Wireless Docking Host Integrating Inductive Charger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless docking systems require complex pairing processes and physical connections for seamless connectivity between portable devices and peripherals, lacking efficient automatic configuration and integration of wireless charging capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A wireless docking system that integrates a wireless charger with a docking host, enabling seamless connectivity and automatic configuration of peripherals using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee interfaces, allowing devices to connect without wires or elaborate pairing, and supporting multiple peripheral types with integrated wireless charging functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless docking systems use complex pairing processes and physical connections for seamless connectivity, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpairing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary pairing and credential exchange when the dockee is physically connected to the docking host. This pre-configuration enables subsequent wireless connections without requiring complex pairing processes, as the authentication credentials are already established in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The docking host acts as an intermediary that manages credential storage and exchange between the dockee and wireless charger. The host stores credential information and facilitates automatic authentication, eliminating the need for direct complex pairing between the dockee and peripheral devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless docking systems integrate wireless charging capabilities, then functionality and versatility are improved, but system complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capability integrationVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking host is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a wireless docking controller and a wireless charger. By integrating the wireless charging function into the existing docking infrastructure, the system avoids the need for separate charging hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the wireless docking functionality and wireless charging functionality into a single integrated system. The docking host and wireless charger share common components such as the communication interface and control logic, merging two functions into one unified device to reduce complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If automatic configuration is implemented for peripheral connectivity, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about device orientation and setup worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic configurationVSAvoiddevice orientation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the dockee provides information about its orientation and connection status to the docking host. This feedback enables the host to automatically configure the wireless connection parameters and charging settings based on the actual physical state of the device, maintaining both ease of operation and accurate information about device orientation.

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

Facilitates seamless, automatic connectivity and charging of portable devices with various peripherals, maintaining connections even when the device is removed, and enabling efficient use of peripherals in different environments with preconfigured groups, enhancing user experience and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

inductive charging may be utilized, wherein energy is transferred from the wireless charger to the battery-powered device by way of inductive coupling between respective coils at each device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2929613B1Apparatus and methods for utilizing a wireless charger in a wireless docking environment
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2929613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2929613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2929613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are disclosed relating to the use and performance of a wireless charger, such as one that utilizes inductive coupling between a primary coil at the charger and a secondary coil at a mobile device that lands on the charger. In particular, the wireless charger is implemented in a wireless docking environment, where the mobile device docks with a docking host. In one example, the wireless charger is integrated as a unit with the wireless docking host. In another example, the wireless charger is a peripheral in the wireless docking environment managed by the docking host.