Wireless Charger Concentric Coil Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless charging methods are inefficient due to user-dependent coil arrangement, leading to decreased charging efficiency and increased costs, as they require manual placement and often use multiple coils, making it difficult to supply an optimal induced electromotive force according to the location of the charging target.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charger with concentric coils of different radii and a touch pad equipped with a location sensor, a controller, and a power determiner, which senses the charging target's location, selects the appropriate coil, and adjusts the power to ensure optimal charging efficiency regardless of the target's placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual arrangement of coils is used, then user control is provided, but charging efficiency decreases and convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charger automatically detects the position of the charging target and selects the appropriate coil without requiring user intervention. The system self-adjusts by sensing the target location and activating the corresponding coil, eliminating the need for manual arrangement while maintaining high charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual arrangement system with an automated sensing and control system. The location sensor detects the charging target position, and the controller automatically selects and activates the appropriate coil, substituting manual mechanical placement with electronic detection and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coils are used in multicoil charging type, then charging coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging coverageVSAvoidcoil control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the charging area into multiple zones, each corresponding to a specific coil. By segmenting the charging surface and assigning dedicated coils to specific zones, the system achieves comprehensive charging coverage while simplifying the control logic compared to a fully interconnected multicoil system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The location sensor acts as an intermediary between the charging target and the coil selection system. It detects the target position and provides information to the controller, which then selects the appropriate coil, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coils are used for charging, then charging coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The charging surface is segmented into zones with dedicated coils, allowing for optimized coil placement and reduced total coil count compared to comprehensive multicoil systems. This segmentation enables cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining adequate charging coverage for typical device placements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the charging surface are equipped with coils of appropriate sizes and positions tailored to local charging needs. This local optimization ensures adequate coverage without uniformly deploying excessive coils across the entire surface, reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution enhances charging efficiency by automatically selecting the suitable coil and adjusting power based on the target's location, improving user convenience, reducing costs, and allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple targets.

Implementation Method 1

a primary coil for performing charging through a secondary coil included in a charging target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a location sensor included in the touch pad, for sensing whether the charging target is placed on the touch pad and providing information about location where the charging target is placed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8796989B2Wireless charger for charging control and charging control method therefor

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A coil structure and a charging control method in a wireless charger having a primary coil are provided to supply an induced electromotive force suitable for a charging target having a secondary coil. Concentric coils having different radii are arranged in a wireless charger, and a coil suitable for the location of a charging target placed on the wireless charger is selected. An input power corresponding to the selected coil is determined, and the determined power is applied to the selected coil. Then the same charging efficiency can be provided irrespective of a location of a charging target placed on the wireless charger.