Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device.
BACKGROUND
[002] There is currently a need for powering portable or mobile devices for use in commercial, business, personal, consumer, and other applications. Most of these devices include a rechargeable internal battery that must be first charged by an external power supply or charger, before the device itself can be used. The power supply typically provides direct current (DC) voltage through a special connector to the device. The power supply can then be disconnected, and the device will continue to run for a short period of time until the battery is depleted. The voltage and power requirements of the different devices vary, and to date there is currently no standardized connector for the devices. As a result of this, each mobile device is invariably sold or distributed bundled with its own charger. The costs associated with these multiple different types and numbers of charger are paid by the consumer indirectly by being incorporated into the prices being charged for the mobile device.
[003] Also, a high charging efficiency may not be achieved depending on a model of the mobile terminal to be charged. In addition, if a user attempts to perform wireless charging in the presence of a foreign object, such as a key holder, the wireless charging may not be performed properly and may even result in the risk of fire.
[004] Therefore, there is a need of a system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[006] Before the present subject matter relating to a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[008] In an embodiment, a system for inductive charging of a handheld device, the system includes a base unit, a processor, a communication circuit and a sensor unit. The base unit includes one or more primary coils. The one or more primary coils can be activated to generate a magnetic field to provide power to one or more inductive power receiver coils, to wirelessly transmit power to a first mobile terminal. The processor is configured to acquire model information of the first mobile terminal. The communication circuit is configured to provide wireless charging communication with a base unit. The sensor unit is configured to detect the device and to prevent overcharging of the device.
[009] In an embodiment, a method for inductive charging of a handheld device, the method includes the step of providing a base unit which includes one or more primary coils generally having a planar or curved surface. The method includes the step of providing a communication circuit associated with the receivers, batteries or the mobile devices. The method includes the step of detecting a wireless communication signal or a modulation communication signal in the one or more primary coils. The method includes the step of transmitting power to a mobile device via one or more primary coils.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific system or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0011] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a wireless charging method of a wireless charger of a mobile terminal in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a charging pad using multiple coils in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram in accordance with an embodiment.
[0015] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
[0016] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device is now described.
[0018] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of a system and method for wireless charging of a portable device, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device can be utilized in any situation. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0019] In an embodiment, a system for inductive charging of a handheld device, the system includes a base unit, a processor, a communication circuit and a sensor unit. The base unit includes one or more primary coils. The one or more primary coils can be activated to generate a magnetic field to provide power to one or more inductive power receiver coils, to wirelessly transmit power to a first mobile terminal. The processor is configured to acquire model information of the first mobile terminal. The communication circuit is configured to provide wireless charging communication with a base unit. The sensor unit is configured to detect the device and to prevent overcharging of the device.
[0020] In another implementation, a memory is configured to store frequency response characteristic data for a plurality of mobile terminal models.
[0021] In another implementation, the wireless communication signal or the modulation communication signal is of a Bluetooth, WiFi, Wireless USB, Near Field Communication, RFID or proprietary communication technique.
[0022] In another implementation, part or all of the coils or circuitry is covered by a thin layer of a conductor to reduce undesirable electromagnetic emission from the system.
[0023] In another implementation, the base unit is provided within an automobile, for use in charging or powering one or more mobile devices or batteries within the automobile.
[0024] In an embodiment, a method for inductive charging of a handheld device, the method includes the step of providing a base unit which includes one or more primary coils generally having a planar or curved surface. The method includes the step of providing a communication circuit associated with the receivers, batteries or the mobile devices. The method includes the step of detecting a wireless communication signal or a modulation communication signal in the one or more primary coils. The method includes the step of transmitting power to a mobile device via one or more primary coils.
[0025] In another implementation, the method includes the step of providing power to one or more inductive power receiver coils of one or more receivers to power or charge one or more portable devices or batteries.
[0026] In another implementation, the method includes the step of detecting increase in temperature over time where the gradient data is acquired by the sensor unit.
[0027] In another implementation, different mobile devices or batteries have different charging characteristics or battery capacity associated therewith.
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a wireless charging method of a wireless charger of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] In an embodiment, the wireless charger 100 may wirelessly transmit power to one or more mobile terminals 200. To this end, the wireless charger 100 may include a plurality of transmitter coils 116. Both inductive coupling and resonance coupling, a primary coil may be referred to as a transmitter coil 116 and a secondary coil may be referred to as a receiver coil 216. If wireless charging stops due to heat generated by the wireless charging, it takes a long time for full charging, and this may cause user inconvenience. In addition, if the mobile terminal 200 is not appropriately charged, it may limit the functionality of the mobile terminal 200. In order to address these issues, the wireless charger 100 manages heat generated by wireless charging, thereby eliminating the inconvenience caused by the long charging time. In addition, the wireless charger 100 may enable the mobile terminal 200 to perform functions even during wireless charging.
