Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy.
BACKGROUND
[002] Cell phones are an essential part of many people's lives and frequently carried by people throughout the day. Cell phones can provide navigation, entertainment, and function as a camera in addition to their primary purpose as a telecommunications device. Although many consumers would desire customization choices, only different device models with some feature differences may be available, which are generally limited to the size of device memory and appearance changes. Rechargeable batteries and capacitors and devices with built-in batteries in a cell phones, all of which will subsequently be referred to as batteries, have to recharged periodically, which is typically done by placing the battery in a charger to establish a path for the electric charging current between the battery and the charger.
[003] Currently, a single cable connection can be used to both charge the mobile device and allow for data transfer between the mobile device and a charger. Some modern mobile devices can charge their batteries via wireless charging. However, there is no effective way to utilize a single point of exchange system to wireless transfer both power and data to a device from a separate computer or other data source. Thus, improvements in integrated data transfer and wireless charging methods are desired.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for 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 wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy, 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 wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy. 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 wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy is disclosed. The system includes a protective case, a magnetic elements, a wireless charger and a communication means. The protective case is configured to enclose the user device. The magnetic elements are integrated within the protective case for supporting the user device through magnetic attraction. The wireless charger includes a charging pad and associated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting power to the user device. The communication means is configured to establish a connection between the protective case and the wireless charger to facilitate wireless charging of the user device supported within the protective case.
[009] In another embodiment, a method for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy is disclosed. The method includes the step of placing the user device within the protective case. The method includes the step of aligning the magnetic elements within the protective case with corresponding magnetic components within the user device. The method includes the step of positioning the protective case on the wireless charger such that communication between the protective case and the wireless charger is established. The method includes the step of wirelessly transmitting power from the wireless charger to the user device based on communication signals received from the protective case. The method includes the step of charging the user device while it is supported within the protective case through magnetic energy.
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 an example system in which embodiments of a mobile device modular magnetic assembly can be implemented.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary charging and data transfer system, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a charging device, according to an embodiment.
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an electronic display device case, a charging device, and a magnetic surface-side attachment attached to a vehicle dash, according to an embodiment.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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
[0018] 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 wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy, 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 wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy is now described.
[0019] 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 user device supported with magnetic energy, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a system and method for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy 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.
[0020] In an embodiment, a system for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy is disclosed. The system includes a protective case, a magnetic elements, a wireless charger and a communication means. The protective case is configured to enclose the user device. The magnetic elements are integrated within the protective case for supporting the user device through magnetic attraction. The wireless charger includes a charging pad and associated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting power to the user device. The communication means is configured to establish a connection between the protective case and the wireless charger to facilitate wireless charging of the user device supported within the protective case.
[0021] In another implementation, the magnetic elements are strategically positioned within the protective case to align with corresponding magnetic components within the user device, thereby enhancing magnetic support and alignment during wireless charging.
[0022] In another implementation, the wireless charger further includes an inductive charging coils and a control circuitry. The inductive charging coils are configured to generate an alternating magnetic field for wirelessly transmitting power to the user device. The control circuitry configured to regulate the power transmission based on communication signals received from the protective case.
[0023] In another implementation, the protective case further includes reinforced materials and inductive charging coils. The reinforced materials configured to protect the user device from physical damage. The inductive charging coils integrated within the protective case to facilitate wireless power transfer from the wireless charger to the user device.
[0024] In another implementation, the communication means between the protective case and the wireless charger comprises one or more communication protocols selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Wi-Fi, enabling data exchange and control signals between the protective case and the wireless charger.
[0025] In another implementation, the protective case may be configured in one of a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation relative to the wireless charger.
[0026] In another embodiment, a method for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy is disclosed. The method includes the step of placing the user device within the protective case. The method includes the step of aligning the magnetic elements within the protective case with corresponding magnetic components within the user device. The method includes the step of positioning the protective case on the wireless charger such that communication between the protective case and the wireless charger is established. The method includes the step of wirelessly transmitting power from the wireless charger to the user device based on communication signals received from the protective case. The method includes the step of charging the user device while it is supported within the protective case through magnetic energy.
