Multi-Housing Wireless Charging With Orientation-Based Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging technologies are limited in their ability to simultaneously receive and transmit power, and they often require visible chargers, which can be inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus with a housing containing both a wireless power-receiving and transmitting device, equipped with an orientation sensor and control logic that adjusts the magnetic orientation of the transceiver to optimize power transmission and reception based on the external device's orientation and protocol, allowing for simultaneous power transfer and interrogation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless charger is placed underneath a desktop or countertop to be hidden from users, then the aesthetic appearance and user convenience are improved, but the alignment and orientation control between the charger and external device becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual alignment and mechanical positioning with an automated system using orientation sensors (magnetometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes) and control logic. The control logic automatically adjusts the magnetic orientation of transceivers based on sensor data, eliminating the need for users to manually align devices while the charger remains hidden underneath surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system performs self-alignment and self-orientation adjustment automatically. The orientation sensors detect the position and orientation of external devices, and the control logic autonomously configures the transceiver orientations to optimize power transfer, allowing the hidden charger to adapt without user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the wireless charger is hidden underneath a surface, then the visual clutter is reduced, but the ability to detect and sense external devices becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces orientation sensors (magnetometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes) as intermediary devices that detect the presence, position, and orientation of external devices. These sensors act as mediators between the hidden charger and external devices, enabling detection and alignment control without requiring the charger to be visible or directly exposed.
3Device complexity
If a single transceiver is used in the wireless charger, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously receive and transmit power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality where a single transceiver can switch between transmitting and receiving modes based on operational requirements. The control logic dynamically configures the transceiver's magnetic orientation and operational mode, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios (charging external devices or being charged itself) without requiring multiple fixed transceivers.
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 and convenient wireless power transfer and interrogation, allowing devices to be charged without the need for visible chargers and improving user experience by adapting to different orientations and protocols.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation sensor senses the magnetic orientation of the external device by detecting a magnetic field from the external device
Implementation Method 2
wireless power transmission or wireless energy transfer is generally the process that takes place in any system where electrical energy is transmitted from a power source to an electrical load, without interconnecting wires
Implementation Method 3
the first control logic adjusts the magnetic orientation of the first transceiver by controlling the power source to selectively supply power to the at least one electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for charging a device. The method may include providing a first housing including a first transceiver and a second transceiver, wherein each of the first transceiver and the second transceiver can function as both a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter. The method may further include providing an orientation sensor configured to sense a magnetic orientation of an external device and enabling a first control logic to control the functioning of at least one of the first and second transceiver based at least on the magnetic orientation of the external device.