US 9,871,384 B2 · Wireless charging of metal backed electronic devices

Abstract

A method and system for providing wireless power transfer through a metal object by forming a loop conductor from the metal object through a feature or component embedded within the metal object and by replacing portions of the metal object with insulating components. The method and system utilize a recessed channel to install and isolate conductors that are connected to transmitter or receiver circuits and enable wireless power transfer and other communications. The recessed channel creates a loop around at least a portion of the metal object such that the conductor installed therein may form a loop conductor, which may be connected to a source or sink. In some implementations, a logo embedded within the metal object may create a loop formed by the metal object with a current path around the logo, wherein the metal object itself may be configured to operate as the conductor.

Claims33

Dependent claims

An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a transmitter, comprising:

a metal portion comprising a recessed channel extending substantially around a portion of the metal portion;
and
a receive circuit configured to inductively couple power via a magnetic field generated by the transmitter to power or charge a load electrically coupled to the receive circuit, the receive circuit comprising at least one conductor placed within the recessed channel, the at least one conductor configured to form a loop substantially around the portion of the metal portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Wireless charging of metal backed electronic devices

Life of this patent

Wireless charging of metal backed electronic devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims33