U.S. patent application number 14/861764 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-31 for inductive coupling assembly for an electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher S. Graham, Ibuki Kamei, Timothy J. Rasmussen.
Application Number | 20160094078 14/861764 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54291620 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160094078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graham; Christopher S. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2016 |
INDUCTIVE COUPLING ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
An inductive coupling assembly for an electronic device is
disclosed. The system may include an electronic device having an
enclosure, and an internal inductive charging assembly positioned
within the enclosure. The internal inductive charging assembly may
include a receive inductive coil positioned within the enclosure.
The system may also include a charger in electrical communication
with the internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic
device. The charger may include a transmit inductive coil aligned
with the receive inductive coil. The transmit inductive coil may be
configured to be in electrical communication with the receive
inductive coil. Additionally, the system can include an inductive
coupling assembly positioned between the electronic device and the
charger. The inductive coupling assembly may include a
field-directing component configured to be in electrical
communication with the transmit inductive coil, and/or the receive
inductive coil of the internal inductive charging assembly of the
electronic device.
Inventors: |
Graham; Christopher S.;
(Cupertino, CA) ; Kamei; Ibuki; (Cupertino,
CA) ; Rasmussen; Timothy J.; (Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54291620 |
Appl. No.: |
14/861764 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62056789 |
Sep 29, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
320/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 50/50 20160201;
H02J 7/04 20130101; H01F 38/14 20130101; H02J 7/0042 20130101; H02J
7/025 20130101; H02J 50/90 20160201; H02J 50/10 20160201 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/02 20060101
H02J007/02; H02J 7/04 20060101 H02J007/04 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: an electronic device comprising: an
enclosure; and an internal inductive charging assembly positioned
within the enclosure, and comprising a receive inductive coil; a
charger comprising a transmit inductive coil configured to be
aligned with and in electrical communication with the receive
inductive coil; and an inductive coupling assembly positioned
between the receive inductive coil and the transmit inductive coil,
the inductive coupling assembly comprising: a field-directing
component configured to be in electrical communication with at
least one of: the transmit inductive coil of the charger, or the
receive inductive coil of the internal inductive charging assembly
of the electronic device.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a protective case
surrounding the electronic device and positioned between the
enclosure and the charger.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein: the inductive coupling assembly
is disposed within the protective case; and the inductive coupling
assembly is aligned with the internal inductive charging assembly
of the electronic device.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the field-directing component of
the inductive coupling assembly comprises one of: a repeater
inductive coil; or a flux-transfer component.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein: the inductive coupling assembly
further comprises an alignment component positioned within a center
of the field-directing component; and the alignment component is
magnetically attracted to and aligned with both a magnet of the
charger, and a magnet of the internal inductive charging
assembly.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein: the transmit inductive coil of
the charger is configured to produce an inductive field; and the
field-directing component of the inductive coupling assembly is
configured to redirect an inductive field from the transmit
inductive coil to the receive inductive coil of the internal
inductive charging assembly.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the inductive coupling assembly
is embedded within a wall of the enclosure of the electronic
device; and the inductive coupling assembly is positioned adjacent
to the internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic
device.
8. A protective case coupled to an electronic device having a
receive inductive coil, the protective case comprising: a body; and
an inductive coupling assembly positioned at least partially within
the body, the inductive coupling assembly comprising: an alignment
component; and a field-directing component surrounding the
alignment component and configured to be aligned with and in
electrical communication with the receive inductive coil of the
electronic device.
9. The protective case of claim 8, wherein: the field-directing
component is configured to be in electrical communication with the
receive inductive coil; and the field-directing component is
configured to redirect an inductive field supplied from an external
charger to the receive inductive coil.
10. The protective case of claim 9, wherein: the body comprises a
recess formed adjacent to the inductive coupling assembly; and the
recess is configured to receive the external charger for the
electronic device and align a transmit inductive coil of the
charger with the field-directing component of the inductive
coupling assembly.
11. The protective case of claim 8, further comprising a battery
positioned within the body.
12. The protective case of claim 11, wherein the field-directing
component is in electrical communication with the battery and
configured to charge the battery.
13. The protective case of claim 11, wherein the battery is in
electrical communication with the electronic device.
14. The protective case of claim 8, wherein the inductive coupling
assembly is positioned within in a back portion of the body.
15. A system comprising: an electronic device comprising: an
enclosure; and an internal inductive charging assembly positioned
within the enclosure, and comprising a receive inductive coil; and
a case at least partially surrounding the enclosure and having an
inductive coupling assembly embedded within a body of the case and
aligned with the receive inductive coil.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the inductive coupling assembly
is molded within a wall of the body.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the internal inductive charging
assembly is configured to electrically communicate with an external
charger positioned adjacent the body of the case.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the charger is configured to be
in electrical communication with the field-directing component of
the inductive coupling assembly.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein: the electronic device includes
a battery positioned within the enclosure; the battery is in
electrical communication with the receive inductive coil.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the case includes a case
battery operatively coupled to the battery of the electronic
device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a nonprovisional patent application of
and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/056,789, filed Sep. 29, 2014 and titled "Inductive Charging
Systems for Electronic Devices," the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and,
more particularly to inductive coupling assemblies positioned
within an enclosure of the electronic device and inductive coupling
assemblies positioned in a protective case positioned around at
least a portion of the electronic device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many electronic devices include one or more rechargeable
batteries that require external power to recharge. Often, these
devices may be charged using the same or similar connection type;
for example, via universal serial bus ("USB") or other electrical
connections. Electrical connection types may vary, and multiple
devices often require separate power supplies with different power
outputs. These separate power supplies are burdensome to use,
store, and transport from place to place.
