U.S. patent application number 16/241501 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for reconfigurable distributed active wireless charging system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Avago Technologies International. The applicant listed for this patent is Avago Technologies International. Invention is credited to Seunghwan Yoon.
Application Number | 20190139693 16/241501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56410129 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190139693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoon; Seunghwan |
May 9, 2019 |
RECONFIGURABLE DISTRIBUTED ACTIVE WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEM
Abstract
A system and method utilizes an array of unit coils for wireless
charging and/or near field communication. The array of unit coils
can be configured to provide magnetic fields of various shapes to
accommodate consuming devices and/or to accommodate types of
devices. The array of unit coils can be any type of coils (e.g.,
eccentric coils that provide a concentrated current field and a
strong magnetic field). The array of unit coils can be powered by
one or more power sources.
Inventors: |
Yoon; Seunghwan; (Irvine,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Avago Technologies International |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Assignee: |
Avago Technologies
International
Singapore
SG
|
Family ID: |
56410129 |
Appl. No.: |
16/241501 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14630315 |
Feb 24, 2015 |
10224142 |
|
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16241501 |
|
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62111452 |
Feb 3, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 50/90 20160201;
H02J 50/10 20160201; H02J 50/80 20160201; H02J 50/005 20200101;
H01F 2027/2809 20130101; H01F 27/2804 20130101; H02J 50/40
20160201; H01F 38/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01F 27/28 20060101
H01F027/28; H02J 50/10 20060101 H02J050/10; H02J 50/40 20060101
H02J050/40; H01F 38/14 20060101 H01F038/14 |
Claims
1. A method of providing an array of unit coils for charging a
device, comprising: providing a plurality of unit coils, each unit
coil comprising: a first eccentric coil, wherein the first
eccentric coil has a center concentrated structure having a first
line of symmetry in a first direction; and a second eccentric coil,
wherein the second eccentric coil has a center concentrated
structure having a second line of symmetry in a second direction,
wherein the first eccentric coil is allocated vertically above the
second eccentric coil; and arranging the plurality of unit coils
into the array.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first direction and second
direction are different from each other.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first direction is
perpendicular to the second direction.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first eccentric coil is
disposed on a first printed circuit board substrate and the second
eccentric coil is disposed on a second printed circuit board
substrate.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first eccentric coil is
configured to provide a first magnetic field in a first magnetic
direction, and wherein the second eccentric coil is configured to
provide a second magnetic field in a second magnetic direction.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the unit coil is configured to
provide a combined magnetic field to charge the device by combining
the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting one or more
unit coils for charging the device according to a relative location
of device to the array of unit coils; and activating the one or
more unit coils to provide a combined magnetic field for charging
the device.
8. A magnetic induction device, comprising: an array of unit coils
configured to generate a magnetic field for charging a device,
wherein each unit coil comprises: a first eccentric coil configured
with a center concentrated structure, and to provide a first
magnetic field in a first direction; and a second eccentric coil
configured with a center concentrated structure, and to provide a
second magnetic field in a second direction.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first direction and second
direction are different from each other.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first direction is
perpendicular to the second direction.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first eccentric coil is
disposed on a first printed circuit board substrate and the second
eccentric coil is disposed on a second printed circuit board
substrate.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein the array of unit coils is
configured to provide a rectangular flux pattern by activating and
deactivating selective first eccentric coils and second eccentric
coils.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the rectangular flux pattern
comprises a plurality of rectangular rings.
14. The device of claim 8, wherein the center concentrated
structure comprises at least one of a planer rectangular eccentric
structure, or a planer circular eccentric structure.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the planer rectangular
eccentric structure comprises outside flux lines at least partially
arranged in a nonparallel fashion.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein the planner rectangular
eccentric structure has a line of symmetry and has longer flux
lines disposed closely to the line of symmetry.
17. A magnetic induction device, comprising: an array of unit coils
configured to generate a magnetic field for charging a device,
wherein each unit coil comprising: a first eccentric coil
comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first
section and the second section are arranged symmetrically according
to a first line, wherein the first section and the second section
have structures allowing currents concentrated heavily close to the
first line.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein unit coil further comprises a
second eccentric coil comprising a third section and a fourth
section, wherein the third section and the fourth section are
arranged symmetrically according to a second line, wherein the
third section and the fourth section have structures allowing
currents concentrated heavily close to the second line.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the unit coil is provided by
disposing the first eccentric coil on top of the second eccentric
coil, wherein the first line and the second are parallel to each
other.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein the first eccentric coil is
disposed on a first printed circuit board substrate and the second
eccentric coil is disposed on a second printed circuit board
substrate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/630,315, filed on Feb. 24, 2015, entitled "Reconfigurable
Distributed Active Wireless Charging System," which claims the
benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No. 62/111,452, filed
on Feb. 3, 2015, entitled "Reconfigurable Distributed Active
Wireless Charging System," both of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to systems for and methods
of wireless charging and/or near field communication.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Wireless charging (also known as "inductive charging") uses
inductive coils to provide an electromagnetic field that transfers
energy from a charging source to a consuming device. Wireless
charging can be used with various consuming devices, such as mobile
devices (e.g. cellular phone, tablet, mobile computing device,
etc.), electric vehicles, remote devices, medical devices, etc.
