WO2012093398A2

WO2012093398A2 - System and method for integrating inductive power functionality into furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2012093398A2
Application number: PCT/IL2012/050001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arik Rofe; Oola Greenwald
Original assignee: Powermat Technologies Ltd.
Priority date: 2011-01-05
Filing date: 2012-01-03
Publication date: 2012-07-12
Also published as: WO2012093398A3

Abstract

A system and method is disclosed for integrating inductive power functionality into an item of furniture. An inductive power outlet may include a body casing for containing a primary inductor a driving unit and a fastening mechanism. The body casing may have dimensions suitable for introduction into a passageway through a plate of the item of furniture. The fastening mechanism may be utilized to secure the body casing to the plate of the item of furniture.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATING INDUCTIVE POWER FUNCTIONALITY INTO FURNITURE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wireless battery charger embedded in household or office furniture such as a desk, such that its charging surface is flush with the surface of the furniture such as desktop.

BACKGROUND

Wireless charging of chargeable devices such as mobile phones, personal entertainment devices, laptop computers and the likes is known in the art. However, such wireless charging device and its power line may clutter the desktop of the user.

General background may also be found in the following patent applications:

US20100073177 Inductive power outlet locator

US20100072825 System and method for controlling power transfer across an inductive power coupling

US2010007021 Efficiency monitor for inductive power transmission US20090257259 Bridge synchronous rectifier

US2010025940 System and method for inductive power provision over an extended surface

US20100257382 Inductive receivers for electrical devices US20100253282 Chargeable inductive power outlet

US20100244584 Inductive power providing system having moving outlets

US20100219698 Centrally controlled inductive power transmission platform

US20100219697 Adjustable inductive power transmission platform

US20100219693 System for inductive power provision in wet environments

US20100219183 System for inductive power provision within a bounding surface

US20100194336 Inductively chargeable audio devices

US20100181841 Pinless power coupling

US20100066176 Non resonant inductive power transmission system and method

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the current disclosure relate to an inductive power outlet configured to transfer power inductively to electric devices placed in proximity an item of furniture. The inductive power outlet may comprise a primary inductor connectable to a power supply via a driving unit. The primary inductor may be operable to couple inductively with a secondary inductor thereby transferring power to an electric load wired thereto.

The inductive power outlet may further comprise a body casing for containing at least the primary inductor and the driving unit. The body casing may have dimensions suitable for introduction into a passageway through a plate of the item of furniture. The inductive power outlet may also comprise a fastening mechanism for securing the body casing to the plate of the item of furniture.

Optionally, the body casing comprises: a first cover and a sleeve. The first cover may be configured to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the plate. In some embodiments, the sleeve may have a substantially circular cross-section.

Variously, the inductive power outlet may comprise a second cover configured to attach to an underside of the sleeve thereby closing the body casing. Optionally, the second cover may comprise an acoustic passageway therethrough.

According to some embodiments, the fastening mechanism may comprise: a securing ring having an inner thread configured to mate with an outer thread of the body casing. Such a fastening mechanism may be configured to secure the body casing to a plurality of the plates having a range of thicknesses.

Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a wireless battery charger embedded in household or office furniture such as a desk, such that its charging surface is flush with the horizontal surface of the furniture such as desktop.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure, a wireless charging system embedded in a furniture is provided, the system comprises: a furniture having a substantially horizontal plate having a circular hole; a wireless charger sized to fit into the circular hole such that the upper surface of the wireless charger is substantially flush with upper surface of the plate; and a chargeable device capable or receiving electrical power when placed on the wireless charger. According to another exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure a wireless charger is provided comprises: a circular body comprising: a top cover; a cylinder having an outer thread; and a bottom cover, forming together a case for holding charging electronics; and a securing ring having an inner thread sized to mate with outer thread of the cylinder, wherein the body is capable of being secured to a circular hole in a furniture plate by the securing ring such that upper surface of the top cover is substantially flush with upper surface of the furniture plate.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure a method of installing a wireless charger in a furniture the method comprises the steps of: drilling a circular hole of having a diameter suitable for fitting the body of a wireless charger in an exposed substantially horizontal plate of a furniture; inserting the body of a wireless charger from the exposed side of the furniture plate; from the underside of the plate, fastening a securing ring such that upper surface of the wireless charger is substantially flush with upper surface of the plate; and from underside of the plate, connecting an electrical cable to a socket in the wireless charger, and plugging the other side of the electrical cable to a household electric outlet.

