U.S. patent application number 15/036565 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-13 for system for charging and securing an electronic device in a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY. Invention is credited to Kenneth M. Clark, James C. Hollowood, Jeffrey D. Laho, Mark S. Milner, Mason PIKE.
Application Number | 20160297383 15/036565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52144860 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160297383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PIKE; Mason ; et
al. |
October 13, 2016 |
SYSTEM FOR CHARGING AND SECURING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE IN A
VEHICLE
Abstract
A charging system for charging a device within a vehicle may
include a vehicle component, a securing mechanism, and a wireless
charging mechanism. The securing mechanism may be configured to
physically secure the device within a user's field of view such
that the device is usable by the user while the device is being
charged. The wireless charging mechanism may be integrated with the
vehicle component and configured to charge the device. The securing
mechanism may align and orient the device with respect to the
charging mechanism.
Inventors: |
PIKE; Mason; (Plymouth,
MI) ; Clark; Kenneth M.; (Plymouth, MI) ;
Hollowood; James C.; (Saline, MI) ; Laho; Jeffrey
D.; (Canton, MI) ; Milner; Mark S.; (Plymouth,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY |
Holland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY
COMPANY
HOLLAND
MI
|
Family ID: |
52144860 |
Appl. No.: |
15/036565 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
November 18, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/066183 |
371 Date: |
May 13, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0049 20200101;
H02J 2310/46 20200101; H02J 50/10 20160201; B60R 11/0252 20130101;
B60R 16/03 20130101; H02J 7/025 20130101; B60N 2/02 20130101; B60R
11/0241 20130101; H02J 50/70 20160201; B60N 2/90 20180201; H02J
7/14 20130101; H02J 7/0047 20130101; B60N 3/101 20130101; B60R
11/02 20130101; H02J 7/0044 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 16/03 20060101
B60R016/03; H02J 7/02 20060101 H02J007/02; H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; B60R 11/02 20060101 B60R011/02 |
Claims
1. A charging system for charging a device within a vehicle
comprising: a vehicle component; a securing mechanism configured to
physically secure the device within a user's field of view such
that the device is usable by the user while the device is being
charged; and a wireless charging mechanism integrated with the
vehicle component and configured to charge the device, wherein the
securing mechanism aligns and orients the device with respect to
the charging mechanism.
2. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a charging
surface configured to provide an area for the device to be secured
and charged.
3. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the charging surface is
on a movable platform, and a connection mechanism is connected to
the movable platform and is configured to enable the movable
platform to be at least one of stowable when the charging system is
not in use and adjustable according to a desired viewing angle and
reach distance of the user while the device is secured and being
charged.
4. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the charging surface is
on a movable platform, and a connection mechanism is connected to
the movable platform and is configured to cause the movable
platform to be at least one of pivotable about the y-axis,
pivotable about the x-axis, translatable along the x-axis, and
translatable along the z-axis.
5. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the charging surface is
within a recessed storage area within the vehicle component.
6. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the securing mechanism
includes at least one of a grip surface configured to maintain the
device in position against a range of forces exerted during vehicle
usage and a retention mechanism configured to prevent the device
from moving relative to the charging surface.
7. The charging system of claim 6, wherein the retention mechanism
includes a movable stop movable along the charging surface to press
the device against at least one of a fixed stop on the charging
surface and another movable stop.
8. The charging system of claim 6, wherein the retention mechanism
is configured to apply a force against the device in a direction
toward the charging surface.
9. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the charging mechanism
and the securing mechanism are configured to charge and secure
multiple devices simultaneously.
10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component
is at least one of an arm rest, a back surface of a head restraint,
and a back surface of a seat back.
11. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a thermal
mitigation layer configured to maintain a proper temperature of the
charging system.
12. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a ferrite
layer that surrounds all sides of the charging system except a
designated charging side in order to provide magnetic
shielding.
13. The charging system of claim 12, wherein the ferrite layer is
perforated to allow airflow to cool the charging mechanism.
14. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising power
outlets within the vehicle component for wired charging of the
device.
15. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
indicator configured to signal at least one of whether the device
is properly oriented, whether the device is fully charged, and
where a charging region of the charging mechanism is located.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/907,816, filed Nov. 22, 2013
and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/909,658, filed Nov.
27, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to a system for charging an
electronic device within a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Portable electronic devices, such as tablets or phones, are
often used within vehicles. However, these electronic devices often
must be recharged during or after use. Wireless charging can be a
convenient method to recharge these devices. However, the wireless
power transmission range for these wireless chargers is typically
very short, which prevents the user from moving the device away
from the charging area in order to be used while the device is
charging. Furthermore, the wireless charging areas may not be
situated or designed to allow a user to charge the device while
continuing to easily view, use, or interact with the device.
