WO2010017416A1 - Interface électrique universelle pour l’alimentation en courant de dispositifs mobiles - Google Patents

Interface électrique universelle pour l’alimentation en courant de dispositifs mobiles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010017416A1
WO2010017416A1 PCT/US2009/053047 US2009053047W WO2010017416A1 WO 2010017416 A1 WO2010017416 A1 WO 2010017416A1 US 2009053047 W US2009053047 W US 2009053047W WO 2010017416 A1 WO2010017416 A1 WO 2010017416A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wireless power
electrode strip
delivery system
wall
receiver
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/053047
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mitch Randall
Daniel Hoekstra
Original Assignee
Wildcharge, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wildcharge, Inc. filed Critical Wildcharge, Inc.
Publication of WO2010017416A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010017416A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H02J7/0044—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/005—Mechanical details of housing or structure aiming to accommodate the power transfer means, e.g. mechanical integration of coils, antennas or transducers into emitting or receiving devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/10—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/40—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using two or more transmitting or receiving devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/90—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electronic systems and methods for providing electrical power and/or data to one or more electronic or electrically powered devices with a power delivery surface.
  • Mobile electronic devices typically include, and are powered by, batteries, which are rechargeable by connecting the batteries through power cord units to a power source.
  • Power cord units typically include transformers and/or power converters connected to a power source such that the transformers and/or power converters condition the power supplied to the mobile electronic device.
  • Typical power sources include, but are not limited to, an electric wall outlet, a connection to the power grid, and/or an automobile or other vehicle accessory electric outlet plug receptacle or the like.
  • a mobile electronic device may typically be connected to the power source through the power cord unit either during use of the electronic device and/or between uses.
  • a non-mobile electronic device is generally one that is powered through a power cord unit and is not intended to be moved during use any farther than the reach of the power cord, so the non- mobile electronic device generally does not have, or need, batteries for powering the device between plug-ins to the power source.
  • the power cord unit includes an outlet connector or plug for connecting it to the power source and a battery connector for connecting it to a corresponding battery power receptacle of the battery.
  • the outlet connector or plug and battery connectors are typically in connected with each other such that electrical power may flow from the power source to the battery, and in some limited instances from the battery to the power source.
  • the power source charges the battery through the power cord unit via the electrical connection between the power source and the battery.
  • the power cord unit may include a power adapter, transformer, or converter connected to the outlet and battery connectors through AC (Alternating Current) input and DC (Direct Current) output cords, respectively.
  • the power adapter typically adapts an AC input voltage received from the power source through the outlet connector and AC input cord to output a DC voltage through the DC output cord.
  • Other setups include adapters, transformers, or converters connected to the outlet and battery connectors through DC input and DC output cords.
  • the DC output current flows through the battery power receptacle and is used to charge the battery.
  • the example embodiments are directed to a wireless power delivery system charger for providing power from a power source to a mobile electronic device having a first contact and a second contact physically spaced apart to permit separate electrical connections, the charger having: a means for housing the charger, the means for housing defining a support surface and a back surface; a means for electrically connecting the charger to the power source; a means for transferring the power to the mobile electronic device having: at least one positive electrode strip disposed on the support surface; and, at least one negative/ground electrode strip disposed on the support surface; a means for mechanically constraining the mobile electronic device adjacent to the means for transferring; and, wherein the positive electrode strip contacts the mobile electronic device first contact and wherein the negative electrode strip contacts the mobile electronic device second contact thereby presenting a predetermined voltage potential to the mobile electronic device.
  • the example embodiments are also directed to a wireless power delivery system having: a wireless power interface having a support surface and at least a single positive electrode strip and at least a single negative/ground electrode strip generating a predetermined voltage potential when operating; at least one receiver device to be placed on the support surface having a first contact and a second contact, the first contact and the second contact physically spaced apart to permit separate connections for the first and the second contacts to the single positive electrode strip and the single negative/ground electrode strip; and, a mechanical constraint system that at least partially constrains the at least one receiver orientation such that the first and the second contacts of the at least one receiver are oriented to be in contact with the single positive electrode strip and the single negative/ground electrode strip such that the predetermined voltage potential of the wireless power interface is applied between the first and the second contacts.
  • the example embodiments are also directed to a wireless power delivery system having: a wall charger having: a housing, defining a support surface and a back surface, enveloping the wall charger; a wireless power interface disposed on the housing support surface for transferring power to the mobile electronic device; and, a mounting structure disposed on the housing back surface for anchoring the wall charger to a wall, wherein the mounting structure engages with an electrical junction box or an electrical outlet disposed on the wall; and, a mobile electronic device having: a power receiver disposed on the mobile electronic device for receiving the power from the wall charger wireless power interface; and, a mechanical constraint system that at least partially constrains the mobile electronic device orientation such that the power receiver and the wireless power interface are engaged to transfer the power to the mobile electronic device.
