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US 2026/0042233 A1Published application
Inductive coupling across a moving boundary of a mobile device
AssigneeSphero, Inc.
InventorRichard Rhodes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of inductively coupling a first body and a second body is provided, wherein the first body rotates relative to the second body. During rotation, alignment is maintained between a first and second coil. Signals are sent and received between the coils.
Claims20
A method of inductively coupling a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is rotatable relative to the second body, the method comprising:
- rotating the first body relative to the second body;
- and
- while rotating the first body, maintaining alignment of a first coil disposed in the first body to a second coil disposed in the second body;
- and
- at least one of:
- (a) sending a signal from the first coil to the second coil and (b) receiving a signal from the second coil at the first coil.
3 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a body comprising a body housing comprising an outer surface and an inner surface at least partially defining an interior body volume;
- a drive element rotatably engaged with the inner surface;
- a biasing mechanism for biasing the drive element into contact with the inner surface, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a bearing disposed opposite the drive element;
- and
- a body coil disposed in the interior body volume and about the biasing mechanism.
2 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a first body comprising a first body housing, wherein the first body housing is configured to rotate about an axis;
- a first coil disposed in the first body housing, wherein the first body housing is configured to rotate relative to the first coil;
- a second body disposed proximate the first body, the second body comprising a second body housing;
- a second coil disposed in the second body housing, wherein the second coil is configured to be aligned with the first coil during a rotation of the first body housing.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.