Additionally, the current charging apparatuses typically do not
provide a mechanism to safely secure and retain the device in
position in order to prevent the device from becoming a projectile
object in the event of a collision, resulting in safety concerns
related to the charging apparatus.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one embodiment, a charging system for charging
a device within a vehicle may include a vehicle component, a
securing mechanism, and a wireless charging mechanism. The securing
mechanism may be configured to physically secure the device within
a user's field of view such that the device is usable by the user
while the device is being charged. The wireless charging mechanism
may be integrated with the vehicle component and configured to
charge the device. The securing mechanism may align and orient the
device with respect to the charging mechanism.
[0005] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following description, appended
claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the
drawings, which are briefly described below.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to one
embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle seat that may be
disposed in the vehicle of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a charging
system disposed in the vehicle of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG.
3 in a concealed configuration.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG.
3 in an exposed configuration and movable in the fore and aft
directions.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG.
3 in an exposed configuration with an adjustable height.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG.
3 in an exposed configuration with a swivel mechanism.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG.
3 in an exposed configuration with a back portion of the arm rest
exposed.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a charging
system with additional power supply.
[0016] FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the seat of FIG.
2 in a folded position with embodiments of charging systems on the
back of a head restraint.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a simplified, cross-sectional, side view of the
charging system of FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a simplified, cross-sectional, front view of a
charging system according to another embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a simplified, cross-sectional, side view of the
charging system of FIG. 3 in an exposed position.
[0020] FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional, side views of
embodiments of a charging system.
[0021] FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of embodiments of
the charging system with a retention mechanism.
[0022] FIG. 16A is a front and back view of an embodiment of a
printed circuit board with integrated transmitter coils.
[0023] FIGS. 16B and 16C are perspective views of embodiments of
transmitter coils.
[0024] FIGS. 17A and 17B are front views of embodiments of the
charging system with visual indicators.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a
charging system for use with at least one electronic device within
a vehicle. The charging system may be integrated with vehicle
components and may be conveniently located relative to the user to
allow the user to both charge and use the device at the same time.
The charging system may include a securing mechanism to hold the
device while the device is being charged and/or used and a wireless
charging mechanism to charge the device. The charging system may
improve ergonomics and visibility by providing an improved and
adjustable viewing angle for the user while the device is being
charged and secured compared to previous securing and charging
mechanism. When the charging system is not in use, the charging
system may be folded away from a exposed position into a stowed
position.
[0026] Overview of the Charging System.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 20
that may include the charging system 40. Although a four door sedan
automobile is shown in FIG. 1, the charging system 40 may be used
in a variety of applications, but is particularly useful within any
type of vehicle, such as a two door or four door automobile, a
truck, a SUV, a van, a train, a boat, an airplane, or other
suitable vehicular conveyance. The vehicle 20 includes an interior
passenger compartment that contains components on or in which the
charging system 40 can be located.
[0028] The charging system 40 may be configured to both wirelessly
charge and physically secure or dock a device 34 (e.g., a phone,
laptop, or tablet) within the vehicle 20. Depending on the desired
configuration, multiple devices 34 may be charged and secured by
the charging system 40 (see, for example, FIGS. 15A and 17B). The
charging system 40 may be positioned within the vehicle 20 to allow
the user to easily view or use the device 34 while the device 34 is
simultaneously being wirelessly charged and/or secured. Further,
the charging system 40 may be positioned within the vehicle 20 to
allow the device 34 to be easily accessible by occupants within the
surrounding or neighboring vehicle seats 22, 23 (e.g., the charging
system 40 may be accessible to occupants in the same row as the
charging system 40 and/or in rows behind the charging system 40).
The charging system 40 may therefore provide a conveniently
located, designated charging area and docking station for an
electronic device 34.
[0029] Aspects of the Charging System.
[0030] The charging system 40 generally includes a vehicle
component 21, a securing mechanism 51, and a wireless charging
mechanism 60. Though not necessarily required, the charging system
40 preferably includes a charging surface 50, which provides an
area 49 on which the electronic device 34 can be secured and
charged. These aspects of the charging system 40 will be described
in greater detail below.
[0031] Vehicle Component.
[0032] The vehicle component 21 may be any of, or any part of,
various components or accessories within the vehicle 20. The
vehicle component 21 could potentially be any portion or part of an
inner area of the vehicle 20, including but not limited to at least
a portion or part of a vehicle seat 22, 23, a head restraint 24, a
center console, or an arm rest 28.