[0027] In another implementation, the method includes the step of detecting the presence of the user device within the protective case using proximity sensors integrated within the protective case.
[0028] In another implementation, the method includes the step of initiating the wireless charging process upon detection of the user device within the protective case.
[0029] In another implementation, the method includes the step of monitoring the charging status of the user device through feedback signals received from the wireless charger.
[0030] In another implementation, the method includes the step of adjusting the power transmission parameters based on the monitored charging status to optimize charging efficiency and device safety.
[0031] Figure 1 illustrates an example system in which embodiments of a mobile device modular magnetic assembly can be implemented.
[0032] In an embodiment, a mobile device modular magnetic assembly 100, which includes a mobile device 102 and the various sections and configurations of the modular magnetic assembly. The example mobile device 102 may be any type of mobile phone, tablet device, digital camera, or other types of computing and electronic devices. The mobile device 102 has a housing 104 that is integrated with housing metal plates 106. The housing metal plates 106 can be integrated or otherwise inlayed in the housing 104 of the device, and the metal plates may be part of the chassis or other feature of the mobile device. In this example, the mobile device 102 has six of the housing metal plates 106 integrated in the housing 104 of the device (e.g., three metal plates integrated on each of the longer sides of the housing). Any number of housing metal plates in various configurations can be implemented in the housing 104 of the mobile device.
[0033] The dual-plate system provides an increased attach force by directing the magnetic field of the magnet 112, such as compared to a magnet-to-magnet coupling. Not only does the dual-plate system with the magnet 112 between the two metal plates focus the magnetic force, the configuration minimizes the magnetic field that is distributed through the mobile device 102. This provides more design freedom to position device components within the housing 104 of the device and avoid magnetic field interference.
[0034] The decorative modular section 110 is stackable with the functional modular section 108 on the mobile device 102 to form the modular magnetic assembly, as shown in the expanded example 116 and in the stacked example 118. In this stack of a modular magnetic assembly, a first side 120 of the functional modular section 108 stacks against the housing 104 of the mobile device 102, and a second side 122 of the functional modular section 108 stacks against the decorative modular section 110 to form the modular magnetic assembly.
[0035] The functional modular section 108 of the modular magnetic assembly 100 can be implemented to add any number of different additional features to expand operation of the mobile device 102. For example, the functional modular section 108 may include a battery as an additional power source to power various components of the mobile device. The functional modular section 108 can include a functional contact 124 that connects to an expansion contact 126 of the mobile device 102. In other implementations, the functional modular section 108 may provide other functional features that expand operation of the mobile device 102, such as for wireless charging, as a small projector, any type of a sensor (e.g., environmental conditions, accelerometer, IR sensors, gesture sensors, etc.), as a secondary display device, or as any other type of functional feature. The modular magnetic assembly provides that a user can expand the functional operation of the mobile device 102 without having to open the device and integrate the desired feature.
[0036] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary charging and data transfer system, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] In an embodiment, charging and data transfer system 200 may include an external charging and data puck 202 and a phone 204. As shown, external charging and data puck 202 is below phone 204 such that a back of the phone 206 is touching or very close to external charging and data puck 202. External charging and data puck 202 may be connected to a computer (not shown) that receives and/or transmits data through external charging and data puck 202. The computer may also provide power to phone 204 through external charging and data puck 202. In embodiments, external charging and data puck 202 can instead be directly connected to a power outlet (e.g., a wall outlet). Although a phone is illustrated as coupled to external charging and data puck 202, one skilled in the art understands that any suitable electronic device may be coupled to external charging and data puck 202.
