and configured to control airflow through the air movement device (214, 718).