[0033] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, vehicle
component 21 can be an arm rest 28 positioned in the middle of the
back row seats 23 (or the front row seats 22). The arm rest 28 can
include other conventional features, such as a cup holder 32 for
the occupant. The arm rest 28 may be a fixed or designated arm rest
28 or the arm rest 28 may be foldably integrated into the back of
the seat back 26. In the latter instance, in order to access the
charging surface 50, the arm rest 28 may be folded down (or may be
permanently folded down) to expose the charging surface 50 and/or
to allow a lid of the charging system 40 to be moved (e.g., folded
or slide open) to then expose the charging surface 50. The charging
system 40 is thus accessible to nearby occupants (e.g., occupants
in vehicle seats 23).
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-8, the charging system 40 may be
located within multiple areas of the arm rest 28 or vehicle 20. In
the example shown in FIG. 3, two charging systems 40 are provided
in the arm rest 28 and two electronic devices 34 are being
wirelessly charged and secured within two separate charging systems
40 within the arm rest 28. One device 34 is secured in a
substantially upright or vertical position while the second device
34 is secured in a substantially flat or horizontal position.
[0035] According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A-10B,
vehicle component 21 can be the back of the seat 22, such as on the
back surface 82 of a head restraint 24, or a back surface 84 of a
seat back 26. The charging system 40 may be used while the seat 22
is folded down or while the seat 22 is in an upright position. For
example, the seat 22 may fold down (as shown in FIG. 10A) to allow
the charging system 40 to be accessible to neighboring vehicle
occupants and to allow the user to secure and charge the device 34
within the charging system 40. Alternatively or additionally, the
charging system 40 may be used while the seat 22 is in an upright
position and accessible to an occupant (e.g., usable by occupants
behind the seat 22 in second or third row seating) behind the seat
22. The various embodiments of the charging system 40 may be used
within seats 22, 23 in any row in the vehicle 20, such as the
first, second or third rows. For example, a charging system 40 on
the back of a front row seat 22 may be easily accessible to an
occupant in a back row seat 23.
[0036] The charging area (e.g., charging surface 50) can be
deployed on the vehicle component 21 (e.g., arm rest 28, back of
the seat 22, or other vehicle component) in a variety of different
ways. For example, the charging surface 50 may be on a stationary
platform 46 and parallel to the vehicle component 21 (as shown in
FIGS. 3, 5-8, and 10A-10B) or a movable platform 48 (relative to
the vehicle component 21, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5-9, 10A, and 13).
According to one embodiment, the charging surface 50 may always be
exposed to the interior of the vehicle 20. According to another
embodiment, the charging surface 50 may include a lid or may be
movable to be concealed or stowed.
[0037] The charging surface 50 may be contained within a lowered or
recessed storage area 80 within the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the
arm rest 28, as shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 8, and 11-12) or on the
surface of the vehicle component 21 (as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B). In
this configuration, the charging surface 50 may optionally be on
the stationary platform 46 and may optionally be covered by a lid
or cushion when not in use. The charging surface 50 may be at a
variety of depths within the vehicle component 21. For example, as
shown in FIG. 12, the charging surface 50 may be in a deeper cavity
of the arm rest 28 than the cup holder 32. As shown in FIG. 8, the
charging surfaces 50 are located at different depths within the arm
rest 28.
[0038] A movable surface or platform 48 also may be provided to
support the charging surface 50. A connection mechanism 44 may be
attached to the movable platform 48 and the vehicle component 21 to
allow the movable platform 48 (and, thereby, the charging surface
50) to be movable relative to a vehicle component 21. The
connection mechanism 44 may be a conventional structure or
mechanism that allows one component to move relative to another
component. The movable platform 48 may optionally also function as
a lid to the stationary platform 46, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5-8, and
10A.
[0039] Accordingly, the movable platform 48 may be pivoted relative
to the vehicle component 21 to allow the charging system 40 to be
exposed and used (e.g., the exposed position) or to allow the
charging system 40 to be stowable or folded away (e.g., the stowage
position) when the charging system 40 is not in use. As shown in
FIG. 4, the charging surface 50 may be stowed away when not in use.
For example, the movable platform 48 may be folded or flipped into
a stowed configuration to conceal the charging surface 50 of the
charging system 40, as shown by the arrows. The back of the
charging surface 50 may be used as an arm rest 28 while the movable
platform 48 is in the stowed configuration. Alternatively, when the
charging system 40 is not in use, the charging surface 50 may be
used for storage.