  • the example embodiments are also directed to a wireless power delivery system having: a wall charger having: a housing, defining a support surface and a wall surface, enveloping the wall charger; a wireless power interface means for transferring power from an electrical junction box or and electrical outlet disposed on the wall; an electrical connection means for powering the wireless power interface; and, a mobile electronic device having: a power receiver means for receiving the power from the wall charger wireless power interface, wherein the means for receiving is disposed on the mobile electronic device; and, a mechanical constraint system means for constraining the mobile electronic device orientation such that the power receiver and the wireless power interface are engaged to transfer the power to the mobile electronic device.
  • the example embodiments are also directed to a method of powering a mobile device, the method having: providing a wireless power interface having a support surface and at least a single positive electrode strip and at least a single negative/ground electrode strip generating a predetermined voltage potential when operating; providing at least one receiver device to be placed on the support surface having a first contact and a second contact, the first contact and the second contact physically spaced apart to permit separate connections for the first and the second contacts to the single positive electrode strip and the single negative/ground electrode strip; and, constraining, at least partially, the at least one receiver orientation such that the first and the second contacts of the at least one receiver are oriented to be in contact with the single positive electrode strip and the single negative/ground electrode strip such that the predetermined voltage potential of the wireless power interface is applied between the first and the second contacts.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless charging pad and a mobile device being placed on the wireless charging pad.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a wireless charging pad showing an array of alternately positively and negatively charged contact strips.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged bottom view of an enabled mobile device showing multiple contact points arranged in a contact pattern.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a four-way bridge rectifier for properly obtaining the correct electrical connection for a mobile device with four contact points.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a charging system having a wireless charging pad with alternating conducting strips and a mobile device with many contact points arranged in a contact pattern.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a simplified wireless power interface embodiment that uses partial mechanical constraints to orient a mobile device.
  • FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an example power receiving device with two contact points for connection to a simplified wireless power interface.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of a mobile device resting on a simplified wireless power interface support surface.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a simple circuit for deriving power from a simplified wireless power interface.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a safety circuit for protecting a mobile device deriving power from a simplified wireless power interface.
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a power transfer system (i.e., charging system) using a simplified wireless power interface.
  • a power transfer system i.e., charging system
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support surface for a simplified wireless power interface.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a circuit to protect a mobile device using a simplified wireless power interface from a reverse polarity electrical connection to the simplified wireless power interface.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a circuit to protect a mobile device using a simplified wireless power interface from a reverse polarity electrical connection to the simplified wireless power interface using a shunt diode.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a bridge rectifier circuit to increase orientation tolerance of a mobile device using a simplified wireless power interface to nearly 360 degrees.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support surface for a simplified wireless power interface including magnets to assist in mobile device orientation.
  • FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a mobile device for use with a simplified power interface that includes magnets to assist in mobile device orientation.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support surface for a simplified wireless power interface including magnets to assist in mobile device orientation and a third electrode strip to provide unique polarity regardless of mobile device orientation.
  • FIG. 19 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a mobile device for use with a simplified power interface that includes magnets to assist in mobile device orientation and a third electrode strip to provide unique polarity regardless of orientation.
  • FIG. 20 is perspective view of an example embodiment of a wireless power delivery device that includes a wall charger attached to a wall, e.g. a kitchen wall, for powering and charging a mobile electronic device.
  • a wall charger attached to a wall, e.g. a kitchen wall, for powering and charging a mobile electronic device.
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of the wireless power delivery system of FIG. 20 with the mobile electronic device.
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a back surface of the wall charger housing of
  • FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 20.
  • FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the wall charger of FIG. 20 showing various internal components.
  • FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a hardwired configuration wherein the wall charger of FIG. 20 is interfaced directly with an electrical junction box located in the wall.
  • FIG. 25 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a wireless power delivery device that utilizes a wireless power interface that operates with magnetic inductive power transmission.
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless power delivery system having an ornamental appearance.
  • FIG. 27 is a front view of the wireless power delivery system of FIG. 26.
  • FIG. 28 is a left side view of the wireless power delivery system of FIG. 26.
  • FIG. 29 is a right side view of the wireless power delivery system of FIG. 26.
  • FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the wireless power delivery system of FIG. 26.
  • FIG. 31 is a back side view of the wireless power delivery system of FIG. 26.
  • FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the wireless power delivery system of FIG. 26.
  • An embodiment may include a method or device whereby a simplified, common interface provides power to mobile devices via electrical contact for a range of positions and orientations of the mobile device.
  • the range of positions may be automatically partially constrained mechanically such that power is transferred for all possible remaining orientations.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless charging pad 100 and a mobile device 108 being placed 116 on the wireless charging pad 100.
  • the wireless charging pad 100 receives power from a power source 102.
  • the ultimate power source may be any available electrical power source including AC and DC power sources. Either at the charging pad 100 or before electrical power is received 102 at the charging pad 100, the power may be conditioned to meet the electrical requirements of the charging pad 100.
  • the charging pad 100 has a surface support structure 104 containing an array of conductors 106 intended to make electrical contact with the contact points 112 on the bottom 110 of the mobile device 108.