SUMMARY
[0004] Some example embodiments are directed to a system that
includes an electronic device comprising an enclosure and an
internal inductive charging assembly positioned within the
enclosure. The internal inductive charging assembly comprises a
receive inductive coil positioned within the enclosure. The system
also comprises a charger in electrical communication with the
internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic device. The
charger comprises a transmit inductive coil aligned with the
receive inductive coil. The transmit inductive coil is configured
to be in electrical communication with the receive inductive coil
of the electronic device. Additionally, the system comprises an
inductive coupling assembly positioned between the electronic
device and the charger. The inductive coupling assembly comprises a
field-directing component configured to be in electrical
communication with at least one of the transmit inductive coil of
the charger, or the receive inductive coil of the internal
inductive charging assembly of the electronic device.
[0005] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device
comprises an enclosure and an internal inductive charging assembly
positioned within the enclosure. The internal inductive charging
assembly comprises a receive inductive coil positioned within the
enclosure. The electronic device also comprises an inductive
coupling assembly embedded within the enclosure, adjacent the
internal inductive charging assembly. The inductive coupling
assembly embedded within the enclosure comprises an alignment
component, and a field-directing component surrounding the
alignment component. The field-directing component is aligned with
the receive inductive coil of the internal inductive coupling
assembly.
[0006] A protective case coupled to an electronic device is
disclosed. The protective case comprises a body and an inductive
coupling assembly positioned at least partially within the body.
The inductive coupling assembly comprises an alignment component
and a field-directing component surrounding the alignment
component. The field-directing component is operatively configured
to be aligned with and in electrical communication with a receive
inductive coil of the electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements,
and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of an electronic device and a
protective case, according to embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 1B shows a front view of the electronic device and the
protective case of FIG. 1A, according to embodiments
[0010] FIG. 1C shows a back view of the electronic device and the
protective case of FIG. 1A, according to embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a charger for the electronic
device, according to embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a back view of the electronic device and the
protective case of FIG. 1A and the charger of FIG. 2, according to
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
electronic device, the protective case and the charger, taken along
line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
electronic device, a protective case including an inductive
coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along
line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to embodiments. The inductive
coupling assembly positioned in the protective case includes a
magnet and an inductive repeater coil.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
electronic device, a protective case including an inductive
coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along
line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to additional embodiments. The
inductive coupling assembly positioned in the protective case
includes a magnet material and an inductive repeater coil.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
electronic device, a protective case including an inductive
coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along
line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to further embodiments. The inductive
coupling assembly positioned in the protective case includes a
magnet and a flux transfer component.
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
electronic device, a protective case including an inductive
coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along
line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to another embodiment. The inductive
coupling assembly positioned in the protective case includes a
magnet material and a flux transfer component.
[0018] FIG. 9 shows a back view of an electronic device and a
protective case, according to further embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
electronic device, the protective case, and the charger, taken
along line 10-10 in FIG. 9, according to embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 11 shows a back view of an electronic device and a
protective case, according to another embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an
electronic device, an inductive coupling assembly, a protective
case, and a charger, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to
additional embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 13 shows a system diagram of the electronic device of
FIGS. 1A-1C, according to embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to representative
embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be
understood that the following descriptions are not intended to
limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary,
it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the
described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
[0024] The following disclosure relates generally to electronic
devices and, more particularly, to inductive coupling assemblies
formed or positioned within an enclosure of the electronic device
and inductive coupling assemblies positioned in a protective case
positioned around a portion of the electronic device.
[0025] As discussed herein, electronic devices include an inductive
coupling assembly. The user may place the device on an inductive
charging surface in order for the battery to be recharged. However,
in order to produce the most efficient and/or effective charge
between the device and the inductive charging surface, the
transmitting component of the inductive charging surface should be
aligned with the receiving component in the electronic device.
Where the alignment between the inductive charging components is
off, the efficiency in the inductive coupling to the electronic
device may be substantially reduced.
[0026] Additionally, as the distance between the transmitting
component of the inductive charging surface and the receiving
component in the electronic device increases, the efficiency and/or
effectiveness of the transmitted power decreases. As a result, it
may be beneficial to place the electronic device directly on the
inductive charging surface. Where an intermediate layer or
component, such as a cover or auxiliary case, is positioned between
the electronic device and the charging surface, the efficiency of
charging the electronic device may be reduced.
[0027] In a particular embodiment, an enclosure for an electronic
device or, alternatively, an auxiliary protective case surrounding
the electronic device, includes an inductive coupling assembly to
improve inductive coupling for wirelessly charging a battery of the
electronic device. The inductive coupling assembly may be formed
directly in the enclosure of the electronic device or may be
positioned in a back portion of the protective case, in alignment
with an internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic
device. The inductive coupling assembly positioned in the enclosure
or the protective case acts as an intermediate inductive coupling
assembly, which may redirect or repeat the inductive power supplied
from a separate charger to the internal charging assembly of the
electronic device. The inductive coupling assembly may reduce or
minimize the amount of power that is lost between the charger and
the internal inductive charging assembly. Additionally, the effect
of a gap or distance between the charger and the internal inductive
charging assembly may be reduced or minimized. When wirelessly
charging the electronic device, the intermediate inductive coupling
assembly may redirect or repeat the inductive power supplied from
the charger to the device. This function of the inductive coupling
assembly may improve the efficiency of power transmission between
the charger and the electronic device, which may result in faster
charging times and reduce wasted power.