Wireless chargers generally utilize a fixed inductive wire coil in
the charging source and a fixed inductive wire coil in the
consuming device. The coils in conventional wireless chargers are
typically large and non-configurable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Various objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the
disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by
referring to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters identify
corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference
numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or
structurally similar elements.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view drawing of a configurable
wireless charging system according to some exemplary
embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a general block diagram of the configurable
wireless charging system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some
exemplary embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a charging process for one or
more consuming devices by a magnetic induction device according to
some exemplary embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram of a wireless charging
system according to some exemplary embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a general block diagram of an array of unit coils
for the configurable wireless charging system illustrated in FIG. 1
according to some exemplary embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a unit coil for the
configurable wireless charging system illustrated in FIG. 1
according to some exemplary embodiments, the unit coil is shown in
a top view and a perspective view;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view schematic drawing of charging lines
generated by an array of unit coils for the configurable wireless
charging system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some exemplary
embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a top view schematic drawing of an array of unit
eccentric coils for the configurable wireless charging system
illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some exemplary embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a top view schematic drawing of a pair of
rectangular unit eccentric coils for the configurable wireless
charging system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some exemplary
embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a top view schematic drawing of an array of
rectangular unit eccentric coils for the configurable wireless
charging system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some exemplary
embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a top view schematic drawing of a magnetic field
generated by an array of rectangular unit eccentric coils for the
configurable wireless charging system illustrated in FIG. 1
according to some exemplary embodiments; and
[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematic drawing of
double-layer eccentric coil for the configurable wireless charging
system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some exemplary
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Before turning to the features, which illustrate the
exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the
application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth
in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be
understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description
only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0018] Referring generally to the figures, systems for and methods
of wireless charging are shown according to various exemplary
embodiments. The systems and methods are configurable or
reconfigurable, distributed, and/or active in some embodiments. In
one or more embodiments, a device is wirelessly charged by
configuring an array of unit coils in a wireless charging system.
In some embodiments, more efficiency of power transfer is achieved
by using the unit coils when compared to using larger, conventional
fixed coils.
[0019] In some embodiments, a method of charging a device
configures an array of unit coils and provides a magnetic field via
the array of unit coils. In some embodiments, a magnetic induction
device includes an array of unit cells. Each cell is comprised of
two eccentric coils in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a
magnetic induction device includes an array of unit coils
configured for coupling separately to a power source and the array
is configurable to provide two or more rings of charging lines.
[0020] In some embodiments, the array of unit coils can be
configured to provide a magnetic field that transfers energy from a
charging source to a consuming device. In some embodiments, the
array of unit coils is configured to provide multiple magnetic
fields that transfer energy from one or more charging sources to
multiple consuming devices. In one or more embodiments, the unit
coils have magnetic field producing structures. In some
embodiments, the unit coils include one or more pairs of orthogonal
eccentric coils. In some embodiments, the eccentric coils have a
central concentrated structure that provides a central concentrated
current field. In some embodiments, the unit coils have small
dimensions. In some embodiments, the unit coils are disposed on one
or more printed circuit board conductive layers.
[0021] In some embodiments, the systems and methods of the present
disclosure are used in a magnetic induction device. The magnetic
induction device can include an array of unit coils that is
configured for coupling separately to a power source. The array of
unit coils can be further configured to provide two or more rings
of flux lines. The two or more rings of flux lines can serve as a
primary field to produce electromagnetic induction. In some
embodiments, the magnetic induction device includes an array of
unit cells and each cell further includes two pairs of eccentric
coils. The two pairs of eccentric coils are disposed in different
directions. Each unit cell can be configured to provide a magnetic
field in any or almost any direction through the combination of two
magnetic fields created by the pair of eccentric coils.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless charging system according
to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless
charging system 100 includes a magnetic induction device 101,
mobile devices 104 and 106, a medical device 108, and a remote
device 110. In some embodiments, wireless charging system 100 is a
reconfigurable or configurable, distributed, active charging
system.
[0023] In some embodiments, magnetic induction device 101 is a
charging platform that provides one or more magnetic fields and
transfers energy to one or more mobile devices 104 and 106, medical
device 108, and remote device 110 located in the one or more
magnetic fields. In some other embodiments, magnetic induction
device 101 is used for near field communication. For example,
magnetic induction device 101 can be used as magnetic flow meter,
transformer, electrical generator, etc.
[0024] Magnetic induction device 101 includes an array of unit
cells or unit coils 102 and a control system 112. Each of unit
coils 102 can be configured to provide a unit magnetic field in
some embodiments. Array of unit coils 102 can be further configured
to combine multiple unit magnetic fields to form one magnetic field
as a primary magnetic field. In some embodiments, the combined
primary magnetic field has two or more rings of charging lines.
[0025] In some embodiments, an array of unit coils 102 is disposed
on a printed circuit board. Each of unit coils 102 includes a pair
of coils in some embodiments. Each coil in the pair of unit coils
102 is disposed in a different direction (e.g., horizontal and
vertical directions). In some embodiments, unit coils 102 include
any type of conductive material and have an eccentric shape. In
some embodiments, multiple unit coils 102 in the array are
connected to a power source in parallel, so that array of unit
coils 102 combines the parallel power source inputs to generate a
higher power in a small form factor. In some embodiments, multiple
unit coils 102 in the array are connected to a power source in
series. In other embodiments, some of the unit coils 102 are
connected to the power source in series and others are connected in
parallel. The parallel connection also allows each of unit coils
102 to be controlled by the power source individually. Control
system 112 can control the amount of power and can connect mobile
devices 104 and 106, medical device 108, and remote device 110 in
parallel or series.