  • the array of conductors 106 may be arranged in an alternating pattern of positive and negative charged conductors (see disclosure with respect to Fig. T).
  • the bottom 110 of the mobile device 108 has many contact points 112 arranged in a pattern 114.
  • the mobile device 108 is typically considered to be mobile, but may be any device 108 with a battery that requires charging, even if the device is not considered to be mobile.
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a wireless charging pad 100 showing an array 106 of alternately positively 204 and negatively 202 charged contact strips 106.
  • the wireless charging pad 100 of Fig. 2 is similar to the wireless charging pad 100 of Fig. 1.
  • the wireless charging pad 100 is supplied power 102 to an array of conductors 106 for use to charge a mobile electronic device 108.
  • the mobile electronic device makes contact with the support surface 104 of the wireless charging pad 100.
  • the support surface 104 of the wireless charging pad 100 exposes the array of conductors 106 to the contact points 112 of the mobile device 108.
  • the mobile device 108 may need many contact points 112 to ensure proper electrical connection to the conductor array 106 of the wireless charging pad 100. As shown, the mobile device 108 has four contact points 112. Some embodiments may require five or more contact points 112 to ensure proper electrical connection between the mobile device 108 and the charging pad 100.
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged bottom 110 view of an enabled mobile device 108 showing multiple contact points 112 arranged in a contact pattern 114. As shown, there are four contact points 112 arranged in pattern 114.
  • the mobile device 108 of Fig. 3 may be charged by placement on the support surface 104 of the charging pad 100 described in the disclosure with respect to Figs. 1 and 2.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a four-way bridge rectifier 400 for properly obtaining the correct electrical connection for a mobile device 108 with four contact points 112.
  • Contact points A 402, B 404, C 406, and D 408 correspond to the four contact points 112 on the mobile device 108.
  • the four contact points 402-408 are electrically connected as shown to a positive electrical node 410 through Zener diodes 402'-408', respectively.
  • the four contact points 402-408 are also electrically connected as shown to a negative/ground electrical node 412 through Zener diodes 402"-408", respectively.
  • Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a charging system having a wireless charging pad 100 with alternating conducting strips 106 and a mobile device 108 with many contact points 112 arranged in a contact pattern 114. In the system shown in Fig.
  • the AC adapter 504 is plugged into a wall plug 502.
  • the AC adapter 504 connects to control and safety circuitry 506 which then electrically powers the support surface with an electrode/conductor pattern 508.
  • the mobile device 510 has contact points to pickup 512 an electrical power supply from the conductors on the support surface 508.
  • the pickup 512 of the mobile device 510 passes the electrical connection through a rectifier 514, such as the bridge rectifier 400 described in the disclosure with respect to Fig. 4.
  • the rectifier 514 output goes through power conditioning circuitry 516 and ultimately delivers power to the target device 518.
  • each of the contacts 112 is connected to one leg of a bridge rectifier 400 in order to account for the ambiguity in polarity that each of the contacts 112 may provide depending on the position and orientation of the mobile device 108 upon the support surface 104 of electrodes 106.
  • the bridge rectifier 400 may increase the complexity, cost, and inefficiency of the charging system.
  • the technology of the charging pad 100 and mobile device system 108 is termed conductive in that the charging system relies on physical contact between a set of conductors 106 on a surface 104 with alternating polarity, and a set of contacts 1 12 on a device 108 resting on the surface 104. Power may be obtained within the device 108 by rectifying the arbitrary polarity found at each contact point 112 as described in the disclosure with respect to Fig. 4.
  • Power is extracted from the surface 104 of the pad 100 through two or more of the contacts 112 on the device 108. Electrical contact may be accomplished via a simple bridge rectifier as shown in Fig. 4.
  • Figs. 1-5 For the charging pad 100 / device 108 charging system described in the disclosure with respect to Figs. 1-5, other patterns of electrodes 106 and contact points 112 are possible to attain power transfer regardless of device 108 position and orientation on the support surface 104 of electrodes 106.
  • the charging system of Figs. 1-5 is designed to be broadly applicable and, therefore, typically uses a nominal potential of 15 V. Since many mobile devices are designed to be charged through ubiquitous USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, which typically requires 5 V. Thus, a voltage converter may be necessary in the charging system of Figs. 1-5 for many mobile devices in order to step down the voltage appropriately.
  • the disclosure with respect to the block diagram of Fig. 5 describes a typical application.
  • An embodiment may provide an interface in which the device alignment is partially mechanically constrained or in which the power transfer is guaranteed for a subset of all possible positions and orientations of devices.
  • the number of contacts that are required on the mobile device may be reduced, thus, reducing the complexity of the rectifier circuit.
  • the rectifier may be completely removed. Further a system that is more appropriate for a wide range of mobile devices that require 5 V input potential may also be beneficial.
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a simplified wireless power interface embodiment 600 that uses partial mechanical constraints to orient a mobile device.
