MAGNETICALLY ATTACHABLE GAMING ACCESSORY

Accessories that can improve a specific functionality of an electronic device, can readily attach to an electronic device, can be easy to use, and can have a small and efficient form factor. One example can provide a gaming accessory that can improve the game playing functionality of an electronic device, such as a phone, tablet, or other computing device. This gaming accessory can provide a physical interface for controlling game activities on the electronic device such that a screen of the electronic device remains at least largely unobstructed during game play.

BACKGROUND

The number of types of electronic devices that are commercially available has increased tremendously the past few years and the rate of introduction of new devices shows no signs of abating. Devices such as tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, cell phones, storage devices, wearable-computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, adapters, and others, have become ubiquitous.

As a result of the ubiquity and increasing functionality of these electronic devices, they now travel with us wherever we go. They are often used during or in conjunction with many daily activities, either while performing an activity or in a manner that supplements an activity.

As a result of this constant companionship, it can be desirable for these electronic devices to be particularly adept at performing specific functions. Accordingly, it can be desirable to provide accessories that can improve one or more functionalities of an electronic device.

But it can be difficult to attach an accessory to an electronic device. Any significant effort in making such a connection can quickly reduce the desirability and usefulness of the accessory. Accordingly, it can be desirable that such an accessory be readily connected to an electronic device.

Some accessories can be difficult to use. They can have complicated interfaces and arcane instructions. This too can rapidly reduce the desirability and usefulness of the accessory. Accordingly, it can be desirable that such an accessory be easy and intuitive to use.

Also, some accessories can be rather bulky and difficult to carry along with an electronic device. Accordingly, it can be desirable that these accessories have a small and efficient form factor that makes them easy to transport.

Thus, what is needed are accessories that can improve a specific functionality of an electronic device, can readily attach to an electronic device, can be easy to use, and can have a small and efficient form factor.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide accessories that can improve one or more functionalities of an electronic device, can readily attach to an electronic device, can be easy to use, and can have a small and efficient form factor.

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a gaming accessory that can improve the game playing functionality of an electronic device, such as a phone, tablet, wearable computing device, or other computing device. This gaming accessory can provide a physical interface for controlling game activities on the electronic device such that a screen of the electronic device remains at least largely unobstructed during game play. The gaming accessory can include a tray, panel, or base and one or more game controllers that can attach to the tray, panel, base (generally referred to herein as a tray or base), or electronic device such that the game controllers are positioned on one or more sides of the electronic device. Each game controller can include one or more user-interface controls. The game controllers can be readily grasped during game play thereby improving the game playing functionality.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that readily attach to an electronic device. A gaming accessory can include an attachment feature that can attach the gaming accessory to a surface of an electronic device. The attachment feature can include a magnet. The attachment feature can also or instead include multiple magnets. The attachment feature can also or instead include a magnet array. The magnet array can be arranged in a circular pattern. The magnet array in the gaming accessory can be magnetically attracted to a corresponding magnetic array in the electronic device.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a gaming accessory having a fixed magnet array. In this arrangement it can be desirable to limit a strength of a magnetic field generated by the fixed magnetic array at a contacting surface of the gaming accessory in order to protect information that might be magnetically stored, for example on credit cards, transit passes, or elsewhere. But it can also be desirable to increase the magnetic field to improve the attachment of the gaming accessory to the electronic device. Accordingly, the magnetic field can be increased when the gaming accessory is or is about to be attached to the electronic device. For example, an electromagnet can be used. Current through the electromagnetic can be increased in order to increase magnetic attraction. Also or instead, the magnet array of a gaming accessory can be a moving magnet array. This moving magnet array can move from a first position away from a contacting surface to a second position near the contacting surface when the gaming accessory is or is about to be attached to the electronic device. When the gaming accessory is removed from the electronic device, the moving magnet array can return to the first position away from the contacting surface.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can further include an alignment feature for a gaming accessory, where the alignment feature can align the gaming accessory in a particular orientation relative to the electronic device. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that are easy to use. For example, these gaming accessories can include one or more game controllers that support user-interface controls such as a directional joystick, D-pad, button array, shoulder button, or other user-interface controls.

