Wireless Charging Case for Large-Area Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices are limited by their wireless power receivers, which can only receive power from small wireless power transfer areas, requiring devices to be placed close to a charging station, and cannot be modified to receive power from larger areas without replacing their receivers.
Innovation Solution
A protective case for electronic devices equipped with a wireless power receiver and transmitter, allowing the device to receive power from a larger area and transmit it internally using a QI standard-compliant wireless power transmitter, powered by an RF source, enabling power delivery across a smaller area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a QI standard wireless power receiver is used in electronic devices, then wireless charging is enabled, but the wireless power transfer area is limited to less than 4 cm requiring close proximity to charging station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a wireless power receiver and wireless power transmitter within a protective case that attaches to the electronic device. The nested receiver inside the case receives power from a large-area transmitter, and the nested transmitter inside the same case relays power to the device's built-in receiver, enabling large-area wireless charging without modifying the device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The protective case acts as an intermediary system between the large-area wireless power transmitter and the electronic device's QI receiver. The case contains both a receiver that captures power from the large-area transmitter and a transmitter that delivers power to the device, mediating the power transfer between incompatible systems
2Area of stationary object
If the wireless power receiver in an electronic device is replaced to support larger transfer areas, then power reception from larger areas is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power reception function is segmented from the electronic device and placed in a separate protective case. This allows the case to contain a different type of wireless power receiver (supporting large-area transmission) without requiring the electronic device itself to be modified or have its receiver replaced
Solution Approach 2:
The protective case serves multiple functions: it protects the electronic device, provides wireless power reception from large-area transmitters, and relays power to the device through its built-in transmitter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to modify the device's original receiver while still enabling large-area charging
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 electronic devices to receive power from larger wireless power transfer areas without modifying their receivers, providing flexibility and convenience in charging without the need for close proximity to a charging station.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter is connected to a source of power and converts the power to a time-varying electromagnetic field. The one or more receiver devices receive the power via the electromagnetic field and converts the received power back to an electric current
Implementation Method 2
The wireless power transmitter may be configured to power the electronic device through a second wireless power transfer area being smaller than the first wireless power transfer area
Implementation Method 3
The wireless power receiver may be configured to receive power from a second wireless power transmitter external to the case, where the second wireless power transmitter is powered by a radiofrequency (RF) power source to transmit power across a large wireless power transfer area
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for charging or powering an electronic device is described. The accessory may include a wireless power receiver configured to receive power while the case is positioned in a first wireless power transfer area. The accessory may further include a wireless power transmitter electrically coupled to the wireless power receiver. The wireless power transmitter is configured to power the electronic device through a second wireless power transfer area, which may be smaller than the first wireless power transfer area. The wireless power transmitter may include a QI standard-compliant wireless power transmitter.