[0040] The connection mechanism 44 may also allow the position and
angle of the movable platform 48 to be adjustable according to a
desired viewing angle and reach distance of the use while the
device 34 is secured and being charged. Accordingly, the movable
platform 48 may allow the device 34 to be at a comfortable viewing
angle for the user to interact with, use, and view the device 34
while the device 34 is being secured and charged.
[0041] The movable platform 48 (and, thereby, the charging surface
50) may be movable and physically adjusted in a variety of
directions to obtain the proper viewing angle according to the
preferred viewing angle to display the device 34 to the user(s) or
for stowage. For example, the movable platform 48 may be adjustable
in one or all of four different directions, while continuing to
secure and charge the device 34. The viewing angle or tilt (as
shown in FIG. 3), the fore and aft direction (as shown in FIG. 5),
the height (as shown in FIG. 6), and the swivel angle (as shown in
FIG. 7) of the movable platform 48 may be adjusted. According to
one embodiment, the connection mechanism 44 may allow the movable
platform 48 to be pivotable about the y-axis, pivotable about the
x-axis, translatable along the x-axis, and/or translatable along
the z-axis, as described further herein.
[0042] FIGS. 3, 10A, and 13 depict how the viewing angle or tilt of
the movable platform 48 of the charging system 40 may be adjusted
about the y-axis, as shown by the arrows. As shown in FIG. 13, the
tilt of the movable platform 48 may be adjusted about a pivot point
42. FIGS. 4 and 11 depicts how the movable platform 48 can pivot or
fold about the y-axis to completely expose or stow at least one
charging surface 50. The charging surface 50 is shown at about
90.degree. relative to the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the arm rest
28 in FIG. 3 or the head restraint 24 in FIG. 10A), but may be
tilted, pivoted, or folded in either direction to a variety of
angles with respect to the vehicle component 21 in order to provide
an adjustable viewing angle and/or to allow the charging surface 50
to be stowed. Detents within the movable platform 48 and/or vehicle
component 21 may hold the movable platform 48 at a particular
angle.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the connection mechanism 44 may
allow the movable platform 48 to be moved and adjusted
approximately along the x-axis (i.e., in the fore and aft
direction) to extend and expose the charging surface 50 (or to
retract and stow the charging surface) from the arm rest 28. The
movable platform 48 may be moved in the fore/aft direction with two
different x-axis movement mechanisms: with the vehicle component 21
or without the vehicle component 21. Both x-axis movement
mechanisms may adjust the viewing angle and reach distance of the
device 34 relative to the occupant(s).
[0044] The x-axis movement mechanisms may allow certain portions of
the charging system 40 be more extended, depending on the desired
configuration. To fully extend or completely retract the movable
platform 48, both x-axis movement mechanisms may be implemented
congruently to move the movable platform 48. Both, either, or
neither x-axis movement mechanism may be included in the movable
platform 48.
[0045] According to one x-axis movement mechanism, the movable
platform 48 may be adjusted forward (e.g. by sliding or moving) in
a horizontal direction with respect to the vehicle component 21
(e.g. the seat back 26, the head restraint 24, and/or arm rest 28).
In this manner, the vehicle component 21 does not necessarily move
with the charging system 40. According to one embodiment, the
movable platform 48 may move out from the end of the vehicle
component 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the movable platform 48 may move
closer or farther from the base of the arm rest 28, as depicted by
the arrows. As the movable platform 48 moves or slides in the fore
and aft direction with respect to the vehicle component 21,
additional rear components may be exposed. For example, FIG. 5
shows the charging system 40 moved forward (with respect to the
vehicle component 21 and compared to FIG. 3), exposing an
additional storage area or an additional charging surface 50 within
a rear component 58 of the arm rest 28 to provide an additional
charging system 40.
[0046] According to another x-axis movement mechanism, the movable
platform 48 may be moved in the fore and aft direction (i.e. in the
x-direction) congruently with the vehicle component 21. Moving the
vehicle component 21 also moves the charging system 40 and the
relative position of the charging system 40 and the vehicle
component 21 may be maintained during this movement. Moving the
vehicle component 21 forward (with the movable platform 48) may
increase the length of the arm rest 28.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the connection mechanism 44 may
allow the movable platform 48 to be moved and adjusted
approximately along the z-axis (i.e., in the vertical direction, as
shown by the arrows) to extend the charging surface 50 from the arm
rest 28 and thus adjusting the height of the charging surface 50.