[0028] In some implementations, the inductive coupling assembly
includes an alignment component and a field-directing component
surrounding the alignment component. The alignment component may be
used to align or locate the charger with respect to the electronic
device. The inductive coupling assembly aids in the power
transmission as a result of the field-directing component
redirecting or repeating the inductive field from a transmit
inductive coil of a charger to a receive inductive coil of the
electronic device. Additionally, the inductive coupling assembly
aids in power transmission where the field-directing component
provides an intermediate inductive field transmitter or repeater
between the transmit inductive coil of the charger and the receive
inductive coil of the electronic device. The intermediate inductive
field transmitter or repeater strengthens, increases, and/or
improves the power transmitted through components such as a case or
an enclosure of the electronic device prior to the power reaching
the receive inductive coil of the electronic device. The alignment
component also aids in power transmission by aligning the
field-directing component with the transmit inductive coil of the
charger and the receive inductive coil of the electronic device,
respectively.
[0029] These and other embodiments are discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 1A-13. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and
should not be construed as limiting.
[0030] FIGS. 1A-1C show one example of an electronic device. The
electronic device 100 includes a battery (510 of FIG. 13) for
supplying power to the device 100 and an internal inductive
charging assembly 120 positioned within the electronic device 100
(FIG. 1C). The internal inductive charging assembly 120 is
configured to interact with a charger or charging source to
recharge the battery of the electronic device 100. To improve
charging efficiency and/or decrease charging time (e.g., duration
of time to achieve a full battery or "100%" battery life) for the
electronic device 100, the internal inductive charging assembly 120
discussed herein includes an alignment component, such as a magnet
124, and a power receive inductive coil 122.
[0031] As discussed herein, the electronic device 100 can utilize
and/or interact with an inductive coupling assembly (see, FIGS.
5-12) positioned within the enclosure 102 of the electronic device
100, or alternatively, within a protective case 200 surrounding the
electronic device 100. The inductive coupling assembly can includes
an alignment component and a field-directing component surrounding
the alignment component. As discussed herein, the inductive
coupling assembly redirects the power or inductive field supplied
from a charger to the electronic device 100. By redirecting or
repeating the power or inductive field supplied by the charger,
minimal amounts of power or inductive field may be lost due to
"leakage" as the power travels from the charger to the electronic
device 100. As a result, the efficiency of charging the electronic
device 100 may be improved and/or the charging time is
decreased.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, electronic device 100 is
implemented as a mobile telephone. However, it is understood that
other embodiments can implement electronic device 100 differently,
such as, for example, as a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet
computing device, a gaming device, a display, a digital music
player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring
device, and so on.
[0033] Electronic device 100 includes an enclosure 102 at least
partially surrounding a display 104 and one or more buttons 106 or
input devices formed or positioned on a front surface 108 of
electronic device 100. (Reference herein to a "button" generally is
intended to encompass any suitable form of input element, including
switches, toggles, sliders, touch screens, and the like.) Enclosure
102 can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and
protective case for the internal components of the electronic
device 100 and may at least partially surround display 104.
Enclosure 102 can be formed of one or more components operably
connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece.
Alternatively, enclosure 102 can be formed of a single piece
operably connected to display 104. Additionally, enclosure 102 may
be formed from a variety of material including, but not limited to:
reinforced glass, plastic, metal, artificially grown corundum, and
any combination of material. Enclosure 102 may also include an
opaque frame 110 substantially surrounding and/or outlining display
104. Frame 110 of enclosure 102 may surround display 104 to
indicate the interactive display 104 of electronic device 100.
Frame 110 may not be a distinct component but rather may be a
darkened or painted portion of a cover glass covering and
protecting display 104, which may visually aid a user to identify
the area of electronic device 100 that includes interactive display
104.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, electronic device 100 may be
positioned within a protective case 200. A body 202 of protective
case 200 may be coupled to and/or substantially surround electronic
device 100 such that the majority of enclosure 102 of electronic
device 100 is positioned within protective case 200. As shown in
FIGS. 1A-1C, body 202 of protective case 200 may substantially
surround the majority of enclosure 102 of electronic device 100
except for display 104 and other portions of electronic device 100,
as discussed herein. The illustrated size of protective case 200
may vary between embodiments. Body 202 of protective case 200 can
form an additional or auxiliary protective case to enclosure 102 of
electronic device 100 to protect electronic device 100 and its
components (e.g., display 104, button 106, and other
components).
[0035] Body 202 can be formed of one or more components operably
connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece.
Alternatively, body 202 of protective case 200 can be formed of a
single piece capable of being coupled to electronic device 100.
Body 202 may be coupled to electronic device 100 using any suitable
technique including, but not limited to, a compression fit,
retention fit, snap fit of two-piece enclosure that joins together
to hold the device and so on. Additionally, in some embodiments
body 202 of protective case 200 may be formed from a substantially
flexible and/or resilient material that may protect electronic
device 100 from damage and/or exposure to contaminants. In a
non-limiting example, body 202 may be formed from a polymer rubber.
Body 202 may be semi-rigid or rigid in other embodiments, or may be
rigid in certain regions and flexible in others.
[0036] Body 202 may have a front opening 204 formed therein to
expose display 104 and button 106 of electronic device 100,
although this is not required and some bodies may enclose one or
both of display and button. As shown in FIG. 1B, front opening 204
may be larger than display 104 but smaller than enclosure 102 of
electronic device 100. Front opening 204 may be larger than display
104, and the area including button 106 may ensure that display 104
and button 106 are not obstructed or blocked from a user of
electronic device 100. Additionally, by including front opening 204
of body 202 being smaller than enclosure 102, electronic device 100
may be coupled to and/or remain within body 202 of protective case
200 during use of electronic device 100.