  • the embodiment of a simplified universal power interface 600 shown in Fig. 6 has an support surface 602 mounted vertically or nearly vertically so that a device 700 (see the disclosure with respect to Fig. 7) that rests on the simplified wireless power interface 600 will tend to slide down due to the force of gravity.
  • a mechanical rest shelf 608 extends outward along the bottom edge of the support surface 608.
  • a mobile device 700 may, therefore, rest against the support surface 608 and be simultaneously aligned to rest against the rest shelf 608. Accordingly, the positions of the electrical contacts 708 (see the disclosure with respect to Fig. 7) on the mobile device 700 are aligned to a predetermined position with respect to the support surface 608 such that the electrical contacts 708 make contact with electrode strip A 604 and electrode strip B 606.
  • Fig. 7 is a bottom 702 view of an example power receiving device 700 with two contact points 708 for connection to a simplified wireless power interface 600.
  • the mobile device 700 may be configured with two contact points 708 as shown instead of the 4 or more described in the disclosure with respect to Figs. 1-5.
  • the contact points 708 may be polarity sensitive. That is, contact point A 704 may only function properly when in contact with electrode A 604 and contact point B 706 may only function properly when in contact with electrode B 708.
  • a bridge rectifier 400 as described in the disclosure with respect to Fig. 4 may alleviate the polarity problem at an increase in system component cost as compared to a polarity sensitive solution (see also the disclosure with respect to Fig. 15).
  • Fig. 8 is a side view of a mobile device 700 resting on a simplified wireless power interface support surface 600.
  • the mobile device 700 rests against the support surface 602 and is then positioned via gravity (or some other force) against the rest shelf 608, contacts A 704 and B 706 are at predetermined distances with respect to the support surface 602 and the rest shelf 608.
  • the predetermined distance corresponds to the point midway up the width of electrode strips A 604 and B 606 such that electrical contact is made between electrode strips A 604 and B 606 and contact points A 704 and B 706 as shown in Fig. 8.
  • the mechanical constraint may insure that contact A 704 connects to electrode A 604, and contact B 706 connects to electrode B 606. Due to the mechanical constraint, the need for a bridge rectifier, such as those shown in Figs. 4 and 15, is unnecessary and a simple connection such as the connection described in the disclosure with respect to Fig. 9 may be utilized with a corresponding reduction in overall component costs.
  • Various embodiments may permit several devices 700 side-by-side to simultaneously acquire power from the power delivery surface 602. Thus delivering a convenient wireless power system.
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a simple circuit 900 for deriving power from a simplified wireless power interface 600.
  • a mobile device 700 designed to charge on a mechanically constrained simplified wireless power interface 600 may forgo polarity correction or protection due to the mechanical constraints 608, 708 that ensure proper polarity connection between the device 700 and the simplified wireless power interface 600.
  • an embodiment 900 may connect contact A 704 to the positive battery terminal 904 and contact B 706 to the negative/ground battery terminal 906.
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a safety circuit 1000 for protecting a mobile device 700 deriving power from a simplified wireless power interface 600.
  • the safety circuit 1000 may be used to accommodate a safety protected support surface 602.
  • the safety protected support surface 602 may temporarily remove the electrical potential (i.e., voltage) from the surface 602 electrodes 604, 608.
  • the power receiver in the mobile device 700 may need to have a small amount of storage capacitance 1010 to sustain the internally available mobile device 700 power supply electrical potential.
  • the safety circuit 1000 places a Zener diode 1008 between contact point A 704 and the positive battery terminal 1004. Contact point B 706 is connected to the negative/ground battery terminal 1006.
  • a capacitor 1010 is placed between the positive terminal 1004 and the ground terminal 1006.
  • the safety circuit 1000 has the added benefit of preventing power from inadvertently being applied in the reverse direction (i.e., reverse polarity) such as may be done with a readily available 9V primary cell.
  • the Zener diode 1008 protects against a closed circuit in a reverse polarity situation.
  • the capacitor 1010 sustains the internally available mobile device 700 power supply electrical potential as described above.
  • Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a power transfer system (i.e., charging system) using a simplified wireless power interface.
  • a simplified support surface power supply 1108 may be implemented according to the disclosure with respect to Figs. 6-10.
  • the power supply voltage may be set to 5V with current limiting.
  • the electrical potential i.e., voltage
  • current limiting may be considered a sufficient safety measure. Accordingly, the block diagram shown in Fig. 11 assumes 5V with current limiting for the support surface 1108 power supply.
  • the AC adapter 1104 is connected to a wall plug 1102.
  • the AC adapter delivers 5 V DC power to the support surface with electrode patterns 1108 as described in the disclosure with respect to Figs. 6-10.
  • the mobile device 1110 uses the two contact points (708) as the pickup 1112 for the electrical power.
  • the pickup 1112 delivers power to the target device 1118 without the need for intervening circuitry (see the disclosure with respect to Fig. 9) or with minimal protective circuitry (see the disclosure with respect to Fig. 10).
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support surface 1202 for a simplified wireless power interface 1200.