[0026] In some embodiments, control system 112 of magnetic
induction device 101 includes sense circuitry or sensors to detect
secondary coils in mobile devices 104 and 106, medical device 108,
and remote device 110. Control system 112 is a hardware or
combination hardware/software system that controls connections,
power, and signals for providing the magnetic field of magnetic
induction device 101 in some embodiments. Magnetic induction device
101 through operation of control system 112 and array of unit coils
102 are actively configured for type, size, and number of mobile
devices 104 and 106, medical device 108, and remote device 110 in
some embodiments. In some embodiments, the sensors of control
system 112 are any type of sensors that detect secondary coils in
the mobile devices 104 and 106, medical device 108, and remote
device 110 or the size and shape of mobile devices 104 and 106,
medical device 108, and remote device 110, such as, inductive
sensors, optical sensors, mechanical sensors, etc.
[0027] In some embodiments, array of unit coils 102 is configured
in a single device charging mode or a multiple device charging mode
as controlled by control system 112. The operational mode depends
on the detection of the number of mobile devices 104 and 106,
medical device 108, and remote device 110 in some embodiments. In
some embodiments, array of unit coils 102 is configured to turn on
the selected unit coils 102 in operation and turn off all other
unit coils 102 to save energy. In some embodiments, an array of
unit coils 102 is composed with multiple types of unit coils
102.
[0028] Control system 112 is used to control and configure the
array of unit coils 102 according to one or more embodiments.
Control system 112 can include suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
code that can enable controlling the operations of the magnetic
induction device 101. Control system 112 can be operable to provide
control signals to the array of unit coils 102 and the various
other components of the magnetic induction device 101. Control
system 112 can be operable to control transfers of data between
various components of the magnetic induction device 101. Control
system 112 can include one or more controllers.
[0029] Mobile devices 104 and 106, medical device 108 and remote
device 110 are shown as exemplary consuming devices in wireless
charging system 100. The consuming devices have inductive coils as
secondary coils to receive the induction power transferred from the
magnetic induction device 101. Mobile devices 104 and 106 can be
any type of mobile computing device, such as, a cellular phone, a
tablet, personal digital assistant, a GPS receiver, a mobile hot
spot, a smart watch, an activity tracker, a computer, a notebook, a
laptop, any device that utilizes charging or near field
communication, etc. Mobile device 104 and mobile 106 have different
types of secondary coils according to some embodiments. For
example, mobile device 104 has a built-in coil, and mobile device
106 has a skin adapter that includes a coil. As shown in FIG. 1,
mobile devices 104 and 106, medical device 108 and remote device
110 can be charged at any area of the array of unit coils 102, so
that the array of unit coils 102 efficiently utilizes its area and
shape. In some embodiments, any type of conductive coils in the
consuming devices can be detected and coupled with respective unit
coils.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless charging system
according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 2, in
some embodiments, magnetic induction device 101 includes array of
unit coils 102, a user interface 205, and control system 112
including a processor 202, multiple sensors 204, a coil array
configuration module or circuit 206, a coil current configuration
module or circuit 212, a memory 210, and a control circuit 214.
[0031] Processor 202 can include suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
code that can enable processing data and/or controlling operations
of magnetic induction device 101. Processor 202 can be a
microprocessor operable to provide control signals through control
circuit 214 to the various other components of magnetic induction
device 101. Processor 202 can be operable to control transfers of
data between various components of magnetic induction device 101.
Processor 202 can be operable to execute programs comprising one or
more instructions. The programs can, for example, instruct
processor 202 for generating, parsing, coupling, optimizing,
transmitting or otherwise processing data. The programs can, for
example, instruct processor 202 for configuring or controlling
operation of the various components of magnetic induction device
101. For example, the instructions can instruct the magnetic
induction device 101 to perform various actions in response to
detecting a consuming device 207 (e.g., one or more mobile devices
104 and 106, medical device 108, and remote device 110 in FIG. 1),
such as configuring array of unit coils 102 according to the type
of the coils in the detected devices. Processor 202 can be or
include any type of general purpose or special purpose
processor.
[0032] Control circuit 214 includes circuitry for providing
connections (e.g., switches) and applying power from a power source
209 under the control of processor 202 in some embodiments. Control
circuit 214 includes circuitry for interfacing with coil array
configuration circuit 206, coil current configuration circuit 212
and array of unit coils 102 in some embodiments.
[0033] Sensors 204 are used to detect various parameters of the
consuming device 207, such as coil type, position, power level,
etc., in some embodiments. Sensors 204 include mechanical sensors
such as pressure sensor, positional sensor, metal detector sensor,
temperature sensor, motion sensor, etc. in some embodiments. The
mechanical sensors are used to detect the location of consuming
device 207 in some embodiments. For example, a pressure sensor is
used to detect a consuming device 207 contacting the magnetic
induction device 101 and send signals to the processor 202 and
control circuit 214 in some embodiments. For example, a motion
sensor is used to detect a movement of the consuming device 207 in
order to reconfigure the unit coils 102 corresponding to the
changed positions in some embodiments. Sensors 204 include
electronic proximity sensors to detect a metallic object, such as a
secondary coil in the consuming device 207 in some embodiments. The
consuming device 207 can be detected without any contact to the
magnetic induction device 101, which can be beneficial for charging
certain unreachable devices (e.g., the electronic medical device
implanted inside of a patient) in some embodiments. Sensors 204 can
also include electromagnetic sensors to detect a state of power in
the consuming device 207 in some embodiments. In some embodiments,
sensors 204 are suitable logic and/or code that enable the circuits
integrated with the array of unit coils 102 to detect corresponding
parameters. In some embodiments, sensors 204 are hardware, such as
various mechanical sensors. In some embodiments, sensors 204 are
combinations of suitable logic, circuitry, code and hardware. In
some embodiments, sensors 204 include circuitry for wirelessly
detecting inductive characteristics of consuming device 207. The
inductive characteristics can be used to determine the type of
consuming device 207 in some embodiments.
