Wireless Recharging Thermal Boundary Control to Prevent Overheating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless recharging systems face challenges in managing thermal dissipation, leading to inefficient charging times and potential overheating, especially in devices with varying thermal boundaries, such as implantable medical devices, due to the limitations of temperature sensors and conservative charge current caps.

Innovation Solution

A wireless recharging system with multiple temperature sensors and a processor that dynamically adjusts charge current levels based on real-time thermal models, accounting for time-variant and time-invariant thermal boundary conditions to prevent overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electromagnetic radiation is used for wireless recharging, then convenience and speed are improved, but heat generation and safety risks worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A thermal interface layer is introduced as an intermediary between the recharging device and the electronic device. This layer acts as a heat transfer medium that conducts heat away from the electronic device during wireless charging, thereby reducing heat accumulation while maintaining the convenience of electromagnetic radiation-based charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful heat generated during electromagnetic radiation charging is extracted and separated from the electronic device through the thermal interface layer. This allows the charging function to continue while the harmful thermal effect is removed and dissipated independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If thermal interface layer is added to manage heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal interface layer is implemented as a thin, flexible film that can be easily integrated between the electronic device and charging surface. This thin-film approach provides effective heat dissipation while minimizing the increase in device complexity and maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal interface layer utilizes materials with specific thermal conductivity parameters optimized for heat dissipation. By carefully selecting and controlling the thermal parameters of the interface layer, effective heat management is achieved without requiring complex active cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 faster and safer charging by optimizing charge current levels according to the thermal characteristics of the surrounding environment, reducing the risk of injury or discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal interface layer in communication with the second surface of the housing and in communication with the electronic device. The thermal interface layer may be in the form of a phase change material, a gel, a foam, or other materials known to those of skill in the art. The thermal interface layer may conduct heat away from the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4154380B1Wireless recharging devices and methods based on thermal boundary conditions
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 MEDTRONIC INC
  • EP4154380B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4154380B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4154380B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Devices and methods described herein facilitate rapid wireless recharging, while reducing risk of injury, damage, or discomfort caused by heat generated during recharging. The embodiments described herein are useful in a variety of context, including for IoT devices, personal electronics, electric vehicles, and medical devices, among others. Such devices can prevent localized overheating of the device.