[0037] FIG. 1C shows a back view of electronic device 100 and
protective case 200. Electronic device 100 may include an internal
inductive charging assembly 120 (shown in phantom). Internal
inductive charging assembly 120 may be positioned within enclosure
102 of electronic device 100 and may be positioned substantially
adjacent and/or parallel to back wall 118 of electronic device 100,
as discussed herein. As discussed below in detail, internal
inductive charging assembly 120 is in electrical communication with
a battery (see, FIG. 13) of electronic device 100 and is configured
to receive power from a charger (see, FIG. 2) for charging the
battery of electronic device 100. Additionally as discussed herein,
the charger provides power through enclosure 102 of electronic
device 100 such that internal inductive charging assembly 120
inductively charges the battery of electronic device 100.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1C, internal inductive charging assembly
120 may include at least one receive inductive coil 122 (shown in
phantom) positioned within enclosure 102. Receive inductive coil
122 may be positioned within the enclosure 102 and may not be
exposed outside of enclosure 102 of electronic device 100 although,
in some embodiments, at least a portion of receive inductive coil
122 may be externally accessible or exposed. Receive inductive coil
122 may receive power from a distinct source or device and, in
certain circumstances and embodiments, may also transmit power.
[0039] As discussed herein, receive inductive coil 122 may be in
electrical communication with a transmit inductive coil of a
charger for electronic device 100 for receiving power when suitably
aligned and the charger is active. The phantom circle representing
receive inductive coil 122 in FIG. 1C is one example of a sample
location where receive inductive coil 122 may be positioned within
electronic device 100.
[0040] In a non-limiting example as shown in FIG. 1C, receive
inductive coil 122 may be formed from a wire or other suitable
conductive element that may be configured to form a plurality of
concentric loops or converging, spiraling circles. The wire forming
receive inductive coil 122 may be formed from any suitable
conductive material including, but not limited to, metals,
conductive polymers, conductive composites and the like. However,
it is understood that inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100
may be formed from any suitable material and may be configured in a
variety of geometries to allow the transfer of power to electronic
device 100, as discussed herein. Further, the size, shape, spacing
and/or location of receive inductive coil 122 and constituent loops
may vary between embodiments.
[0041] Internal inductive charging assembly 120 of electronic
device 100 may also include at least one alignment magnet 124
positioned adjacent to receive inductive coil 122, although this is
not required. As shown in FIG. 1C, an alignment magnet 124 may be
positioned within the center of receive inductive coil 122, such
that the wires of receive inductive coil 122 substantially surround
alignment magnet 124 of electronic device 100. As discussed herein,
receive inductive coil 122 and alignment magnet 124 may also be
substantially aligned in a common plane. Alignment magnets 124 of
electronic device 100 may be utilized to align receive inductive
coil 122 with a charger of electronic device 100 for transmitting
power between receive inductive coil 122 and the charger, as
discussed herein. Alignment magnets 124 may be formed from any
suitable material that may include magnetic properties.
[0042] In some embodiments, the alignment magnet 124 may be an
electromagnet and thus only emit a magnetic field when powered.
This may be useful to prevent unwanted magnetic interference or
adhesion during non-charging operation, but facilitate alignment
while charging or shortly before charging. In some embodiments, the
alignment magnet 124 may be powered when an inductive charger is
sensed in near proximity. As one non-limiting example, a trickle
current induced in the receive inductive coil 122 or a suitable
electronic circuit by the presence of an inductive charge may
initiate power to the alignment magnet. In other embodiments,
periodic polling may take place by the electronic device 100 to
determine if an inductive charger is near; a response to the
polling indicating the presence of an inductive charger may
initiate power to the alignment magnet.
[0043] Electronic device 100 may also include a battery (see, FIG.
13) positioned within enclosure 102. The battery may be positioned
within enclosure 102 and may be in electrical communication with
receive inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100. As discussed
herein, receive inductive coil 122 may be in electrical
communication with the battery to transmit power to the battery to
increase the charge of the battery. The battery may be utilized to
power electronic device 100 and/or provide a power source for
inductively transmitting power from receive inductive coil 122 to
another device or coil.
[0044] Electronic device 100 may have a camera 112 positioned on
back wall 118. That is, camera 112 may be positioned on back wall
118, opposite front surface 108 having display 104 of electronic
device 100. Camera 112 may include any suitable camera device
and/or system that may take photos and/or videos using electronic
device 100.
[0045] Body 202 of protective case 200 may cover almost all of back
wall 118 of electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 1C, a back
portion 206 of body 202 may be positioned adjacent to, coupled to
and/or may substantially cover, back wall 118 of electronic device
100. A back opening 208 may be formed through back portion 206 of
body 202 to expose and/or prevent obstruction of camera 112 of
electronic device 100.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a charger 300 for electronic
device 100 (such as is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C). Charger 300 is
configured to receive electric power from a wall outlet or other
power source and provide the power to electronic device 100, as
discussed herein. In some embodiments, charger 300 has a contact
plate 302 that contacts enclosure 102 of electronic device 100
and/or body 202 of protective case 200 when charging electronic
device 100. Contact plate 302 may also house and/or protect a
plurality of internal components of charger 300. As shown in FIG.