The method may further comprise charging a chargeable device by placing it on top of the installed wireless charger such that its receiving coil is substantially aligned with the transmitting coil within the wireless charger.

The terms 'wireless charger' and 'inductive power outlet' are used herein interchangeably. It is particularly noted that a wireless charger may be used to power electronic equipment directly or to charge a power cell as required. Likewise, an inductive power outlet may be used to charge a power cell or to power electronic equipment directly. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms Used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Unless marked as background or art, any information disclosed herein may be viewed as being part of the current disclosure or its embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the disclosure and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of selected embodiments of the present disclosure only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the embodiments; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the disclosure may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 schematically showing a cross section of wireless charging system used for wirelessly charging chargeable device according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts an isometric view of assembled wireless charger according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

Fig. 3 schematically depicts a top view of a wireless charger according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

Fig. 4 schematically depicts an exploded isometric view of wireless charger according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

Fig. 5 schematically depicts a side view of a wireless charger according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure showing typical non limiting dimensions of the charger.

Fig. 6 schematically depicts a bottom view of a wireless charger according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts.

The drawings are generally not to scale.

For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.

It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 schematically showing a cross section of wireless charging system 100 used for wirelessly charging chargeable device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

To charge the chargeable battery within chargeable device 130, chargeable device 130 is placed on top of wireless charger apparatus 170. Chargeable device 130 may be a mobile phone, a personal entertainment device such as MP3 or iPod, a laptop computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer or the likes.

A secondary inductor such as a receiver coil 134 in body 132 of chargeable device 130 is inductively coupled, and configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy from a primary inductor such as a transmitter coil within the body 172 of wireless charger 170.

Chargeable device 130 may be integrated with the receiver coil 134 and the energy conditioning electronics (not seen in this figure). Alternatively, receiver coil 134 and the energy conditioning electronics may be attached as "add-on" to the chargeable device 130.

For drawing clarity, details of chargeable device 130 were omitted from the drawings.

It is hereby noted that although for ease of illustration the embodiment described herein relates to a particular application of wireless battery charging using an inductive power transfer. This example is not intended to limit the disclosure and other embodiments may use inductive power transfer power, for example, to directly power electronic equipment such as computers, media players, visual display units and the like as well as other equipment particularly where such equipment may be placed near or integrated with furniture.

Wireless charger 170 comprises a body 172 having top surface 174 substantially flush with the substantially horizontal upper surface 152 of plate 150 of the furniture in which it is embedded.

The furniture may be a home or office desk, a table, a bedside furniture, a dividing wall or the like.

A passageway or hole 156 in plate 150 is sized to accept the cylindrical body 172 of wireless charger 170 such that lip 171 rests against upper surface 152 of plate 150. Optionally the hole 156 may be circular.

A securing fastener such as a ring, nut 176 or the like is used for securing the body 172 of wireless charger 170 by pressing against the lower surface 154 of plate 150. Protrusions 278 help screwing and tightening securing nut 176 into the threaded body 172 of wireless charger 170 as will be seen in the following figures. This may allow accommodation of wide range of thicknesses of plate 150.

Hole 156 in plate 150 may be pre-made, for example during molding or manufacturing of plate 150. Alternatively, hole 156 may be drilled or cut into plate 150, for example using a cup-drill.