[0034] User interface 205 can be used to input user's commands,
such as start charge, select charging time, set charging level, set
auto-off, etc. User interface 205 can be used to output various
parameters of magnetic induction device 101 and consuming device
207, such as charging capacity, charging history, temperature,
efficiency, power level, current value, etc. User interface 205 can
include various input and output methods and systems, such as
display, touch screen, voice control interface, motion control
interface, buttons, speakers, etc.
[0035] Memory 210 is a storage device, such as a non-transitory
medium. Memory 210 can include suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
code that can be operable to store information, such as,
instructions to be executed by processor 202, data generated by one
or more components of magnetic induction device 101, data received
via one or more components of magnetic induction device 101, and/or
parameters for controlling operation of magnetic induction device
101. Memory 201 can store instructions for coil array configuration
circuit 206 and coil current configuration circuit 212. Memory 210
can include any type of computer or machine-readable storage
medium, such as, for example, SRAM, DRAM, flash memory, and/or
magnetic storage. Parameters stored in memory 210 can include, for
example, parameters detected from sensors 204, configuration
histories, etc. In some embodiments, memory 210 can store user's
preferences, such as, a start charging schedule for a medical
device. The schedule can be a fixed or non-fixed schedule.
[0036] Coil array configuration circuit 206 includes suitable
logic, a software module, hardware, circuitry, and/or code that can
be operable to configure the array of unit coils 102 in some
embodiments. Coil array configuration circuit 206 can configure
each active unit coil 102 to create a desired unit magnetic field
and a unit current field. Coil array configuration circuit 206 can
further configure the array of unit coils 102 to combine the unit
magnetic fields and form one magnetic field. In some embodiments,
the combined magnetic field has two or more rings of charging
lines. Coil array configuration circuit 206 can configure the
magnetic field direction through vector summation of two or more
magnetic vectors generated by two or more coils located in
different directions. In some embodiments, coil array configuration
circuit 206 receives instructions from processor 202 and control
circuit 214 based on the detected data from sensors 204. In some
embodiments, coil array configuration circuit 206 configures a path
of operating unit coils 102 base on the optimization of power
transmission efficiency. In some embodiments, processor 202 and
coil array configuration circuit 206 senses inductive
characteristics of consuming device 207 via sensors 204 and makes
adjustments to the configuration of unit coils 102, power provided
to unit coils 102, and/or frequency of the power signal provided to
unit coils 102 for charging efficiency. The inductive
characteristics provide feedback for increasing power transfer in
some embodiments. The adjustments are made until peak inductive
characteristics are sensed in some embodiments.
[0037] Coil current configuration circuit 212 includes suitable
logic, a software module, hardware, circuitry, and/or code that can
be operable to configure the array of unit coils 102 in some
embodiments. Coil current configuration circuit 212 can configure
each unit coils in the array to be active or inactive or to receive
a particular magnitude of current. Coil current configuration
circuit 212 can configure unit coils 102 to be coupled in a
parallel to a power source 209. In some embodiments, coil current
configuration circuit 212 configures the unit coil to be coupled in
a series to a power source 209. In some embodiments, coil current
configuration circuit 212 configures unit coils 102 to be coupled
to multiple power sources and the multiple power sources that are
different from each other. In some embodiments, coil current
configuration circuit 212 configures some unit coils 102 to be
connected to one or more power sources in parallel and other unit
coils 102 to be connected to one or more power sources in series
using control circuit 214. Coil current configuration circuit 212
can receive instructions from a user through user interface 205.
For example, a user can choose a fast charging mode or a regular
charging mode. Fast charge mode and regular charge can lead
different current configurations. User interface 205 is optional in
some embodiments.
[0038] Consuming device 207 can include any type of electric device
that has a receiver (e.g., a coil receiver) or a device that can
adapt to a coil receiver, such as mobile devices 104 and 106,
medical device 108, remote device 110, an electric vehicle, etc.
Consuming device 207 can be charged by the magnetic induction
device 101 through different charging modes, such as a multiple
device charging mode, single device charging mode, fast charging
mode, regular charging mode, fully charging mode, etc. Different
charging mode associates with different coil array configurations
and coil current configurations (e.g., more current in a fast
charging mode than in a regular charging mode). Consuming device
207 can communicate with the magnetic induction device 101 through
user interface 205.
[0039] Power source 209 can include multiple unit power sources.
Power source 209 can be an AC source that inputs AC power to
magnetic induction device 101. Power source 209 can be a DC source
according to some embodiments. A power converter can convert DC
power to an AC power signal for charging via array of cells 102.