[0038] For transmitting data, external charging and data puck 202 may include a first optical data transfer module 212 and a puck optical window 214. First optical data transfer module 212 may be configured to emit and/or detect optical signals, such as light emitted at various frequencies, for sending and/or receiving data to electronic devices, such as phone 204. The emitted light may be received by an electronic device, e.g., phone 204. In embodiments, phone 204 may include a glass window 216 and a second optical data transfer module 218. Second optical data transfer module 218 may be configured to detect the light emitted from first optical data transfer module 212 in external charging and data puck 202. Additionally, second optical data transfer module 218 may be configured to emit light to first optical data transfer module 212. Accordingly, data may transfer between external charging and data puck 202 and phone 204 in both directions.
[0039] In embodiments, alignment mechanisms may be implemented to ensure that accurate alignment has been achieved. For example, light sensors 220 may be disposed around one of the first and/or second optical data transfer modules 212 and 218 to detect light. When the alignment signal is detected, phone 204 and/or the computer may know whether the optical data transfer modules 212 and 218 are aligned by determining the strength and location of the detected signal.
[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a charging device, according to an embodiment.
[0041] In an embodiment, a charging device 300 including power port 311, according to an embodiment. Charging device 300 can be externally powered through power port 511. For example, power port 311 can be a USB connector that receive a cable that electrically couples charging device 300 to a power supply such as a vehicle battery or power outlet. The charging device 300 can be a battery pack that transfers an electrical charge to an electronic display device 350 through a cable connected to power port 311. In this manner, the charging device 300 has a wired connection to electrically charge the electronic display device 350.
[0042] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an electronic display device case, a charging device, and a magnetic surface-side attachment attached to a vehicle dash, according to an embodiment.
[0043] In an embodiment, an electronic display device case 200, a charging device 400, and a magnetic surface-side attachment 300 attached to a vehicle dashboard 400, according to an embodiment. Charging device 400 is magnetically coupled to the back side of electronic display device case 400 and wirelessly charges electronic display device 250. Power cable 412 is attached to power port 411. In embodiments, power cable 412 electrically couples charging device 400 to a power source. In embodiments, power cable 412 electrically couples charging device 400 to an electronic display device 450.
[0044] Although the description provides implementations of a system and method for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy, 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 wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy, comprising:
a protective case configured to enclose the user device;
magnetic elements integrated within the protective case for supporting the user device through magnetic attraction;
a wireless charger comprising a charging pad and associated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting power to the user device; and
a communication means for establishing a connection between the protective case and the wireless charger to facilitate wireless charging of the user device supported within the protective case.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic elements are strategically positioned within the protective case to align with corresponding magnetic components within the user device, thereby enhancing magnetic support and alignment during wireless charging.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless charger further comprises:
a. inductive charging coils configured to generate an alternating magnetic field for wirelessly transmitting power to the user device; and
b. control circuitry for regulating the power transmission based on communication signals received from the protective case.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective case further comprises:
a. reinforced materials to protect the user device from physical damage; and
b. inductive charging coils integrated within the protective case to facilitate wireless power transfer from the wireless charger to the user device.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication means between the protective case and the wireless charger comprises one or more communication protocols selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Wi-Fi, enabling data exchange and control signals between the protective case and the wireless charger.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective case may be configured in one of a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation relative to the wireless charger.
7. A method for wireless charging of a user device supported with magnetic energy, comprising:
placing the user device within the protective case;
aligning the magnetic elements within the protective case with corresponding magnetic components within the user device;
positioning the protective case on the wireless charger such that communication between the protective case and the wireless charger is established;
wirelessly transmitting power from the wireless charger to the user device based on communication signals received from the protective case; and
charging the user device while it is supported within the protective case through magnetic energy.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a. detecting the presence of the user device within the protective case using proximity sensors integrated within the protective case;
b. initiating the wireless charging process upon detection of the user device within the protective case;
c. monitoring the charging status of the user device through feedback signals received from the wireless charger; and
d. adjusting the power transmission parameters based on the monitored charging status to optimize charging efficiency and device safety.