2, a transmit inductive coil 304 (shown in phantom) may be
positioned or housed within contact plate 302. Thus, it is not
necessary that contact plate 302 is itself directly electrically
conductive as power may be inductively transferred through the
plate between receive inductive coil 122 and transmit inductive
coil 304.
[0047] Transmit inductive coil 304 of charger 300 may be configured
and/or formed from substantially similar material as receive
inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100. However, transmit
inductive coil 304 may provide a distinct function. For example,
transmit inductive coil 304 may be a transmit coil that may
transmit or provide power to receive inductive coil 122, as
discussed herein. The power transmitted by transmit inductive coil
304 may be provided or supplied by power cord 306 in electrical
communication with transmit inductive coil 304, where power cord
306 is configured to interact and/or receive power from a wall
outlet or other power source.
[0048] Charger 300 may also include at least one alignment magnet
308 (shown in phantom) positioned adjacent to transmit inductive
coil 304. As shown in FIG. 2, an alignment magnet 308 may be
positioned within the center of transmit inductive coil 304, such
that the wires of transmit inductive coil 304 substantially
surround alignment magnet 308 of charger 300. Transmit inductive
coil 304 and alignment magnet 308 may also be substantially aligned
along a common surface of contact plate 302. Alignment magnets 308
of charger 300 may be utilized to align transmit inductive coil 304
with electronic device 100 (see, FIGS. 1A-1C) for transmitting
power between transmit inductive coil 304 and electronic device 100
(see, FIGS. 1A-1C), as discussed herein. As the surface of
electronic device 100 comes near the surface of charger 300, the
alignment magnets 308 in charger 300 and alignment magnet 124 in
electronic device 100 (or case) may move the device 100 (or case)
with respect to charger 300, or vice versa. The magnetic field
between alignment magnets 124, 308 is strongest when the two are
directly opposite one another, and the magnetic field may operate
to locate the device and charger accordingly. This may likewise
align the coils 122, 304 with respect to one another in such a
fashion that inductive power transfer is enhanced or maximized.
Alignment magnets 308 may be formed from any suitable material.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a back view of charger 300 positioned on
protective case 200. Charger 300 may be positioned on back portion
206 of protective case 200 to provide power to electronic device
100, and charge the battery (not shown) of electronic device 100.
As shown in FIG. 3, contact plate 302 of charger 300 may contact
back portion 206 of protective case 200 adjacent to back wall 118
of enclosure 102 when providing power to electronic device 100. As
discussed herein, charger 300 may be in electrical communication
with internal inductive charging assembly 120 (see, FIG. 1C) of
electronic device 100 to provide power through protective case 200
to electronic device 100.
[0050] FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of charger 300
positioned on back portion 206 of protective case 200 for providing
power to electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 4, contact plate
302 may be positioned on back portion 206 of protective case 200,
adjacent to back wall 118 of enclosure 102 of electronic device
100. Contact plate 302 may also be coupled to protective case 200
and/or electronic device 100 as a result of the magnetic attraction
between alignment magnet 124 of electronic device 100 and alignment
magnet 308 of charger 300. The magnetic attraction formed between
alignment magnet 124 of electronic device 100 and alignment magnet
308 of charger 300 may pass through protective case 200 and may
couple contact plate 302 of charger 300 to protective case 200
and/or electronic device 100.
[0051] In addition to coupling charger 300 to protective case 200
and/or electronic device 100, alignment magnet 124 of electronic
device 100 may be substantially aligned with (or may facilitate
substantial alignment with) alignment magnet 308 of charger 300
when contact plate 302 contacts back portion 206 of protective case
200. As a result, receive inductive coil 122 of electronic device
100 may be in substantial alignment with transmit inductive coil
304 of charger 300. By aligning receive inductive coil 122 and
transmit inductive coil 304 using alignment magnets 124, 308, power
may be more effectively transmitted from transmit inductive coil
304, through protective case 200 and enclosure 102, to receive
inductive coil 122, for charging the battery (not shown) of
electronic device 100.
[0052] An inductive coupling assembly 400 (see, FIGS. 5-12) can
also be positioned between the internal inductive charging assembly
120 (e.g., receive inductive coil 122, alignment magnet 124) of
electronic device 100 and charger 300. In non-limiting examples
discussed in detail below, inductive coupling assembly 400 may be
positioned within protective case 200 (see, FIG. 5-8) or within
enclosure 102 of electronic device 100 (see, FIG. 12). Additionally
as discussed herein, inductive coupling assembly 400 is positioned
between the internal inductive charging assembly of electronic
device 100 and charger 300 to redirect or repeat the inductive
field from transmit inductive coil 304 of charger 300 to receive
inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100.
[0053] FIGS. 5-8 show cross-sectional side views of additional,
non-limiting examples of protective case 200 having an inductive
coupling assembly 400. That is, FIGS. 5-8 show additional,
non-limiting examples of protective case 200 having an inductive
coupling assembly 400 formed or positioned within body 202. It is
understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may
function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation
of these components has been omitted for clarity.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, inductive coupling assembly 400 may
include an alignment component 402a, 402b, and a field-directing
component 404a, 404b surrounding alignment component 402a, 402b. As
shown in FIGS. 5-8, the alignment component 402a, 402b and
field-directing component 404a, 404b may be positioned within body
202 of protective case 200, such that alignment component 402a,
402b and field-directing component 404a, 404b are positioned
between charger 300 and internal inductive charging assembly 120 of
electronic device 100 during a charging event. As shown in FIGS.