Changing the height of the charging system 40 may allow the device
34 to be within, or closer to, the line of sight of the user.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the connection mechanism 44 may allow
the movable platform 48 to be moved and adjusted about the y-axis
(as shown by the arrows) to change the angle of the charging
surface 50. The charging system 40 may be swiveled, rotated, or
pivoted from side to side to face the users or occupants on either
side of the arm rest 28, as shown by the arrows, using conventional
structure (e.g., the connection mechanism 44) that allows for such
swiveling.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, an additional charging surface 50 of an
additional charging system 40 may be provided towards the base of
the arm rest 28. A lid 29 of the arm rest 28 may be lifted up or
opened (as shown by the arrows) to reveal or expose the additional
charging surface 50 within the arm rest 28. While the lid 29 is
closed, it may be used as an arm rest 28, as shown in FIGS. 3-7.
Alternatively, the various charging surfaces 50 within the arm rest
28 may be used as storage areas or bins.
[0050] While the embodiments have been primarily discussed in
regard to providing the charging system 40 as part of components
associated with the rear seats 23, it is understood that they
similarly could be used in connection with the front seats 22.
[0051] Securing Mechanism.
[0052] The securing mechanism 51 may be used to physically secure,
protect, and properly orient and align the device 34, using a
variety of configurations and mechanisms. The securing mechanism 51
can be configured to physically secure the electronic device 34
within a user's field of view such that the electronic device 34 is
viewable and/or usable by the user while it is being charged. The
securing mechanism 51 can be configured to align and orient the
electronic device 34 with respect to the charging mechanism 60.
Safely securing and protecting the device 34 can prevent it from
becoming a projectile object in the event of a collision, while
allowing the user to charge the device 34, view the device 34,
and/or use the device 34 hands-free.
[0053] The securing mechanism 51 may use a variety of different
mechanisms to hold the device 34. For example, as shown in FIGS.
14A-15B, the securing mechanism 51 may include a grip mat or
surface 52 and/or a retention mechanism 54, which may be used in
conjunction with each other or separately from each other.
[0054] The grip surface 52 may be an outermost layer of the
charging surface 50 designed to secure the device 34 and prevent
the device 34 from moving or slipping. The grip surface 52 may be
configured to maintain and secure the device 34 in position against
a range of forces exerted during vehicle usage. Accordingly, the
grip surface 52 may prevent the device 34 from moving or slipping
along the charging surface 50 (i.e. the grip surface 52 may secure
the device 34 with respect to the height and width of the charging
surface 50). For example, in FIG. 3, the leftmost, upright grip
surface 52 on the movable platform 48 may prevent the device 34
from moving along the y- and z-directions (relative to the charging
surface 50), whereas the rightmost, horizontal grip surface 52 on
the stationary platform 46 may prevent the device 34 from moving
along the x- and y-directions (relative to the charging surface
50).
[0055] The grip surface 52 may be any type of coating or layer with
a high coefficient of friction to prevent the device 34 from
moving. For example, the grip surface 52 may be a variety of
different materials or anti-slip coatings with high friction
properties including, but not limited to, rubber and texturized
thermal plastic urethane (TPU). Alternatively or additionally, the
grip surface 52 may use a vacuum-based adhesive method in which
molding is applied to urethane to create small suction cups with an
extremely high friction coating surface. The grip surface 52 may
additionally include indicators to signal or show if the device 34
is properly oriented, as described further herein.
[0056] The retention mechanism 54 may be configured to prevent the
device 34 from moving (as well as to orient and secure the device
34) along the x-, y-, and z-directions relative to the charging
surface 50 while under against a range of forces exerted during
vehicle usage. The retention mechanism 54 may be any type or
combination of mechanisms to secure the device 34 to the charging
system 40 and to properly align the device 34 to the charging
system 40 (e.g., to align the embedded transmitter coils 66 of the
wireless charging mechanism 60 to the receiver coils of the device
34). Depending on the type of retention mechanism 54 used, the
device 34 may be automatically centered or aligned with respect to
the charging system 40. The retention mechanism 54 may also
function as a safety mechanism by safely securing and retaining the
device 34 in position as the vehicle 20 moves or in the event of a
collision. Accordingly, the retention mechanism 54 may prevent the
device 34 from becoming a projectile object within the vehicle
20.