  • a predetermined position and/or orientation of the mobile device 700 with respect to the support surface 1202 is assumed to be known to a user that is familiar with the orientation necessary for power transfer with the simplified wireless power interface 1200.
  • the user places the mobile device 700 on the support surface 1202 in a particular orientation and at a particular position as designated for power transfer between the support surface 1202 and the mobile device 700 via connection with electrode strip A 1204 and electrode strip B 1206 as described above for embodiments such as the embodiment 600 described in the disclosure with respect to Fig. 6.
  • a practical design would allow for considerable positioning and orientation tolerance so that a typical user could readily arrange for power to be transferred.
  • One skilled in the art may determine many orientation systems that may affectively provide an orientation known to a user for a mobile device 700 to be properly placed on the support surface 1202.
  • a wireless power delivery system 1200 relying upon a predetermined range of orientations and positions of the mobile device 700 may have two strips of conductor electrodes 1204, 1206 on the support surface 1202 arranged such that the length of the conductor electrodes 1204, 1206 runs parallel to an X axis 1212 and perpendicular to a Y axis 1210.
  • a mobile device 700 such as that shown in Fig.
  • the support surface 32' may accommodate and power one or more additional mobile devices 700 set side-by-side with the first device 700, provided the additional devices were also aligned as described since the position along the X axis 1212 does not affect power transfer (so long as the mobile device rests on the support surface). It is possible that a user may place a mobile device 700 on the support surface 1200 aligned substantially 180 degrees from the desired orientation. In that case, power could inadvertently be applied to the mobile device 700 with reverse polarity.
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a circuit 1300 to protect a mobile device 700 using a simplified wireless power interface 1200 (also applicable for other embodiments of the simplified wireless power interface, including 600 shown on Fig. 6, 1600 shown on Fig. 16, and 1800 shown on Fig. 18) from a reverse polarity electrical connection to the simplified wireless power interface 1200.
  • the circuit 1300 may be used to prevent damage to the mobile device 700.
  • the circuit 1300 connects contact A 704 to the positive battery terminal 1304 through Zener diode 1308.
  • Contact B 706 is connected to the negative/ground battery terminal 1306.
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a circuit 1300 to protect a mobile device 700 using a simplified wireless power interface 1200 (also applicable for other embodiments of the simplified wireless power interface, including 600 shown on Fig. 6, 1600 shown on Fig. 16, and 1800 shown on Fig. 18) from a reverse polarity electrical connection to the simplified wireless power interface 1200.
  • the circuit 1300 may be used to prevent damage to the mobile device
  • circuit 1400 is a schematic diagram of a circuit 1400 to protect a mobile device using a simplified wireless power interface 1200 (also applicable for other embodiments of the simplified wireless power interface, including 600 shown on Fig. 6, 1600 shown on Fig. 16, and 1800 shown on Fig. 18) from a reverse polarity electrical connection to the simplified wireless power interface 1200 using a shunt diode 1408.
  • circuit 1400 shown in Fig. 14 may be used to prevent damage to the mobile device 700 provided the diode is able to withstand the short circuit current available from the power delivery surface 1202 electrodes 1204, 1206.
  • the mobile device 700 may receive power from the support surface 1202 for orientation angles of almost +/-90 degrees with respect to the Y axis 1210.
  • zero degrees with respect to the Y axis 1210 would represent the case when the line defined by the two contact points 704, 706 is parallel to the Y axis 1210.
  • 90 degrees would correspond to the line defined by the two contact points being parallel to the X axis 1212.
  • the rotation being considered is that in the X-Y plane.
  • Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of a bridge rectifier circuit 1500 to increase orientation tolerance of a mobile device 700 using a simplified wireless power interface 1200 to nearly 360 degrees.
  • the bridge rectifier circuit 1500 may also be applied with to other embodiments of the simplified wireless power interface, including 600 shown on Fig. 6, 1600 shown on Fig. 16, and 1800 shown on Fig. 18.
  • the range of orientations may be increased to almost 360 degrees.
  • a nearly 360 degree rotation is achieved because if the device 700 is placed substantially "upside down" - or oriented at an angle of 180 degrees +/- 90 degrees, then the effect is to reverse the polarity of the potential expected on contacts A 704 and B 706.
  • the bridge rectifier 1500 of Fig. 15 rectifies the polarity to handle the reversed polarity.
  • the nearly 360 rotation is a function of the necessity that the two contacts 704, 706 need to be contacting different conductor electrodes 1204, 1206 from each other.
  • One skilled in the art will recognize that other circuits and other control circuitry may be utilized to overcome reverse polarity as is achieved with the bridge rectifier circuit 1500 shown.
  • An embodiment with a bridge rectifier 1500 provides a wireless power delivery system 1200 that is relatively tolerant to a range of positions and orientations but cannot guarantee power delivery at all positions and orientations. Some tolerance is given up in exchange for a considerably simplified overall system. The tradeoff is minimized by the user assumption of a proper orientation and position.
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support surface 1602 for a simplified wireless power interface 1600 including magnets 1620 to assist in mobile device 1700 orientation ⁇ see the disclosure with respect to Fig. 17).