Electric cable 178 may supply AC electrical power from a power outlet, such as a household mains power outlet for example, to power the wireless charger 170. Generally, securing nut 176 and electric cable 178 are concealed under plate 150.

Optionally, lip 171 is conical and configured to sink into plate 150 such that top surface 174 of wireless charger 170 and upper surface 152 of plate 150 are at the same level. This allows sliding chargeable device 130 on the combined surface or resting a chargeable device 130 that is larger than the wireless charger on the combined surface.

Alternatively and/or optionally, hole 156 have a recess sized to accommodate lip 171 of body 172 of wireless charger 170 such that top surface 174 of wireless charger 170 and upper surface 152 of plate 150 are at the same level.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts an isometric view of assembled wireless charger 170 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

Seen in this figure is upper lip 276 of securing nut 176 that presses against lower surface 154 of plate 150 when the wireless charger 170 is secured to the plate 150.

Top surface 174 of wireless charger 170 comprises an optional centering marking 272 used for assisting the user in placing the chargeable device on the top surface 174 of wireless charger 170 such that it is aligned for optimal charging efficiency. Centering marking 272 may be engraved into or painted onto top surface 174.

Optional status indicator 274, visible on top surface 174 may be used to indicate the charging status. Status indicator 274 may be a single or multicolor LED. Status indicator 274 may indicate for example one, or few charging statuses such as: charger ready; charging in progress; charging ended; battery fully charged; misaligned chargeable device; or correctly aligned chargeable device. Charging status may also be announced by an optional speaker (seen in the following figures).

Fig. 3 schematically depicts a top view of a wireless charger 170 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

Fig. 4 schematically depicts an exploded isometric view of wireless charger 170 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure.

Body 172 of wireless charger 170 comprises a first cover 400; a sleeve 450 and second cover 470 forming together a case for holding the charging electronics 480.

Seen in this figure are the inner thread 461 in securing nut 176, which engages with outer thread 451 on cylinder 450.

Screws 453 (only two shown) are used for holding together first cover 400; sleeve 450 and second cover 470 thus forming a case for holding the charging electronics 480.

Second cover 470 comprises optional acoustic screen or holes 473 for conducting audio announcements from the optional speaker 482 in charging electronics 480.

Bottom cover 470 further comprises optional power socket 475 having electrical contacts 477 for engaging with electrical plug 479 at the end of electrical cable 178 (Fig. 1). Optional plug retaining latch 476 holds the plug 479 in place when inserted into socket 475. Alternatively. Electric cable 178 is permanently attached to bottom cover 470.

Charging electronics 480 comprises electronic printed boards 481 (three are seen, but number may vary), held in place to top cover 400 by screws 483 (four are seen, but number may vary), which are screwed into corresponding holes 403 in top cover 400.

Optional speaker 482 is preferably aligned with acoustic passageway such as an acoustic screen, holes 473 or the like in bottom cover 470.

Optional status indicator 274 is optionally held in place by optional

LED retainer 484 and aligned with a LED retaining structure 404 having a hole in top cover 400.

Charging electronics 480 further comprises at least one transmitter coil 485 for inductively transmitting electric power to receiver coil 134 in body 132 of chargeable device 130. The transmitter coil 485 optionally comprises a plurality of layers and may further comprise ferroelectric core.

It is noted that according to various embodiments wireless charger units 170 may be provided having any number of primary inductors such as the transmitter coil 485. Such primary inductors may be operable independently or in combination to provide power to electric loads via inductive power receivers placed in their vicinity.

As required, the primary inductors of the wireless charger units may be configured and operable to couple loosely with secondary inductors of inductive power receivers placed within an extended range thereof.

Alternatively or additionally,such primary inductors may be configured and operable to couple tightly with the secondary inductors of inductive power receivers aligned thereto. Accordingly, at least one alignment magnet 486 may be provided for assisting the user in aligning the receiver coil 134 with at least one of the transmitter coils 485. Optionally alignment magnet 486 is placed at the center of the round top cover 400 by fitting in magnet reassess 406.