[0057] The retention mechanism 54 may be configured to apply a
force against the device 34 in a direction toward the charging
surface 50 (e.g., along the x-direction) to fully secure the device
34 and to prevent the device 34 from moving perpendicularly to the
charging surface 50. The retention mechanism 54 may include, but is
not limited to, one or more plastic housings, clips, straps, bungee
cords, tethers, recessed cavities, spring-loaded arms or apertures,
magnets, clamps, mechanical locking mechanisms, lips, or
combinations thereof Multiple retention mechanism 54 may be located
within the charging system 40 to secure, align, and charge multiple
devices 34 to one or more charging mechanism 60. The retention
mechanism 54 may be located along or extend over any or all sides,
edges, and/or corners of the device 34.
[0058] According to one embodiment, for example, in the upright
charging surface 50 in FIG. 3, the retention mechanism 54 is a lip
that may prevent the device 34 from moving and hold the device 34
in position along the x-direction. The retention mechanism 54 may
additionally secure the device 34 in the y- and/or z-directions
with respect to the upright charging surface 50 in FIG. 3.
[0059] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14A-14B,
the retention mechanism 54 is a hook that may overlap a portion of
a front surface of the device 34. The hook may overlap at least one
edge or corner of the device 34. Further, the retention mechanism
54 may be at least partially flexible in order to bend or flex over
the device 34.
[0060] An alternative retention mechanism 54 is shown in FIGS.
15A-15B. The retention mechanism 54 may include clips, armatures,
clamp members, or movable stops 55 that are movable along the
charging surface 50 to press the device 34 against a fixed stop 56
(e.g., a lip, as shown in FIG. 15A) or another movable stop (as
shown in FIG. 15B). The movable stops 55 may be movable along the
charging surface 50 to accommodate and hold a variety of
differently sized devices 34. For example, the movable stops 55 may
slide along the charging surface 50 or within the charging surface
50 (e.g., a channel 53). The movable stops 55 may extend out of the
charging system 40 at an angle, such as 45.degree.. The movable
stops 55 may be secured around or over the sides, edges, and/or
corners of the device 34.
[0061] According to one embodiment, the movable stop 55 may be
spring-loaded or frictionally fit to press and hold the device 34
in position. The springs may be located within channels or guides
leading up to the movable stops 55 (the movable stops 55 may move
along the channels). Instead of pressing the device 34 against the
fixed stop 56, additional movable stops may be provided at the
other side (e.g., the top) of the charging surface 50, so as to
hold each device between a set of movable stops 55, as shown in
FIG. 15B.
[0062] If multiple charging mechanisms 60 are used, multiple
retention mechanisms 54 may be positioned with the charging
mechanisms 60.
[0063] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10B, the
retention mechanism 54 may be straps that may be wrapped around a
portion of the device 34 to secure the device 34. As yet another
alternative (not shown), a magnet or clip, may be directly attached
to the device 34 to attach the device 34 to the retention mechanism
54 or the device 34 may be directly attached to the retention
mechanism 54. Alternatively, the charging surface 50 may be within
a cavity and the walls of the cavity may secure the device 34 in
position.
[0064] Wireless Charging Mechanism.
[0065] The wireless charging mechanism 60 is integrated with the
vehicle component 21 and configured to charge the electronic device
34. The charging mechanism 60 may be sized according to the
anticipated size of the device(s) 34 to be charged. Depending on
the configuration of the charging mechanism 60 (and the securing
mechanism 51), multiple devices 34 may be secured and charged
simultaneously. For example, multiple charging mechanisms 60 (such
as the transmitter coils 66) may be provided for each device 34 and
sized accordingly, or the charging mechanism 60 may be capable of
charging multiple devices 34 simultaneously.
[0066] A preferred embodiment of the wireless charging mechanism
60, as shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, may include known circuitry and
structure that induce wireless charging, such as electronic drive
circuitry (e.g. a printed circuit board (PCB) 68), transmitter
coils 66, and/or a power source (or access to a power source).
Within the charging mechanism 60, the coils 66 may be connected to
the circuit board 68 through a variety of mechanisms. For example,
as shown in FIG. 16A, the coils 66 may be integrated directly into
the circuit board 68. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16B, the
coils 66 may be soldered with a wire to the top of the circuit
board 68. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16C, the coils 66 may be
remotely oriented and separate from the circuit board 68. The coils
66 may be connected to the circuit board 68 through a soldered
connection with a wire. Preferably, the securing mechanism 51 may
align the receiver coils of the device 34 to the embedded
transmitter coils 66 within the charging surface 50. It may be
preferable to align the device 34 within 40 mm of the center of the
charging mechanism 60 for efficient charging. Additional electronic
components, such as a DC to DC converter or filters, may be
provided to ensure proper functionality of the charging mechanism
60.