5-8, alignment component 402a, 402b and field-directing component
404a, 404b may be positioned within back portion 206 of body 202,
adjacent back wall 118 of electronic device 100. Inductive coupling
assembly 400, and specifically alignment component 402a, 402b and
field-directing component 404a, 404b may be positioned within body
202 of protective case 200 using any suitable manufacturing method.
In a non-limiting example, the material forming body 202 of
protective case 200 may be injection molded on and/or around
alignment component 402a, 402b and field-directing component 404a,
404b and subsequently cured to form protective case 200 including
inductive coupling assembly 400.
[0055] When charger 300 is positioned on protective case 200 to
charge electronic device 100, inductive coupling assembly 400 may
be substantially aligned and/or in electrical communication with
the various components in electronic device 100 and charger 300. As
shown in FIGS. 5-8, alignment component 402a, 402b may be
magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically coupled to alignment
magnet 124 of internal inductive charging assembly 120 of
electronic device 100 and alignment magnet 308 of charger 300. This
magnetic attraction and/or coupling between alignment component
402a, 402b and alignment magnets 124 and 308 may also aid in
coupling charger 300 to protective case 200 and/or electronic
device 100, as discussed herein. Alignment component 402a, 402b may
be formed from any of a number of materials and may be formed from
multiple materials.
[0056] In addition to being magnetically attracted and/or
magnetically coupled, alignment component 402a, 402b may be
substantially aligned with alignment magnet 124 of electronic
device 100 and alignment magnet 308 of charger 300. As a result of
the alignment between alignment component 402a, 402b and alignment
magnets 124, 308, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, field-directing component
404a, 404b may be in alignment with receive inductive coil 122 of
electronic device 100 and transmit inductive coil 304 of charger
300, respectively. As similarly discussed herein, by aligning
receive inductive coil 122, transmit inductive coil 304 and
field-directing component 404a, 404b, power may be more effectively
transmitted from transmit inductive coil 304 to receive inductive
coil 122, using field-directing component 404a, 404b. Similar to
alignment component 402a, 402b, field-directing component 404a,
404b may be formed from a variety of materials.
[0057] In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5, alignment
component 402a may be formed from a magnet. Where alignment
component 402a is formed from a magnet, alignment component 402a
and alignment magnets 124, 308 may each produce a magnetic field
that may magnetically attract an adjacent component. As such,
alignment component 402a and alignment magnets 124, 308 may all be
coupled together based on the distinct magnetic fields produced by
each component.
[0058] Additionally as shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 5,
field-directing component 404a may be formed as a repeater
inductive coil. The repeater inductive coil forming field-directing
component 404a may be configured and/or formed from similar
material as receive inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100.
Where field-directing component 404a is formed as a repeater
inductive coil, field-directing component 404a may receive the
transmitted power from transmit inductive coil 304 of charger 300
and may repeat the transmission to receive inductive coil 122 of
electronic device 100. In the non-limiting example, transmit
inductive coil 304 may pulse and provide an inductive power
transmission to the repeater inductive coil forming field-directing
component 404a when charging the battery of electronic device 100.
The repeater inductive coil forming field-directing component 404a
may receive the inductive power transmission from transmit
inductive coil 304 and may produce a distinct pulse to provide an
inductive power transmission to receive inductive coil 122 of
electronic device 100. Receive inductive coil 122 may receive the
inductive power transmission from repeater inductive coil forming
field-directing component 404a, and may subsequently provide the
power to electronic device 100 for charging the battery.
[0059] In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 6, alignment
component 402b may be formed from a magnetic material or a material
having magnetic properties, such as a ferrite material. Where
alignment component 402b is formed from a magnetic material such as
a ferrite material, alignment magnets 124, 308 may each produce a
magnetic field, and alignment component 402b may not. However, as a
result of the magnetic properties of the magnetic material forming
alignment component 402b and the positioning of alignment component
402b within protective case 200, alignment component 402b may be
magnetically coupled to alignment magnet 124 of electronic device
100 and alignment magnets 308 of charger 300. Alignment component
402b may be magnetically coupled to alignment magnets 124, 308 as a
result of the respective magnetic fields generated by alignment
magnets 124, 308, and the magnetic properties of alignment
component 402b.
[0060] Field-directing component 404a, as shown in FIG. 6, may be
formed as a repeater inductive coil, similar to that of the
non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5. Field-directing component
404a of inductive coupling assembly 400, as shown in FIG. 6, may be
formed from the same material and/or function substantially similar
to field-directing component 404a shown and discussed herein with
respect to FIG. 5. Redundant explanation of the component is
omitted herein for clarity.
[0061] In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 7, alignment
component 402a of inductive coupling assembly 400 may be formed
from a magnet. Alignment component 402a, formed from a magnet in
the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 7, may be substantially
similar to the alignment component 402a shown and discussed herein
with respect to FIG. 5.
[0062] Additionally as shown in FIG. 7, field-directing component
404b may be formed as a flux-transfer component. The flux-transfer
component forming field-directing component 404b may be formed from
a material having high permeability to an inductive field, such as
a ferrite material. Where field-directing component 404b is formed
from a flux-transfer component, the inductive power transmission
provided by transmit inductive coil 304 may be relayed or passed to
receive inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100 through
field-directing component 404b. As a result of field-directing
component 404b being formed from a material having a high
permeability to an inductive field (e.g., ferrite material),
field-directing component 404b may act as a conduit for directing
inductive power from the transmit inductive coil 304 to the receive
inductive coil 122. Dissimilar to the repeater inductive coil (see,
FIGS. 5 and 6), when field-directing component 404b is a
flux-transfer component, field-directing component 404b may not
produce a distinct inductive field. Rather, field-directing
component 404b may aid in transmitting the inductive field
generated by transmit inductive coil 304 of charger 300 to receive
inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100.