Optional teeth 407 on the circumference 408 of top cover 400 helps stabilize wireless charger 170 to plate 150 by being wedged against the surface of hole 156 as the charger is inserted and secured in place by securing nut 176.

Fig. 5 schematically depicts a side view of a wireless charger 170 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure showing typical non limiting dimensions of the charger.

Fig. 6 schematically depicts a bottom view of a wireless charger 170 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current disclosure. To install the wireless charger; the installer:

• drills a hole 156 of suitable dimensions in an exposed substantially horizontal plate 150 of a furniture;

• inserts the body 172 of a wireless charger 170 from the exposed side of the substantially horizontal plate 150;

· from the underside of the substantially horizontal plate 150 , fasten a securing fastener 176 such that top surface 174 of wireless charger 170 is substantially flush with upper surface 152 of plate 150; and

• from underside of plate 150, connect electrical cable 178 to socket 475 in wireless charger 170, and plug the other side of electrical cable 178 to a household electric outlet. To charge a chargeable device 130, the user simply places it on top of the installed wireless charger 170 such that its receiving coil is substantially aligned with the transmitting coil within the charger.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be Used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are Used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly Use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and Using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An inductive power outlet configured to transfer power inductively to electric devices placed in proximity to an item of furniture, said inductive power outlet comprising: at least one primary inductor connectable to a power supply via a driving unit, said at least one primary inductor operable to couple inductively with at least one secondary inductor thereby transferring power to an electric load wired thereto, said inductive power outlet further comprising: a body casing for containing at least said at least one primary inductor and said driving unit, said body casing having dimensions suitable for introduction into a passageway through a plate of said item of furniture; and

a fastening mechanism for securing said body casing to said plate of said item of furniture.

2. The inductive power outlet of claim 1 wherein said body casing comprises: a first cover and a sleeve.

3. The inductive power outlet of claim 2 wherein said first cover is configured to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of said plate.

4. The inductive power outlet of claim 2 wherein said sleeve has a substantially circular cross- section.

5. The inductive power outlet of claim 2 further comprising a second cover configured to attach to an underside of said sleeve thereby closing said body casing.

6. The inductive power outlet of claim 5 wherein said second cover comprises an acoustic passageway.

7. The inductive power outlet of claim 1 wheren said fastening mechanism comprises: a securing ring having an inner thread configured to mate with an outer thread of said body casing.

8. The inductive power outlet of claim 1 wherein said fastening mechanism is configured to secure said body casing to a plurality of said plates having a range of thicknesses.

9. A wireless charging system embedded in a furniture comprising:

a furniture having a substantially plate having a hole;

a wireless charger sized to fit into said hole such that the outer surface of said wireless charger is substantially flush with outer surface of said plate; and

a chargeable device capable or receiving electrical power when placed on said wireless charger.

10. A wireless charger comprising:

a body comprising: a first cover;

a cylinder having an outer thread; and

a second cover,

forming together a case for holding charging electronics; and a securing fastener having an inner thread sized to mate with outer thread of said cylinder, wherein said body is capable of being secured to a hole in a furniture plate by said securing fastener such that outer surface of said first cover is substantially flush with surface of said furniture plate.

11.A method of installing a wireless charger in a furniture comprising:

drilling a hole having a diameter suitable for fitting the body of a wireless charger in an exposed plate of said furniture; inserting the body of a wireless charger from the exposed side of the said furniture plate;

from the underside of said plate, fastening a securing fastener such that outer surface of said wireless charger is substantially flush with outer surface of said plate; and

connecting an electrical cable to a socket in said wireless charger, and plugging the other side of said electrical cable to an electric outlet.

12. The method of claim 11 and further comprising charging a chargeable device by placing it on top of said installed wireless charger such that its receiving coil is substantially aligned with the transmitting coil within said wireless charger.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said electric outlet is a mains electricity outlet.