Wireless Charging Dock Auto-Positioning Using Device Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging systems fail to automatically adjust the position of electronic devices for optimal charging, leading to inefficient charging due to improper placement, which is often not detected until the device is picked up.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging dock equipped with a control unit, sensors, and motion elements that detect the device's position and move it into a charging range by using vibration motors or other motion elements to ensure proper alignment with the charging transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless charging is provided without auto-positioning, then the device structure remains simple, but charging reliability deteriorates due to improper device placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the electronic device's own vibration motor to perform the positioning action. When the sensor detects improper placement, the control unit activates the device's built-in vibration motor to move the device onto the charging area, making the device serve its own positioning needs without requiring external actuators or complex mechanical structures in the docking station
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state of the vibration motor from its normal function to a positioning function. By controlling the vibration motor's activation and duration, the system transforms the device's position parameter from incorrect to correct, enabling reliable charging without adding mechanical complexity to the docking station structure
2Measurement precision
If sensor and motion elements are added for auto-positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device itself provides the motion capability through its existing vibration motor, eliminating the need for the docking station to contain complex motion elements or actuators. This approach maintains high positioning accuracy through sensor feedback while minimizing the addition of mechanical components in the charging system
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration motor, originally designed for notifications or haptic feedback in the electronic device, is repurposed to serve the dual function of positioning the device on the docking station. This multi-functional use reduces the need for dedicated positioning mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning is required, then the charging system remains simple, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user placement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors the device's position on the docking station and provides feedback to the control unit. When the device is detected outside the charging area, the system automatically triggers the vibration motor to reposition it, creating a closed-loop control system that improves ease of operation without requiring complex manual intervention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically corrects improper device placement using the device's own vibration motor, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust the device position. This self-correcting mechanism significantly improves ease of operation while avoiding the addition of complex positioning structures to the docking station
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
Ensures reliable and automatic positioning of electronic devices for efficient wireless charging, preventing charging failures and enhancing user convenience by ensuring the device is always within the optimal charging range.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit configured to control a vibration element that moves the electronic device on the docking surface into a charging position
Implementation Method 2
a transmission source coupled to the power source and configured to emit a charging signal to the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging system may auto-position an electronic device for charging. A docking station may include a transmission source providing wireless charging to the electronic device when the device is moved into charging range by motion elements configured to move the electronic device along one or more docking surfaces of the docking station. In some embodiments, position sensors may detect the presence and location of the electronic device. A control unit may operate the motion elements to move the electronic device toward the charging area.