  • An embodiment 1600 mechanical positioning is "softly" constrained via the use of magnets.
  • An embodiment 1600 may have magnets 1620 (shown in phantom lines) arranged along the centerline of the gap between the electrode strips 1604, 1606. The magnets 1620 may be equally spaced a predetermined distance apart and the polarity of the magnets may be aligned in the same direction along the Z axis 1614.
  • An embodiment 1600 may have magnets 1620 placed in the mobile device 1700 as shown in Fig. 17.
  • Fig. 17 is a bottom 1702 view of an embodiment of a mobile device 1700 for use with a simplified power interface 1600 that includes magnets 1620, 1720 to assist in mobile device 1700 orientation.
  • the polarity of the magnets 1720 in the mobile device 1700 are also aligned in the same direction as the magnets 1620 on the simplified power interface 1600 and in such a way that they attract the magnets 1620 on the support surface 1602 when the contacts 1704, 1706 are facing the electrode strips 1604, 1606.
  • the spacing between magnets 1720 on the mobile device 1720 matches the spacing of the magnets 1620 embedded within the support surface 1602.
  • the magnets 1620 may be located at the centerline between electrodes 1604, 1606 or elsewhere on or under the support surface 1602 as appropriate for the configuration of the magnets 1720 and contacts 1704, 1706 of the mobile device 1700. Further, more than two magnets may be used in the mobile device, but having at least two magnets permits proper orientation to a line (i.e., a line is defined by two points). [0078] The magnet-to-magnet force is sufficient that if the mobile device 1700 were placed relatively near the desired position, the mobile device 1700 would be pulled into alignment with the two nearest magnets 1620. When engaged in this orientation the contact points 1704, 1706 would also make an electrical connection to the electrode strips 1604, 1606, thereby closing a circuit to allow power flow.
  • the mobile device 1700 will seek one of two possible orientations denoted by zero degrees with respect to the Y axis 1610 and 180 degrees with respect to the Y axis 1610.
  • the two orientation configurations correspond to two different voltage polarities. Therefore, it is prudent that the electrical circuit within the mobile device 1700 be protected against reverse polarity as may be accomplished via the circuits of Figs. 13, 14, or 15 (1300, 1400, 1500, respectively) as well as other possible circuits as may be recognized by one skilled in the art.
  • multiple devices 1700 may be aligned along the X axis 1612.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support surface 1802 for a simplified wireless power interface 1800 including magnets 1820 to assist in mobile device 1900 orientation (see the disclosure with respect to Fig. 19) and a third electrode strip 1808 to provide unique polarity regardless of mobile device 1900 orientation.
  • the magnets 1820 and devices 1900 may be aligned with the X axis 1812, Y axis 1810, and Z axis 1814 in a similar fashion as for the disclosure the embodiment 1600 described in the disclosure with respect to
  • Fig. 19 is a bottom 1902 view of an embodiment of a mobile device 1900 for use with a simplified power interface 1800 that includes magnets 1820, 1920 to assist in mobile device orientation and a third electrode strip 1808 to provide unique polarity regardless of orientation.
  • either of two possible orientations corresponds to a single voltage polarization.
  • contact A 1904 located on the mobile device 1900 will seek electrode strip B 1806 located on the support surface 1802.
  • Electrode A and C (1804 and 1808, respectively) are at the same potential, the resulting potential on contacts A 1904 and B 1906 will remain the same.
  • magnetic alignment is "soft,” meaning that magnetic alignment is a constraint that may be overcome with minimal force, there is still a possibility that contacts A
  • the embodiment 1800, 1900 provides the highest possible efficiency while still providing a simple, easy to position wireless power experience.
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless power delivery system 2000 for providing power to a mobile electronic device 2002 while preserving horizontal workspace, such as a countertop 2004 in a kitchen 2006. It comprises a wall charger 2014 with a power transfer surface 2018 similar to those shown in Figs. 1, 2, 6, 8, 12, 16, or 18 and described above, and a mounting structure 2030 that interfaces or mates with a conventional power outlet 2006, 2010 on a wall and connecting it to a power source, such as conventional grid power in a building. Horizontal workspaces such as countertop 2004 (or other surfaces, such as, desktops, furniture, shelves, etc.) are regarded as valuable resource and sometimes scarce.
  • the kitchen 2006 has electrical outlets such as a vertical electrical outlet 2008 and a horizontal electrical outlet 2010 disposed on a wall 2012. Outlets 2008, 2010 are shown in Fig. 20 adjacent each other; however, this configuration is shown for descriptive purposes only when describing attachment of the wireless power delivery system 2000 to the wall 2012.
  • the wireless power delivery system 2000 further includes a wall charger 2014 that is mounted on the wall 2012 and electrically interfaced to a power source, such as conventional grid power in a building, by an outlet (not shown) that can be the same as either outlet 2008, 2010 or any other outlet configuration.
  • the wall charger 2014 receives, supports and charges the mobile electronic device 2002 above the countertop 2004 to preserve the valuable workspace.