[0063] FIG. 8 depicts the alignment component 402b formed from a
magnetic material or a material having magnetic properties, and the
field-directing component 404b formed as a flux-transfer component.
The alignment component 402b in the non-limiting example shown in
FIG. 8 may be substantially similar to the alignment component 402b
shown and discussed herein with respect to FIG. 5. Additionally,
the field-directing component 404b in the non-limiting example
shown in FIG. 8 may be substantially similar to the field-directing
component 404b shown and discussed herein with respect to FIG. 7.
It is understood that each of the alignment component 402b and the
field-directing component 404b shown in FIG. 8 may be formed from
the same material and/or may function in a substantially similar
fashion as discussed herein.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows a back view of another non-limiting example of
protective case 200. In the non-limiting example, back portion 206
of body 202 may include a recess 210. As shown in FIG. 9, recess
210 may be formed within back portion 206 of body 202 in alignment
with inductive coupling assembly 400 positioned within body 202 of
protective case 200. As discussed herein, recess 210 may receive
charger 300 when charging electronic device 100 positioned within
protective case 200.
[0065] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
non-limiting example embodiment of protective case 200 shown in
FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, recess 210 may be formed partially
through back portion 206 of body 202, adjacent to inductive
coupling assembly 400. Additionally, recess 210 may be formed in
alignment with internal inductive charging assembly 120 of
electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 10, and with reference to
FIG. 9, recess 210 formed in body 202 may have a diameter that may
be larger than the diameter of inductive coupling assembly 400 and
internal inductive charging assembly 120 of electronic device 100.
The diameter of recess 210 may also be substantially the same size
as the diameter of contact plate 302 of charger 300. Recess 210 may
include such a diameter to allow contact plate 302 of charger 300
to be positioned within recess 210 of protective case 200 and
aligned with inductive coupling assembly 400 and internal inductive
charging assembly 120, respectively. The diameter of recess 210 may
also secure contact plate 302 to protective case 200 by a
compression or retention fit when charger 300 is utilized to charge
the battery of electronic device 100 through inductive coupling
assembly 400 and internal inductive charging assembly 120 of
electronic device 100. In another non-limiting example recess 210
may include a releasable feature for releasably coupling contact
plate 302 to protective case 200 within recess 210.
[0066] FIG. 11 shows a back view of an additional non-limiting
example of protective case 200. As shown in the example embodiment,
protective case 200 may also include a case battery 212. Case
battery 212 may be formed or positioned within body 202, as
similarly discussed herein with respect to inductive coupling
assembly 400. In a non-limiting example, case battery 212 may be
positioned into back portion 206 of body 202, such that case
battery 212 may not be exposed when positioned within protective
case 200. As shown in FIG. 11, field-directing component 404a may
be in electrical communication with case battery 212 of protective
case 200. Field-directing component 404a may be in electrical
communication with case battery 212 to provide power to and/or
increase a charge in case battery 212 of protective case 200. Case
battery 212 of protective case 200 may be distinct and separate
from the battery (not shown) of electronic device 100.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 11, case battery 212 may also be in
electrical communication within electronic device 100. In a
non-limiting example, case battery 212 may be in electrical
communication with a charging connector 218 positioned or formed,
at least partially, in body 202. Charging connector 218 may be any
suitable component which may be in electrical communication with
electronic device 100 for providing power from case battery 212 to
the battery (not shown) of electronic device 100. In a non-limiting
example, charging connector 218 of protective case 200 may be a
port charger positioned within and in electrical communication with
a lightning opening (not shown) formed in or positioned on the
electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 11, when electronic device
100 is positioned within body 202 of protective case 200,
electronic device 100 may be coupled to and electrically connected
to charging connector 218 of protective case 200.
[0068] When charging electronic device 100 using charger 300, as
discussed herein, inductive coupling assembly 400 may "leak," or
redirect a portion of the power transmitted from transmit inductive
coil 304 of charger 300 to case battery 212. The inductive coupling
assembly 400 may provide the remainder of the power transmitted
from transmit inductive coil 304 to internal inductive charging
assembly 120 of electronic device 100 for charging the battery (not
shown) of electronic device 100, as discussed herein. By leaking or
redirecting a portion of the power to case battery 212 of
protective case 200, case battery 212 may provide an auxiliary or
back-up battery for electronic device 100. As such, when the
battery of electronic device 100 is low on charge and cannot be
charged using charger 300, the power in case battery 212 may be
depleted to increase charge of the battery of electronic device
100.
[0069] FIG. 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of another
non-limiting example of inductive coupling assembly 400. As shown
in FIG. 12, inductive coupling assembly 400 may be positioned
within enclosure 102 of electronic device 100. Inductive coupling
assembly 400 may be positioned within enclosure 102, between back
wall 118 and an interior surface 126 of enclosure 102. Inductive
coupling assembly 400 may be positioned within enclosure 102 in a
substantially similar manner as discussed herein with respect to
protective case 200.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 12 and discussed herein, inductive coupling
assembly 400 may be positioned adjacent and/or substantially
aligned with internal inductive charging assembly 120 of electronic
device 100. That is, alignment component 402a may be aligned with
and magnetically coupled to alignment magnet 124 of electronic
device 100. Additionally, as a result of the alignment between
alignment component 402a and alignment magnet 124, field-directing
component 404a may be aligned with and in electrical communication
with receive inductive coil 122 of internal inductive charging
assembly 120 of electronic device 100.