Power source 209 can include multiple converters, such as AC-DC
converter, AC-AC converter, DC-DC converter etc.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a flow for charging one or more
consuming devices by a magnetic induction device according to an
exemplary embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 3, in an operation 302
of flow 300, magnetic induction device 101 detects one or more
consuming devices 207 by various sensors 204. For example, when
consuming device 207 is located close enough to magnetic induction
device 101, an electronic proximity sensor detects the consuming
device 207 in some embodiments. An electromagnetic sensor detects
power level and coil type of the consuming device 207 in some
embodiments. In some embodiments, an identity of consuming device
207 is detected (e.g., by a BLUETOOTH.RTM. interface or by sensing
characteristics of consuming device 207). A charging profile
associated with the detected consuming device 207 is extracted from
memory 210 in some embodiments. The charging profile can include
information about the consuming device 207, such as user preferred
charging mode, charging levels, charging history, coil type,
charging time, etc. Operation 302 can also include outputting
detected information about consuming device 207 through user
interface 205.
[0041] A user can input instructions through user interface 205
based on the detected information of the consuming device 207 in an
operation 304. For example, a user can instruct the magnetic
induction device 101 to operate a multiple device charging mode
where a mobile device is instructed to operate in a fast charging
mode, and a medical device is instructed in a regular charging mode
in order to prevent a high heat generated by the secondary coil in
the medical device. Processor 202 receives the instructions from
the user according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments,
charging is performed without user input or automatically.
Operation 304 is optional in some embodiments.
[0042] Processor 202 determines a coil array current configuration
at an operation 306 based on user's instruction and/or based upon
detected information related to consuming device 207 in some
embodiments. For example, if the user instructs a regular charging
mode for a medical device, the unit coils 102 that correspond to
the type of the secondary coils can be configured to be coupled to
a lower power source. In some embodiments, determining a coil array
current configuration in operation 306 includes determining which
unit coils 102 correspond to the detected secondary coils and
activating the corresponding unit coils 102 by connecting the unit
coils 102 to one or more power sources. In some embodiments,
determining a coil array current configuration includes determining
the current level in each circuit formed by one or more coils.
[0043] The active unit coils 102 are configured to generate a
magnetic field based on the detected information and/or user's
instructions in an operation 308 in some embodiments. In some
embodiments, the unit coils 102 are formed by a pair of coils
disposed in different directions. Each coil in unit coils 102 is
configured to generate a magnetic vector in some embodiments. Thus,
unit coils 102 generate at least a pair of magnetic vectors in some
embodiments. A unit magnetic vector can be generated according to a
summation of the pair of magnetic vectors. The unit magnetic vector
represents a unit magnetic field provided in an operation 310. In
some embodiments, each unit coil 102 includes only one coil or more
than a pair of coils.
[0044] The combination of all unit coils 102 creates a magnetic
field that serves as a primary coil magnetic field in some
embodiments. In some embodiments, if multiple consuming devices 207
are detected, unit coils 102 are configured to form multiple
primary coil magnetic fields for coupling to the multiple detected
secondary coils in the multiple consuming devices. The primary
magnetic field generated by unit coils 102 induces a voltage in the
magnetically coupled secondary coil in some embodiments. The
induced voltage can be used to charge consuming device 207.
[0045] One or multiple sensors 204 are used to monitor consuming
device 207 while charging in an operation 312 in some embodiments.
Operation 312 is optional in some embodiments. For example, an
electromagnetic sensor can be used to monitor the induced voltage
in consuming device 207 (FIG. 2) to avoid over heating the device
and to monitor the power level in the consuming device 207. In some
embodiments, a power level of consuming device 207 is monitored and
displayed to user.
[0046] When the power level reaches to a desired level, unit coils
102 are disconnected from power source 209 in an operation 314 in
some embodiments. In some embodiments, when the power level reaches
to the desired level, unit coils 102 are still connected to the
power source 209 and a standby mode is entered in order to maintain
a desired power level in consuming device 207. In some embodiments,
unit coils 102 are reconfigured based on the monitored results. For
example, when a mobile device is fully charged, the unit coils are
reconfigured with a new current level for a standby mode. In some
embodiments, magnetic induction device 101 is a double-side
charging device (i.e., consuming devices 207 can be charged at both
sides of the array of unit coils 102), so that unit coils 102 can
correspond to one or more consuming devices 207. When a first
device in one side of the magnetic inductive device 101 is
monitored as fully charged, the unit coils 102 can be reconfigured
to combine with other unit coils forming a new primary coil to
charge a second consuming device on the other side of magnetic
induction device 101 in some embodiments. Flow 300 can begin
whenever a new consuming device 207 is detected in some
embodiments.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a wireless charging system according to an
exemplary embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 4, wireless charging
system 400 transfers energy between coils 402, 404, 406, 408 and
coils 409a-j through electromagnetic induction. Individual coils or
sets of coils of coils 409a-j are selected for operation in
accordance with the characteristics of coils 402, 404, 406, and 408
in some embodiments. In some embodiments, coils 402, 404, 406, 408
are secondary coils in or adapted to a respective consuming device
207. Coils 409a-j are unit coils or sets of unit coils 102 in the
array of unit coils 102 (FIG. 1). Control system 112 can be used to
control and configure the unit coils 409a-j. Although described
above and below as having conventional coils, consuming devices 207
can include coil structures similar to array of coils 102 without
departing from the scope of the invention. Consuming devices 207
can have an array of coils similar to coils 102 configured for
operation as a secondary coil in some embodiments.