  • Fig. 21 is a side view of the wireless power delivery system 2000 having the wall charger 2014 for receiving, supporting, and charging the mobile electronic device 2002.
  • the wall charger 2014 has a housing 2016 for supporting and enclosing various components of the wall charger 2014.
  • the housing 2016 generally defines a support surface 2018 and a back surface 2020.
  • the support surface 2018 may be planar and may define a front plane 2022.
  • the back surface 2020 may be planar and may define a back plane 2024.
  • the front and back planes 2022, 2024 intersect at an intersection line 2026 and form an intersection angle 2028.
  • the intersection angle 2028 may be any of a variety of angles ranging from approximately sixty (60) degrees to zero (0) degrees, in one embodiment the intersection angle 2028 is about forty (40) degrees.
  • the back surface 2020 is, in one embodiment, provided with a mounting structure 2030 formed on the back surface 2020.
  • the mounting structure 2030 may be dual-purpose if configured as a male plug 2032 in that the male plug 2032 can provide both an electrical connection and detachable mechanical attachment to one of the outlets 2008, 2010.
  • the male plug 2032 may, for example, have a pair of power blades 2034 plus one ground blade 2036 that are nickel-plated brass. In a North American configuration, the male plug 2032 meets a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 5-15 standard; however, in other geography-based plug and outlet receptacle configurations different plugs may be utilized.
  • NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
  • the wall charger housing 2016 may be configured with a mechanical constraint system 2038 such as a ledge 2040 formed on the support surface 2018.
  • the ledge 2040 may be a separate component, or integrally formed with the housing 2016 projecting out from the support surface 2018 substantially perpendicular from the front plane 2022. If configured as the ledge 2040, the mobile electronic device 2002 is supported by the ledge 2040.
  • the wall charger 2014 is provided with a wireless power interface 2042 for providing power to the mobile electronic device 2002.
  • one type of wireless power interface 2042 includes a first positive electrode strip 2044 and a first negative/ground electrode strip 2046 or a plurality of such positive and negative strips.
  • the electrode strips 2044, 2046 can be provided with power at a predetermined voltage potential that may be substantially similar to the previously described array of conductors 106 in Figs. 1 and 2 or electrode strips 604, 606 in Fig. 6.
  • the mobile electronic device 2002 is provided with a power receiver 2048.
  • the example of power receiver 2048 includes a first contact 2050 and a second contact 2052 substantially similar to contact points 112 of FIG. 1 or contact points 704, 706 of Fig. 7.
  • the first contact 2050 contacts a first positive electrode strip 2044 and the second contact 2052 contacts a first negative/ground electrode strip 2046.
  • the predetermined voltage potential of the electrode strips 2044, 2046 is presented to the contacts 2050, 2052. In a manner as previously described, the voltage potential of the contacts 2050, 2052 can be utilized for powering and charging the mobile electronic device 2002.
  • the mounting structure 2030 can be rotatable to accommodate mounting the charger housing on wall outlets 2008, 2010 of any orientation, for example, but not for limiting, the housing back surface 2020 may be provided with a hole 2054 for rotationally receiving a bezel 2056 which can be positioned such that it can be manually rotated with respect to the back surface 2020 as illustrated by rotation arrows 2058 in Fig. 22.
  • the male plugs 2032, 2033 are fixedly attached to the bezel 2056 such that rotation of the bezel 2056 also rotates the male plugs 2032, 2033. Rotation of the male plugs 2032, 2033 allows the wall charger 2014 to be used with various orientations of electrical outlets provided on a wall (e.g. electrical outlets 2008, 2010 provided on wall 2012, Fig.
  • Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the example wall charger 2014 showing various internal components as well as the interface of previously-presented components.
  • the housing 2016 may be configured with a main body 2060 and a back 2062 fastened together to create a hollow void 2064.
  • the wall charger 2014 may be provided with a power driver 2066 that may be substantially similar to the AC adapter 504 in Fig. 5.
  • the power driver 2066 may include a pair of power leads 2068 and a ground lead 2070 that are all electrically interfaced with internal components of the power driver 2066.
  • the power leads 2068 are electrically interfaced, e.g. soldered or crimped, to the power blades 2034 of the male plug 2032.
  • the ground lead 2070 is electrically interfaced in a similar manner to the ground blade 2036.
  • the power driver 2066 may include a positive lead 2072 and a negative/ground lead 2074 that are both electrically interfaced with internal components of the power driver 2066.
  • the positive lead 2072 is electrically interfaced, e.g. soldered or crimped, to the first positive electrode strip 2044 (and any other strips substantially similar to first positive electrode strip 2044).
  • the negative/ground lead 2074 is electrically interfaced, e.g.
  • Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a hardwired configuration 2076 wherein the wall charger 2014 is interfaced directly with an electrical junction box 2078 located in a wall (e.g. kitchen wall 2012, Fig. 20).
  • the electrical junction box 2078 includes a pair of threaded holes 2080, 2082.