[0071] Electronic device 100, as shown in FIG. 12 may also be
covered and/or positioned within protective case 200. When charging
electronic device 100, body 202 of protective case 200 may be
positioned between inductive coupling assembly 400 and charger 300,
as discussed herein. Similar to FIGS. 5-8, inductive coupling
assembly 400 may aid in the alignment of charger 300 and internal
inductive charging assembly 120 of electronic device 100 and/or may
aid in power transmission from transmit inductive coil 304 of
charger 300 and receive inductive coil 122 of electronic device
100. Alignment component 402a may be magnetically coupled to and/or
attracted to alignment magnets 124, 308, which may aid in coupling
charger 300 to protective case 200 and/or electronic device 100
when transmitting power to charge the battery (not shown) of
electronic device 100. Additionally, alignment component 402a may
be aligned with alignment magnets 124, 308, which may in turn,
align transmit inductive coil 304 of charger 300 with receive
inductive coil 122 of electronic device 100 and field-directing
component 404a of inductive coupling assembly 400. The inclusion of
inductive coupling assembly 400 in enclosure 102 may aid in the
power transmission as a result of field-directing component 404a
redirecting (or repeating) the inductive field from transmit
inductive coil 304 to receive inductive coil 122. Additionally,
inductive coupling assembly 400 may aid in power transmission by
providing an intermediate inductive field transmitter (or repeater)
between transmit inductive coil 304 and receive inductive coil 122.
The intermediate inductive field transmitter (or repeater) may
strengthen, increase and/or improve the power transmitted through
protective case 200, prior to the power reaching receive inductive
coil 122.
[0072] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 12, inductive
coupling assembly 400 may include alignment component 402a formed
as a magnet and field-directing component 404a formed as a repeater
inductive coil. However, alignment component 402a and
field-directing component 404a of inductive coupling assembly 400,
positioned within enclosure 102 of electronic device 100, may be
formed from a plurality of materials, as similarly discussed herein
with respect to FIGS. 5-8. In another non-limiting example (not
shown), alignment component 402a may be formed from a magnetic
material or a material having magnetic properties, such as a
ferrite material, and field-directing component 404a may be formed
as a flux-transfer component. The flux-transfer component forming
field-directing component 404a may be formed from a material having
high permeability to an inductive field, such as a ferrite
material. In further non-limiting examples, alignment component
402a and field-directing component 404a may be formed from any
combination of materials discussed herein.
[0073] FIG. 13 depicts an example electronic device having a
battery and an internal inductive charging assembly. The schematic
representation depicted in FIG. 13 may correspond to components of
the portable electronic devices described above, including
electronic device 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-12. However, FIG. 13 may
also more generally represent other types of devices that are
configured to use an inductive charging assembly.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 13, electronic device 100 includes a
processing unit 502 operatively connected to computer memory 504
and computer-readable media 506. Processing unit 502 may be
operatively connected to memory 504 and computer-readable media 506
components via an electronic bus or bridge. Processing unit 502 may
include one or more computer processors or microcontrollers that
are configured to perform operations in response to
computer-readable instructions. Processing unit 502 may include the
central processing unit (CPU) of the device. Additionally or
alternatively, processing unit 502 may include other processors
within the device including application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC) and other microcontroller devices.
[0075] Memory 504 may include a variety of types of non-transitory
computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read
access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable
memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. Memory 504 is
configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values,
and other persistent software elements. Computer-readable media 506
also includes a variety of types of non-transitory
computer-readable storage media including, for example, a
hard-drive storage device, solid state storage device, portable
magnetic storage device, or other similar device. Computer-readable
media 506 may also be configured to store computer-readable
instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software
elements.
[0076] In this example, processing unit 502 is operable to read
computer-readable instructions stored on memory 504 and/or
computer-readable media 506. The computer-readable instructions may
adapt processing unit 502 to charge the battery using the inductive
charging assembly, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-12.
The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a
computer-program product, software application, or the like.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 13, electronic device 100 also includes a
display 508. Display 508 may include a liquid-crystal display
(LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, light emitting
diode (LED) display, or the like. If display 508 is an LCD, the
display may also include a backlight component that can be
controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If
display 508 is an OLED or LED type display, the brightness of the
display may be controlled by controlling the electrical signal that
is provided to display elements.
[0078] Electronic device 100 can also include a battery 510.
Battery 510 is configured to power the various components of the
electronic device including for example, processing unit 502 and
display 508. Battery 510 is operatively connected with the various
components of the electronic device 100, including inductive
charging assembly 512 via an electronic bus or bridge and is
configured to receive power from inductive charging assembly
512.
[0079] The inductive charging assembly 512 is configured to be in
electrical communication with a charger (not shown) of electronic
device 100. Specifically, inductive charging assembly 512 may be in
electrical communication with a charger to receive power for the
charger, and for charging battery 510 of electronic device 100. The
inductive charging assembly 512 includes an alignment component and
a power receive inductive coil for receiving power and/or inductive
field transmitted by a power transmit inductive coil of the
charger. Additionally, inductive charging assembly 512 is
configured to be in electrical communication with an inductive
coupling assembly, as discussed herein, for improving charge
efficiency and/or charge time for battery 510.
[0080] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used
specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the
described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled
in the art that the specific details are not required in order to
practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing
descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are
presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are
not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the
precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that many modifications and variations are
possible in view of the above teachings.
* * * * *