Efficiency and flexibility in inductive charging

A method of providing improved efficiency and flexibility in inductive charging, comprising the steps of:

• providing a base unit having one or more primary coils, wherein each primary coil is configured so that when a current is passed through it, a magnetic field is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary coil;
• providing one or more secondary coils or receivers associated with one or more mobile devices;
• providing one or more components within the base unit and/or the mobile devices, for improving efficiency and/or flexibility in inductive charging;
• and
• wherein when the one or more mobile devices are placed in proximity to the base unit, the perpendicular magnetic field is used to inductively generate a current in the one or more secondary coils or receivers associated therewith, to charge or power the device;
• and
• wherein the base unit and/or mobile device includes a microcontroller for use in controlling charging or powering, including monitoring current flow and/or providing communication between the base unit and the mobile device.

A system for improved efficiency and flexibility in inductive charging, comprising:

• a base unit having one or more primary coils, wherein each primary coil is configured so that when a current is passed through it, a magnetic field is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary coil;
• one or more secondary coils or receivers associated with one or more mobile device;
• one or more components within the base unit and/or the mobile device, for improving efficiency and/or flexibility in inductive charging;
• and
• wherein when the one or more mobile device is placed in proximity to the base unit, the perpendicular magnetic field is used to inductively generate a current in the one or more secondary coils or receivers associated therewith, to charge or power the device;
• and
• wherein the base unit and/or mobile device includes a microcontroller for use in controlling charging or powering, including monitoring voltage and/or providing communication between the base unit and the mobile device.

A method of providing improved efficiency and flexibility in inductive charging, comprising the steps of:

• providing a base unit having one or more primary coils, wherein each primary coil is configured so that when a current is passed through it, a magnetic field is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary coil;
• providing one or more secondary coils or receivers associated with one or more mobile devices;
• providing one or more components within the base unit and/or the mobile devices, for improving efficiency and/or flexibility in inductive charging;
• and
• wherein when the one or more mobile devices are placed in proximity to the base unit, the perpendicular magnetic field is used to inductively generate a current in the one or more secondary coils or receivers associated therewith, to charge or power the device;
• and
• wherein the base unit and/or mobile device includes a microcontroller for use in controlling charging or powering, including monitoring voltage and/or providing communication between the base unit and the mobile device.