Self-locating inductive coil
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsEric S. Jol, Ibuki Kamei, Warren Z. Jones
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems for automatically aligning a power-transmitting inductor with a power-receiving inductor. One embodiment includes multiple permanent magnets coupled to and arranged on a surface of a movable assembly accommodating a power-transmitting inductor. The permanent magnets encourage the movable assembly to freely move and/or rotate via magnetic attraction to correspondingly arranged magnets within an accessory containing a power-receiving inductor.
Claims20
A power transfer apparatus comprising:
- a housing defining an interface surface for receiving a power receiving apparatus;
- a power supply;
- and
- a power-transmitting structure coupled to the power supply and disposed within the housing below the interface surface;
- wherein the power-transmitting structure is movable in at least a first direction.
A method of positioning a coil within an inductive power transmitter, comprising:
- placing an inductive power receiver at a location on an interface surface comprising:
- a movable structural member positioned below the interface surface;
- and
- an inductive coil affixed to the structural member;
- and
- translating the structural member below the interface surface to the location.
A power transfer system comprising:
- a power receiving apparatus comprising:
- a first housing;
- a rechargeable battery;
- and
- a power-receiving structure coupled to the rechargeable battery and disposed within the housing;
- and
- a power transmitting device comprising:
- a second housing defining an interface surface for receiving a portion of the first housing;
- a power supply;
- and
- a power-transmitting structure coupled to the power supply and disposed within the housing below the interface surface, the power-transmitting structure movable in at least a first direction in response to a motive force generated by the power-receiving apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.