[0067] The charging mechanism 60 may be connected to the vehicle 20
through a variety of different means to supply power to the
charging mechanism 60. For example, the charging mechanism 60 may
access the 12V DC power supply provided by the vehicle or vehicle
battery through a harness that runs through the seat 22, 23 from
the vehicle or vehicle battery. Alternatively, a separate battery
may be used to power the charging mechanism 60. Preferably, the
charging mechanism 60 will be capable of being disconnected,
decoupled, or removed from the vehicle 20. For example, wire
connections for the power and ground may be used. A DC connector
plug and receptor may be integrated with the charging mechanism 60
(such as within the housing) and vehicle 20 (such as within the
vehicle seat 22, 23 seat back 26, or arm rest 28) to allow the
charging mechanism 60 to be removed.
[0068] Other Features of the Charging System.
[0069] The charging system 40 may include additional components or
layers. For example, FIGS. 14A and 14B depict a cross-sectional
views of basic configurations of the different layers or components
of the charging system 40 according to various embodiments. As
shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the charging system 40 may additionally
include a thermal mitigation layer 62, and/or a ferrite layer 64.
The thermal mitigation layer 62 may be located in front of the
ferrite layer 64 (FIG. 14A) or behind the ferrite layer 64 (FIG.
14B).
[0070] The thermal mitigation layer 62 may be used to maintain a
proper temperature of the charging system 40 by passively or
actively (e.g. with a fan) cooling the charging system 40. The
charging system 40 may allow the local environment to cool the
electronics, may additionally integrate a fan to increase the air
flow, and/or may have a perforated housing to allow airflow to
reach and cool the electronics. By allowing air to flow across the
electronics and by increasing the surface area, the heat may be
dissipated. The thermal mitigation layer 62 may have a low profile
and may be made out of a variety of materials, including metal.
[0071] Accordingly to one embodiment, the thermal mitigation layer
62 may include heat sinks to dissipate or remove the heat produced
by charging system 40. The heat sinks may be located behind the
transmitter coils 66, as well as behind the ferrite layer 64 and
the circuit board 68.
[0072] The ferrite layer 64 may be used to improve efficiency by
providing magnetic shielding from the seat structure and preventing
any metallic losses within the seat frame. The ferrite layer 64 may
prevent the magnetic field lines generated by the transmitter coils
66, heat, and power from moving to, coupling with, or transferring
into the surrounding metal, such as the seat frame or the
surrounding electronics. The ferrite layer 64 may, therefore,
surround the coils 66 and/or charging system 40 on every side
except for the designated charging side 86 (i.e. the side with the
charging surface 50) to secure and charge the device 34, as shown
in FIGS. 14A-14B. Optionally, the ferrite layer 64 may be a Faraday
cage.
[0073] In order to further maintain or cool the charging system 40,
the ferrite layer 64 may be perforated to allow airflow to move
through the ferrite layer 64 to enhance the cooling of the charging
system 40. The ferrite layer 64 may be attached to the heat sink to
allow conductive heat transfer to the heat sink, which may be
subsequently cooled by convention cooling with airflow.
[0074] Electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation techniques,
additional shielding, additional filtering techniques (to block
high frequency noise), and improved grounding may further reduce
any EMI interference with other electronic system within the
vehicle 20. The charging system 40 may be grounded using the
vehicle ground. Peripheral electronics may be used to prevent the
charging mechanism 60 electronics from coupling with outside
electronics or metal.
[0075] The charging system 40 may also include power outlets 70
within the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the arm rest 28 in FIG. 9)
to allow for wired charging of devices that do not support
wirelessly charging, while continuing to secure and provide
physical support for the device. The power outlets 70 may include
USB ports 72 and/or a cigarette lighter 74 (e.g. a 12 V cigarette
lighter port, which may function as a 110 VAC outlet). The USB
coils may be separately integrated into the housing of the charging
system 40.
[0076] The power outlets 70 may be conveniently located anywhere
within the system and/or may be visible to the user. For example,
the power outlets 70 may be located near where the device 34 is
being secured or stored (e.g., integrated near the charging surface
50). FIG. 9 shows the power outlets 70 within the back or base of
the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the arm rest 28). Alternatively or
additionally, the power outlets 70 may be located within, near, or
below the charging surface 50, on the grip surface 52, or along the
length of the vehicle component 21.
