Pedestal Wireless Charger Venting for Compact Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging devices face inefficiencies in cooling, particularly when air intake is from unclimate-controlled spaces, leading to reduced cooling performance in high temperatures, and larger packaging is required to maintain sufficient airflow.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging device with a housing featuring a pedestal and circumferentially arranged air vents, incorporating a fan and electronic controller to manage airflow direction and rate based on temperature sensors, ensuring efficient cooling and liquid protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air is intake from spaces below the charger, then the cooling airflow path is simple, but the cooling efficiency is reduced due to higher air temperatures from unclimate-controlled spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling chamber between the fan and the wireless charging module. This chamber receives ambient air and pre-cools it before directing it to the module, acting as a thermal buffer that improves cooling efficiency without requiring complex ducting from climate-controlled zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the cooling system by creating a multi-layered structure with the cooling chamber positioned below the module but thermally coupled through vertical heat transfer paths. This allows the system to utilize the Z-axis space efficiently while maintaining effective cooling without increasing the horizontal footprint
2Reliability
If air is intake from the climate-controlled cabin, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the packaging size increases due to larger ducting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling chamber serves as a compact intermediary that can be positioned close to the wireless charging module, eliminating the need for long ducting runs from distant air intakes. This reduces the overall packaging volume while maintaining access to cool ambient air
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling chamber is nested within the housing structure of the wireless charging device, utilizing the existing Z-axis space below the module. This nested arrangement allows the cooling system to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the charger
3Ease of operation
If radial fan is mounted on the wireless charging module, then the cooling airflow can be directed through airduct, but the system pressure must be maintained low for sufficient airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airflow path into distinct zones: the cooling chamber, the airduct, and the wireless charging module. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, with the cooling chamber acting as a pressure buffer that reduces the pressure differential requirements across the entire 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 enhances cooling efficiency and maintains consistent charge rates while minimizing packaging size and protecting against liquids, effectively addressing temperature-related cooling inefficiencies.
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
AI summary
A wireless charging device may include a source coil configured to transmit electric power to a receiver coil in a separate device. The wireless charging device may include a housing having a pedestal projecting from the housing in which the source coil is disposed. The housing defines a plurality of first air vents located circumferentially around the pedestal. The wireless charging device may include an air movement device disposed within the housing. The wireless charging device may include an electronic controller disposed on a printed circuit board and configured to control airflow through the air movement device.