Multi-Zone Wireless Charging Coil Selection to Prevent Overheating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless charging systems face inefficiencies and overheating issues due to mismatches between the size and power level of charging coils in base stations and mobile devices, requiring separate charging stations for different devices.

Innovation Solution

A multi-zone wireless charging system with a base station featuring multiple inductive charging coils of varying sizes, a control module to monitor and select the most efficient coil combinations for each device, and Bluetooth Low Energy communication for device information exchange to optimize charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single base station with fixed-size charging coils is used, then the charging system is simple, but it cannot efficiently charge devices of different sizes and results in overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different device sizesVSAvoidcharging base station structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging base station is divided into multiple charging zones, each with its own charging coil of different sizes. This segmentation allows the system to handle different device sizes independently, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by organizing the charging functionality into modular zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging base station is designed to serve multiple device types (smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds) simultaneously through multiple charging zones. Each zone can be independently activated based on device type, making the single base station universal for charging various devices without requiring multiple separate charging stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If larger charging coils are used to charge smartphones, then charging power is sufficient, but smaller devices overheat due to excessive power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging powerVSAvoidoverheating of mobile device

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each charging zone is designed with specific coil sizes and power characteristics matched to particular device types. Small devices receive power from smaller coils with lower power output, while large devices receive power from larger coils with higher power output. This local customization of power characteristics prevents overheating of small devices while ensuring sufficient charging power for large devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power parameters (voltage, current, power level) based on the detected device type and the specific charging zone being used. By dynamically adjusting these parameters to match the device requirements, the system delivers appropriate power levels that prevent overheating while maintaining efficient charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple charging coils are activated simultaneously, then charging efficiency for multiple devices is improved, but energy consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically activates or deactivates specific charging zones based on real-time detection of device presence, device type, and charging status. This dynamic control allows the base station to optimize energy distribution by activating only the necessary charging zones, improving overall charging efficiency while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control module continuously monitors the charging status, power consumption, and temperature of each charging zone. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts which zones remain active and modifies power delivery parameters to optimize the balance between charging efficiency and energy consumption, preventing excessive energy loss while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient charging of diverse devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, by dynamically selecting the appropriate coil combinations and providing real-time battery status updates, while preventing overheating and eliminating the need for multiple charging devices.

Implementation Method 1

Wireless inductive charging devices can be used to charge a battery of a mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

monitor at least one electrical characteristic of the at least one first charging coil while charging the at least one mobile device during the first time period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical characteristic monitoring: Ohmmeter

Data Source

PatentUS20230268772A1Multi-Zone Smart Wireless Charger With Low Battery Indicator

Publication Date: 2023.08.24 DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA INC

AI summary

Systems and methods of the present disclosure include a base station having multiple charging coils for wirelessly charging a mobile device. A control module activates a first combination of the charging coils and a second combination of the charging coils and monitors electrical characteristics of the charging coils while charging the mobile device. The control module selects a combination of charging coils to continue charging the mobile device based on the monitored electrical characteristics.