[0048] Coils 409a-d are connected to a power source in parallel
according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, coils 409a-d are
connected to different power sources 411a-d, respectively, thereby
allowing flexibility in shaping field strength for coils 402 and
404. Selecting appropriate coils 409a-d and power provided to coils
409a-d for coils 402 and 404 allows for efficient operation as only
necessary coils 409a-j are selected for operation. In another
example, coil 409h is selected for operation with coil 406. Coils
409e-g can be unpowered to save power.
[0049] In some embodiments, coils 409a-j are connected to one or
more power sources in series. For example, coils 409i-j are coupled
in series as opposed to parallel in some embodiments. Coils 409i-j
are selected to match coil 408 in some embodiments. Coils 409i-j
are configured to create a magnetic field to induce a voltage in
coil 408 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the field is
chosen to match the capacity of coil 408.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an array of unit coils according to
an exemplary embodiment. Referring now to FIG. 5, an array 500 of
unit coils 502 can be similar to array of unit coils 102 (FIG. 1).
Each unit coil 502 can create a magnetic field and includes a coil
504 disposed in a first direction and a coil 506 disposed in a
second direction. The first direction is different from the second
direction. By separately powering coils 504 and 506, a magnetic
field in virtually any direction can be created in some
embodiments. A current flow {right arrow over (J.sub.v)} in coil
504 (e.g., the horizontal coil) creates a horizontal magnetic field
{right arrow over (H.sub.h)}. A current flow {right arrow over
(J.sub.h)} in coil 506 (e.g., the vertical coil) creates a vertical
magnetic field {right arrow over (H.sub.v)}. Combining the two
vectors {right arrow over (H.sub.h)} and {right arrow over
(H.sub.h)} can generate magnetic field {right arrow over (H)}. The
magnetic field {right arrow over (H)} can be controlled by varying
the magnitudes of the vertical and horizontal magnetic fields.
[0051] In some embodiments, coils 504 and 506 are orthogonal, such
as a vertical coil and a horizontal coil. In some embodiments, unit
coils 502 are disposed on a printed circuit board. In some
embodiments, unit coils 502 are made of any conductive material. In
some embodiments, coils 504 and 506 are wire coils or are built on
a combination of printed circuit board (PCB) and conductive
material. In some embodiments, some of unit coils 502 in the array
are made of different materials or have a different geometric
arrangement.
[0052] One or more unit coils 502 can be selected to form a
combined current field and a combined magnetic field. Array 500 of
unit coils 502 can be configured to activate and/or deactivate one
or more unit coils 502. In some embodiments, array 500 of unit
coils 502 can be configured to create multiple magnetic fields
simultaneously. Each of the magnetic fields can be used to induce a
voltage for charging consuming device 207. The array of unit coils
502 is configured to couple with any type of secondary coils in
consuming devices 207 in some embodiments. The configurable nature
array 500 of unit coils 502 can charge device efficiently in area
and shape in some embodiments. In some embodiments, array 50 of
unit coils 502 is disposed in the same plane (i.e., a planar array)
as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, array 500 of unit coils
502 is disposed in multiple planes (i.e., a 3D array). For example,
array 500 of unit coils 502 is disposed in a wearable charger.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a unit coil in different views
according to an exemplary embodiment. According to some
embodiments, unit coil 600 can be unit coil 502 in array 500 (FIG.
5) or unit coil 102 (FIG. 1). Unit coil 600 includes a coil 604 and
a coil 606 which can be each controlled by an individual power
source in some embodiments. Unit coils 600 can be configured as
printed circuit board coils wherein conductors from coil 604 passes
through coil 606 and conductors from coil 606 pass through coil
604. Conductors on a top surface of coil 604 are perpendicular to
conductors on a top surface of coil 606 in some embodiments.
Conductors on a bottom surface of coil 604 are perpendicular to
conductors on a bottom surface of coil 606 in some embodiments.
[0054] In some embodiments, the combination of multiple unit coils
600 can generate a high power and a small geometrical magnetic
field in a small form factor which makes feasible a very high Q
inductor and small geometrical magnetic field. In some embodiments,
coils 604 and 606 are orthogonal, such as a vertical coil and a
horizontal coil. Coils 604 and 606 are provided on a circuit board
with four conductive layers (e.g., coil 604 is disposed on layers 1
and 3 connected by conductive vias, and coil 606 is disposed on
layers 2 and 4 connected by conductive vias) in some
embodiments.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a magnetic field generated by an
array of unit coils according to an exemplary embodiment. A planar
array 700 of unit coils 702 (similar to unit coils 102, 502, and
600) is configured to provide rectangular rings such as a ring 704.
Each selected unit coil 702 is connected to a power source and
creates a magnetic field based on a desired configuration. In some
embodiments, the magnetic field includes four rectangular line
patterns. The line patterns are configured for particular types and
numbers of consuming devices 207 in some embodiments. A four-ring
rectangular path is created by combining all the unit magnetic
fields in each ring. For example, unit coils 702a can be configured
to create a magnetic field corresponding to a vertical portion of
ring 704 by activating one of the vertical coil or the horizontal
coil (e.g., the horizontal coil) and deactivating the other of the
vertical coil or the horizontal coil. For example, unit coils 702b
can be configured to create a magnetic field with a direction at 45
degrees by activating vertical and horizontal coils. The 45-degree
magnetic field can be created by configuring the vertical coil and
the horizontal coil in the unit coils 702b generating two magnetic
fields with a same amplitude. For example, unit coils 702c can be
configured to create a magnetic field corresponding to the
horizontal portion of ring 704 by activating one of the vertical
coil or the horizontal coil (e.g., the vertical coil) and
deactivating the other of the vertical coil or the horizontal coil.
