Wireless Headset Charging via Inductive Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless headphones and headsets require wired charging methods, which increase size, weight, and risk of mechanical failure due to connectors, and complicate the user experience.
Innovation Solution
Wireless battery charging using inductive coupling, where a power adapter provides power to the headphones or headsets via non-conductive means, allowing the battery charging circuit to manage energy transfer and storage, with optional dual-purpose transducer coils for energy collection and sound production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired charging methods are used to recharge batteries in wireless headphones/headsets, then power can be reliably delivered to the battery, but the device size increases due to the necessity of connectors and the risk of failure increases via fatigue and corrosion of contact elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based charging system. The mechanical connectors and contact elements are substituted by electromagnetic induction between a charging base coil and a headphone coil, eliminating the physical connection while maintaining reliable power delivery to the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical connector components from the charging system. By taking out the wired connection elements (plugs, sockets, contact elements), the design eliminates the associated problems of mechanical fatigue and corrosion while reducing overall device weight and complexity.
2Reliability
If wired charging methods are used to recharge batteries in wireless headphones/headsets, then power can be reliably delivered to the battery, but the device complexity increases by way of connectors and mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based charging system. The mechanical connectors and contact elements are substituted by electromagnetic induction between a charging base coil and a headphone coil, eliminating the physical connection while maintaining reliable power delivery to the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging base in the patent serves multiple functions: it provides wireless power delivery through electromagnetic induction, acts as a magnetic shield to contain electromagnetic fields, and functions as a docking station. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate charging components, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wired charging methods are used to recharge batteries in wireless headphones/headsets, then power can be delivered to the battery, but the user experience becomes more complex due to the necessity of connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system enables automatic charging when the headphones are placed on the charging base. The electromagnetic coupling occurs automatically without user intervention to connect or disconnect physical connectors. The system self-regulates the power transfer through the electromagnetic field, making the charging process as simple as placing the device on the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based charging system. The mechanical connectors and contact elements are substituted by electromagnetic induction between a charging base coil and a headphone coil, eliminating the physical connection while maintaining reliable power delivery to the battery.
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
Reduces size and weight, enhances reliability, and simplifies user experience by eliminating wired connections, while maintaining efficient energy transfer and storage for powering audio and communication functions.
Implementation Method 1
The power adapter provides power via wireless means, typically inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
allowing the transducer coil to act as both a sound producer and energy collector
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to wireless battery charging of electronic devices such as wireless headsets/headphones. In one embodiment, an electronic device is provided comprising a speaker comprising a coil, and the coil is operative both to cause the speaker to produce sound and to receive energy transferred to the coil via inductive coupling. The received energy is used to recharge a rechargeable battery in the electronic device. In other embodiments, the coil used to receive the energy that recharges the battery is received by a coil other than the coil in the speaker.