[0077] Various indicators 88 also may be used with the charging
system 40. For example, visual indicators, haptic feedback, or
audible indicators may be used to indicate the current status of
the charging system 40 or the device 34. The indictors may signal a
variety of different charging scenarios to the user, including but
not limited to the start or stop of charging (e.g., when the
charging has begun or finished/ended), the status of the charging
(e.g., how full the battery is), when the device 34 is fully
charged or the battery is full, and/or if the device 34 is properly
or improperly aligned, placed, or oriented with the charging
mechanism 60. Accordingly, the indicators 88 may allow the user to
know the status of the charging without directly checking the
device 34.
[0078] The visual indicator may also be used to indicate or denote
where one or more of the charging regions 89 of the charging
mechanism are located on the charging surface 50 or the grip
surface 52 and may also be shaped to indicate the proper
orientation or position of the electronic device 34 with respect to
the charging system 40 (and, more specifically, to the electric
coils of the charging mechanism 60). Alternatively or additionally,
other visual indicators, such as arrows or text, may be used to
indicate how to properly orient the device 34 with respect to the
charging system 40.
[0079] Accordingly to embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B,
the visual indicators 57 may be provided on the charging surface 50
to indicate charging regions within the charging system 40. The
visual indicator 57 may be in the form of an outline, a shaded
area, or a lighted area within or around the effective charging
region(s) or wireless power transmission.
[0080] The visual indicators may include various forms of lighting,
including a vinyl coating or pattern, LED lighting (such as LED
perimeter lighting), a light pipe (such as a fiber optic cable lit
by LEDs to allow for radial light diffusion from the light pipe),
or side lite clear or tinted acrylic with an etched pattern overlay
to allow light to shine through. The visual indicators may be any
color or multiple colors according to the desired style.
[0081] The charging system 40 also or alternatively may include
haptic feedback and/or audible indicators. Haptic feedback may
include vibrations and may be integrated into the base of the
charging surface 50. A vibrating DC motor may be used to provide
haptic feedback in order to indicate different charging scenarios
to the user (as described previously). The DC motors used to
provide haptic feedback may be housed either in surrounding case of
the charging system 40, within the vehicle component 21, or within
the seat 22, 23 or seat back 26. The haptic feedback may also
include a raised, bumped, or rough surface extending in or out from
the charging surface 50 to indicate where the charging region
(e.g., the area of the charging surface that is able to most
efficiently charge the device 34) is located. Audible indicators
may include beeping or buzzing.
[0082] Additionally, packaging optimization techniques may be used
to improve occupant comfort, reduce weight, and diminish negative
impacts on the vehicle interior styling and presentation. Seat
packing optimization includes analyzing and optimizing certain
criteria, such as the seat thickness, support, safety, material
stack-up, and production feasibility. This criteria is analyzed
with respect to the various layers of the seat, such as the seat
frame structure (safety), the seat suspension (support and comfort
for the occupant during vertical loading or vibration (i.e. jounce)
when driving), cushion and backrest foam thickness, shape, and
density (support and comfort for the occupant), occupant detection
systems (safety), heater mats (thermal comfort), cooling systems
including 3D mesh materials to allow airflow (thermal comfort),
trim or seat covering materials, and stitching or sew lines
(aesthetics and comfort). These seat layers are specific to the
vehicle package (as specified by OEM) and the vehicle seat system.
The charging system 40 is integrated into and optimized with the
seat 22, 23 without interfering with these layers.
[0083] For example, unnecessary mass and materials, such as
plastics, may be minimized or eliminated, thereby allowing for more
foam within the seat 22, 23 or the arm rest 28. The foam/trim
combination 30 of the arm rest 28, as shown in FIG. 12, may provide
comfort to the occupant. By using a pressure map for the resulting
force from the occupant, it may be determined where foam may be
eliminated or where more foam may be used or needed. A finite
element analysis may be used to determine the necessary structure
within the seat 22, 23 or the arm rest 28 in order to maintain the
strength and integrity of the vehicle components while decreasing
the overall mass.
[0084] With the wireless charging system 40, the efficiency or
effective power transferred may be improved by reducing the
distance between the charging system 40 and the device 34. For
example, the packaging, such as the thickness of the charging
surface 50 or the grip surface 52, may be reduced to decrease the
distance and improve the efficiency.
[0085] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about,"
"substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad
meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of
ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this
disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in
the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to
allow a description of certain features described without
restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical
ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as
indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or
alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to
be within the scope of the disclosure.
[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein allow an electronic device
to be wirelessly charged and physically secured within a vehicle.
Besides those embodiments depicted in the figures and described in
the above description, other embodiments of the present invention
are also contemplated. For example, any single feature of one
embodiment of the present invention may be used in any other
embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in
the art would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and
modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art
from the present invention within the scope and spirit of the
present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the
present invention.
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