In some embodiments, multiple rings or sets of rings are provided
where each set or ring is dimensioned for charging a particular
separate device.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a diagram of an array of unit eccentric coils
according to an exemplary embodiment. An array 800 includes unit
eccentric coils 802 (e.g., similar to coils 102, 502, 600, and
702). Unit coils 802 each include an eccentric coil 804 and an
eccentric coil 806 in some embodiments. Each of eccentric coils 804
and 806 includes a section 808 and a section 810. Eccentric coils
804 and 806 are disposed in different directions and on different
planes in some embodiments. In some embodiments, coils 804 and 806
are orthogonal (i.e., a vertical pair of eccentric coils and a
horizontal pair of eccentric coils). In some embodiments, coils 804
and 806 are disposed to provide a magnetic field vector in
different directions from each other. In some embodiments, coils
804 and 806 are eccentric dipole spiral coils.
[0057] According to one or more embodiments, eccentric coils 804
and 806 are disposed on a printed circuit board. Eccentric coil 804
is disposed on one printed circuit board conductive layer and the
other eccentric coil 806 is disposed on another printed circuit
board conductive layer. Each of eccentric coils 804 and 806 can be
configured individually to create a magnetic field.
[0058] Each of sections 808 and 810 is symmetric or nearly
symmetric and has an eccentric pattern in some embodiments. In some
embodiments, sections 808 and 810 are not symmetric. Sections 808
and 810 are connected by one or more conductors in some
embodiments. In some embodiments, section 808 is disposed on a
printed circuit board substrate, and section 810 is disposed on the
same printed circuit board substrate. Sections 808 and 810 are
connected by one or more conductors at an area between sections 808
and 810 to form eccentric coil 804 or 806 in some embodiments. The
concentrated parts in both sections 808 and 810 are close to a line
816 of symmetry between sections 808 and 810 in some embodiments.
Line of symmetry 816 is shown for coil 804 between section 808 and
section 810. Sections 808 and 810 also have symmetric current
pattern since they are connected by at least one conductor and have
same current direction in some embodiments. For example, section
808 on one side of line 816 of symmetry has a clockwise current
pattern, and section 810 in the other side of line 816 of symmetry
has a counterclockwise current pattern. Thus, the central part of
the combination of sections 808 and 810 has one current direction.
The middle concentrated structure allows more current going through
the central conductors in order to reduce the negative effect due
to opposite currents. The outer less concentrated portions of
sections 806 and 810 contribute less to the field strength than the
middle concentrated sections in some embodiments. Compared to the
conventional coils, this paired eccentric coil arrangement can
provide a stronger magnetic field.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagram of two pairs of rectangular eccentric
coils with different structures. Referring now to FIG. 9, a
rectangular eccentric coil 902 is formed by two rectangular
eccentric sections 906 and 908. Coil 902 is similar to coils 804
and 806 (FIG. 8). Sections 906 and 908 can be connected by one or
more conductors and disposed symmetrically with concentrated parts
close to a central line 905 of symmetry. This central concentrated
structure can create a central concentrated current field, which
can further create a central concentrated magnetic field. This
central concentrated structure also can reduce a negative effect
due to opposite current directions in the rectangular coil. Thus,
compared to the conventional coils, the central concentrated
magnetic field can be much stronger in some embodiments.
Rectangular eccentric coils have a smaller size, compared to the
conventional coils in some embodiments.
[0060] A rectangular eccentric coil 904 is similar to coil 902 and
has a structure that provides an advantage according to an
exemplary embodiment. More conductive parts (e.g., longer lines) of
sections 910 and 912 of rectangular eccentric coil 904 are disposed
closely to line 905 of symmetry in some embodiments. This structure
can concentrate more current going through the central conductors
of eccentric coil 904, which can further create a stronger magnetic
field in some embodiments. In some embodiments, rectangular
eccentric coils 902 and 904 both have a dimension of 20 mm.times.20
mm. The smaller size coils use a higher frequency for transferring
energy in some embodiments. Thus, a pair of small eccentric coils
902 or 904 can provide a high-efficiency energy transfer, compared
to the conventional coils in some embodiments. Coils 902 and 904
can be disposed on a two layer circuit board in some
embodiments.
[0061] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an array of rectangular unit
eccentric coils according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to
FIG. 10, an array 1000 of rectangular eccentric unit coils 1002 can
be configured to generate one or more magnetic fields and these
magnetic fields can induce one or more voltages in one or more
consuming devices 207. Rectangular eccentric unit coils 1002 can be
similar to coils 102, 502, 600, 702, and 802. In some embodiments,
array 1000 of unit rectangular eccentric coils 1002 is disposed in
a single plane as shown in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, array 1000
of unit rectangular eccentric unit coils 1002 is disposed in
multiple planes.