[0030] Inductive coupling works on the principle that, when intensity of a current flowing in a primary coil between two adjacent coils is changed, a magnetic field is changed by the change in current and, in turn, a magnetic flux passing through a secondary coil is changed to thereby generate an induced electromotive force on the side of the secondary coil. That is, if two coils are placed close to each other and only a current of the primary coil is changed, an induced electromotive force may be generated even though the two coils are not moved relative to each other.
[0031] Resonance coupling works on the principle that, when two coils are at a specific distance, a resonant frequency is applied to a primary coil between the two coils to thereby generate variation of a magnetic field and some of the variation is applied to a secondary coil having the same resonant frequency to thereby generate an induced electromotive force.
[0032] Figure 2 illustrates a charging pad using multiple coils in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] In an embodiment, the area of the pad 330 is divided into a plurality of, or multiple segments, that are bounded by a wall or physical barrier, or simply some tethering means with no physical walls but that otherwise restrict movement to within the segment. The coils are mounted such that they can move laterally, or float, within the area of their segments while continuing to be connected to the drive electronics placed on the edges of the area. In accordance with an embodiment, the floating coils and the drive circuit are sandwiched between thin upper and lower cover layers that act to allow the coils lateral movement while limiting vertical movement. When a secondary is placed on the pad, the pad senses the position of the secondary coil and moves the coils to the right position to optimize power transfer. The method used for achieving this is by attaching a magnet to the bottom center of each coil in the pad. A matching magnet at the center of the receiver coil attracts the primary magnet nearby and centers it automatically with respect to the secondary.
[0034] In another embodiment, the pad will include a method for detecting the presence of the mobile device/receiver and taking appropriate action to turn on the coil and/or to drive the coil with the appropriate pattern to generate the required voltage in the receiver. This can be achieved through incorporation of RFID, proximity sensor, current sensor, etc.
[0035] Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram in accordance with an embodiment.
[0036] In an embodiment, a circuit is use the principle of inductive power transfer. In accordance with an embodiment, the charger 112 comprises a power source 118, and a switch T 126 (which can be a MOSFET or other switching mechanism) that is switched at an appropriate frequency to generate an AC voltage across the primary coil Lp 116 and generate an AC magnetic field. This field in turn generates a voltage in the coil 120 in the receiver 114 that is rectified and then smoothed by a capacitor to provide power 122 to a load RI 124. The mobile device or its battery typically can include additional rectifier(s) and capacitor(s) to change the AC induced voltage to a DC voltage. This is then fed to a regulator/charge management chip which includes the appropriate information for the battery and/or the mobile device. The mobile device charger provides power, and the regulation is provided by the mobile device. The mobile device or battery charger or power supply, after exchanging information with the mobile device or battery, determines the appropriate charging/powering conditions to the mobile device. It then proceeds to power the mobile device with the appropriate parameters required. For example, to set the mobile device voltage to the right value required, the value of the voltage to the mobile device charger can be set. Alternatively, the duty cycle of the charger switching circuit, or its frequency can be changed to modify the voltage in the mobile device or battery. Alternatively, a combination of the above two approaches can be followed, wherein regulation is partially provided by the charger or power supply, and partially by the circuitry in the receiver.
[0037] Although the description provides implementations of a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or systems. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for a system and method for inductive charging of a handheld device.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system for inductive charging of a handheld device, comprising:
a base unit configured to generate an electromagnetic field for inductive charging;
a processor within the base unit, programmed to control the inductive charging process;
a communication circuit within the base unit, facilitating communication with the handheld device; and
a sensor unit within the base unit, configured to detect the presence and position of the handheld device for optimized inductive charging.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust the intensity of the electromagnetic field based on communication with the handheld device, optimizing charging efficiency and minimizing energy consumption.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication circuit utilizes a wireless communication protocol to exchange data between the base unit and the handheld device, enabling real-time monitoring and control of the inductive charging process.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of proximity sensors, infrared sensors, and imaging sensors, for precise detection of the handheld device position and orientation.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base unit is provided within an automobile, for use in charging or powering one or more mobile devices or batteries within the automobile.
6. A method for inductive charging of a handheld device, comprising:
generating an electromagnetic field by a base unit;
controlling the inductive charging process with a processor within the base unit;
communicating with the handheld device using a communication circuit within the base unit; and
detecting the presence and position of the handheld device using a sensor unit within the base unit, optimizing the inductive charging process accordingly.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising adjusting the intensity of the electromagnetic field based on communication with the handheld device, enhancing charging efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the communication circuit employs a wireless communication protocol to enable real-time monitoring and control of the inductive charging process.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sensor unit utilizes one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of proximity sensors, infrared sensors, and imaging sensors for accurate detection of the handheld device position and orientation.