  • the housing 2016 may be provided with a grommet 2084 through which the power leads 2068 and ground lead 2070 pass.
  • the housing 2016 may be further provided with a first pair of fastener holes 2086, 2088 that are spaced to align the threaded holes 2080, 2082 of the electrical junction box 2078.
  • the housing 2016 may also be provided with a second pair of fastener holes 2090, 2092 formed perpendicular to the first pair of fastener holes 2082, 2084 as illustrated.
  • the electrical junction box 2078 houses a pair of supply lines 2094 and a ground line 2096.
  • the supply lines 2094 ca be attached to the power leads 2068 by twist-on wire connectors 2098, 2100 and the ground line 2096 is attached to the ground lead 2070 by a twist-on wire connector 2102.
  • the housing 2016 can be attached to the electrical junction box 2078.
  • the housing 2016 may be attached to the electrical junction box 2078 with a pair of screws 2104, 2106 that pass through the fastener holes 2082, 2084 and threaded into the electrical junction box threaded holes 2080, 2082, respectively.
  • one example configuration of the housing 2016 utilizes clips (not shown) for attaching the two components of the housing 2016 after the back surface 2020 is fastened to the electrical junction box 2078. [0092] Fig.
  • FIG. 25 is a front view of an alternative embodiment that utilizes a particular configuration of the wireless power interface 2042 that operates with magnetic inductive power transmission to a mobile electronic device.
  • the wall charger 2014 is provided with at least one inductive loop 2108 that is powered by the power driver 2066 via the leads 2072, 2074. This configuration results in a smooth support surface 2018 because the inductive loop 2108 is positioned in the void 2064 of the housing 2016. If this configuration is utilized, the power receiver 2048 of the mobile electronic device 2002 would inductively receive the power presented by the inductive loop 2108.
  • Figs. 26 to 32 show various views of an embodiment of the wireless power delivery system 2000 wherein the wall charger 2014 has a vertical or near vertical power transfer surface and a stylized appearance.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Système de charge, comprenant un montage de circuits adapté à des dispositifs (108) à charger, comportant un module récepteur de courant intégré ou moulé dans un étui ajusté, par ex. de type coque gel, qui se fixe physiquement et électriquement à un dispositif (108) à charger et qui reçoit efficacement par conduction du courant d’une surface de transfert de courant (104) d’un pavé de recharge (100) sur lequel est placé le dispositif. Un mode de réalisation peut comprendre un procédé ou un dispositif en vertu desquels une interface commune simplifiée alimente en courant des dispositifs mobiles par contact électrique, pour un choix de positions et d’orientations des dispositifs mobiles. Dans certains modes de réalisation, le choix de positions peut être automatiquement partiellement limité mécaniquement de manière à transférer le courant pour toutes les orientations possibles restantes.
PCT/US2009/053047 2008-08-06 2009-08-06 Interface électrique universelle pour l’alimentation en courant de dispositifs mobiles WO2010017416A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US8651508P 2008-08-06 2008-08-06
US61/086,515 2008-08-06

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EP2413470A3 (fr) * 2010-07-28 2013-05-08 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Appareil de transmission de puissance, appareil de réception de puissance et système de transmission de puissance
USD882512S1 (en) 2018-12-31 2020-04-28 Ge Hybrid Technologies, Llc Wireless charging receiver
US20230125535A1 (en) * 2021-10-22 2023-04-27 Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Wireless charger with magnetic locating function
EP4369559A3 (fr) * 2022-11-08 2024-06-19 Molex CVS Bochum GmbH Modules de charge sans fil à rétention magnétique

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US20030194225A1 (en) * 2001-08-07 2003-10-16 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Rotatable plug assembly including an extra outlet
US6650088B1 (en) * 2002-04-23 2003-11-18 Palm, Inc. Apparatus and system for charging a portable electronic device
US20060145663A1 (en) * 2005-01-05 2006-07-06 Microsoft Corporation Device interfaces with non-mechanical securement mechanisms

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US20030194225A1 (en) * 2001-08-07 2003-10-16 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Rotatable plug assembly including an extra outlet
US6650088B1 (en) * 2002-04-23 2003-11-18 Palm, Inc. Apparatus and system for charging a portable electronic device
US20060145663A1 (en) * 2005-01-05 2006-07-06 Microsoft Corporation Device interfaces with non-mechanical securement mechanisms

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2413470A3 (fr) * 2010-07-28 2013-05-08 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Appareil de transmission de puissance, appareil de réception de puissance et système de transmission de puissance
US8476789B2 (en) 2010-07-28 2013-07-02 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Power transmitting apparatus, power receiving apparatus, and power transmission system
USD882512S1 (en) 2018-12-31 2020-04-28 Ge Hybrid Technologies, Llc Wireless charging receiver
US20230125535A1 (en) * 2021-10-22 2023-04-27 Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Wireless charger with magnetic locating function
EP4369559A3 (fr) * 2022-11-08 2024-06-19 Molex CVS Bochum GmbH Modules de charge sans fil à rétention magnétique

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