[0062] Each of rectangular eccentric unit coils 1002 includes two
of rectangular eccentric coils 902 in some embodiments. The two
rectangular eccentric coils 902 are disposed in different
directions. In some embodiments, one is disposed to provide a field
in a vertical direction and the other is disposed to provide a
field in a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, rectangular
eccentric unit coils 1002 are disposed on a printed circuit board.
One rectangular eccentric coil 902 is disposed on a printed circuit
board conductive layer, and the other rectangular eccentric coil
902 is disposed on another printed circuit board conductive layer.
In some embodiments, rectangular eccentric coils 1002 are disposed
on a double-side printed circuit board. In some embodiments, unit
rectangular eccentric unit coils 1002 include two rectangular
eccentric unit coils 904.
[0063] FIG. 11 is a representation of the magnetic field generated
by an array of rectangular eccentric unit coils. Referring to FIG.
11, an array 1100 of rectangular eccentric unit coils 1102 includes
multiple unit rectangular eccentric unit coils (e.g., pair of coils
904 or coils 902 (FIG. 9) in some embodiments. Each eccentric coil
in the unit rectangular eccentric unit coils 1102 can be configured
to generate a magnetic field. The magnitude of the generated
magnetic field can be controlled by the power source. For example,
a large power supply or large power provided from the power supply
can generate a strong magnetic field. A unit magnetic field can be
formed by combining the two magnetic fields generated by the
eccentric coils. The direction of the unit magnetic field can be
controlled by varying the magnitudes of the two magnetic fields.
Each of unit rectangular eccentric coils 1002 can be configured to
form a magnetic field. For example, unit 1002a creates a magnetic
field 1004 about an axis at 45 degrees. For example, unit 1002b
creates a magnetic field 1006 about an axis in a vertical direction
(e.g., H vector is horizontal). For example, unit 1002c creates a
magnetic field 1010 about an axis in the horizontal direction
(e.g., H vector is vertical). The array of unit coils 1100 can be
configured to connect the adjacent magnetic fields (e.g., magnetic
fields generated by unit coils 1002a and 1002b). The connected
magnetic fields can form one or more rings 1012 as shown in FIG.
11. The one or more rings can serve as a primary magnetic field to
induce a voltage in a consuming device. As shown, the magnetic
field extends from the surface of array for coupling with consuming
device 207 (FIG. 2). The magnetic field extends in concentrated
fashion from array 1100 and can achieve field shapes associated
with a U-shaped solenoid coil in some embodiments.
[0064] FIG. 12 is a diagram of double-layer eccentric coils.
Referring to FIG. 12, double-layer eccentric coils 1200 can be used
as a single coil in unit eccentric coils 802 (e.g., unit eccentric
coils 802 can include two double-layer eccentric coils 1200
disposed in different directions). Double-layer eccentric coils
1200 include two eccentric coils 1202 and 1204 according to some
embodiments. In some embodiments, eccentric coil 1202 is disposed
on a printed circuit board conductive layer, and eccentric coil
1204 is disposed on another printed circuit board conductive layer.
Eccentric coils 1202 and 1204 each have two sections that are
symmetrically disposed and connected by one or more conductors.
This structure allows currents concentrated heavily close to a line
of symmetry 1206, which further generates a strong magnetic field.
The eccentric coils can be any shape. In some embodiments, the
double-layer eccentric coils 1200 have small dimensions. In some
embodiments, a unit of eccentric coils is composed with two
orthogonal double-layer eccentric coils. In some embodiments,
eccentric coils 1200 include a triple layer or more eccentric
coil.
[0065] The disclosure is described above with reference to
drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific
embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of
the present disclosure. However, describing the disclosure with
drawings should not be construed as imposing on the disclosure any
limitations that are present in the drawings. The present
disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on
any machine-readable storage media for accomplishing its
operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be
implemented using circuits, such as processing circuits (e.g., an
existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer
processor incorporated for this or another purpose). No claim
element herein is to be construed as a "means plus function"
element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase
"means for." Furthermore, no element, component or method step in
the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public,
regardless of whether the element, component or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims.
[0066] It should be noted that certain passages of this disclosure
can reference terms such as "first" and "second" in connection with
devices for purposes of identifying or differentiating one from
another or from others. These terms are not intended to merely
relate entities (e.g., a first coil and a second coil) temporally
or according to a sequence, although in some cases, these entities
can include such a relationship. Nor do these terms limit the
number of possible entities (e.g., coils) that can operate within a
system or environment.
[0067] It should be understood that the systems described above can
provide multiple ones of any or each of those components and these
components can be provided on either an integrated circuit or, in
some embodiments, on multiple circuits, circuit boards or discrete
components. In addition, the systems and methods described above
can be adjusted for various system parameters and design criteria,
such as shape of coils, coil layers, etc. Although shown in the
drawings with certain components directly coupled to each other,
direct coupling is not shown in a limiting fashion and is
exemplarily shown. Alternative embodiments include circuits with
indirect coupling between the components shown.
[0068] It should be noted that although the flowcharts provided
herein show a specific order of method steps, it is understood that
the order of these steps can differ from what is depicted. Also two
or more steps can be performed concurrently or with partial
concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and
hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. It is understood
that all such variations are within the scope of the
disclosure.
[0069] While the foregoing written description of the methods and
systems enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is
considered presently to be the best-mode thereof, those of ordinary
skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations,
combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method,
and examples herein. The present methods and systems should
therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments,
methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within
the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
* * * * *