The use of these gaming accessories can further be simplified by providing circuitry and components that allow an electronic device to determine that a gaming accessory is attached. Once this determination is made, the electronic device can enter a gaming mode without further intervention. Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a gaming accessory that can be identified by an electronic device. Once an electronic device identifies that it is attached to a gaming accessory, the electronic device can commence various operations. More specifically, the electronic device can comprise a magnetometer. The magnetometer can detect the magnet array in the attached game controller. In response to this detection, the electronic device can generate a field using near-field communication circuitry. The near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device can use changes in this field to detect near-field communication circuitry in the attached gaming accessory and to read data from the gaming accessory. The near-field communication circuitry in the attached gaming accessory can include a tag, capacitors, and other components. The tag can include identifying information. In response to detecting a connection, the electronic device can enter a game-playing mode or take other appropriate actions.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that provide a small and efficient form factor. For example, an electronic device can be supported by a tray of a gaming accessory. The tray can be a case or cover that can be removably attached to the electronic device. A first game controller of the gaming accessory can be removably attached to a first side of the tray and a second game controller of the gaming accessory can be removably attached to a second side of the tray, where the first and second sides are opposing sides. The first game controller can alternatively be removably attached to a third side of the tray, where the third side is between the first side and the second side. The second game controller can alternately be removably attached to a fourth side of the tray, the fourth side opposite the third side. The first game controller and the second game controller can include tabs that can attach to grooves in sides of the tray. The first game controller and second game controller can include spring-biased or other contacts that can physically and electrically connect to corresponding contacts in the grooves in sides of the tray. These contacts can extend some of the length of a side of the tray such that the first game controller and second game controller can be removably attached at different positions along sides of the tray.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories arranged as a folio for an electronic device. This folio configuration can provide a small and efficient form factor for a gaming accessory. The folio can include a back panel or tray to support the electronic device. The back panel or tray can substantially cover a back side of the electronic device. The folio can include a cover connected to the back panel or tray by a hinge. The cover can be in a first position over a screen on a front side of the electronic device and a second position where the electronic device is at an oblique angle to the cover. The cover can include one or more openings. The electronic device can detect when the cover is in the first position, and in response, the electronic device can generate one or more icons or other images on the screen, where the one or more icons or other images on the screen align with the one or more openings on the cover. The remaining portions of the screen that are not aligned with the one or more openings can be turned off to save power. One or more user-interface controls can be located on either or both sides of the cover and can be used when the cover is in the second position or first position.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that can be attached to a back side of an electronic device in either a first orientation or a second orientation. When a gaming accessory is attached in a first orientation (for example, a landscape orientation), the gaming accessory can have an outline that is at least approximately coincident with the electronic device, thereby providing a gaming accessory with a highly efficient form factor. More specifically, the gaming accessory can include a base, a first game controller, and a second game controller. The first game controller and the second game controller can be in a first position where the first game controller and the second game controller are adjacent to the base. In this first position, the gaming accessory can be at least approximately coincident with the electronic device. The first game controller and the second game controller can move to a second position where the first game controller and the second game controller are away from the base. In this position, user-interface controls on the first game controller and the second game controller can be available for use at sides of the electronic device. When the gaming accessory is attached in the second orientation (for example a portrait orientation), user-interface controls on the first game controller and the second game controller can be available for use at sides of the electronic device when the first game controller and the second game controller are in the first position and adjacent to the base.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide other gaming accessories having a folio form factor. Such a gaming accessory can include a back panel or tray to support an electronic device. The back panel or tray can be connected to a cover via a hinge. The cover can include a cover screen that can act as a second screen to a screen on the electronic device. The cover screen can include one or more openings, where user-input controls can be located in each of the one or more openings. The cover screen can display images that are supplemental to images on the screen of the electronic device. The screen of the electronic device can display images that are supplemental to images on the cover screen. The screen on the electronic device and the cover screen can also display continuous images that are split between the two screens.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that can synchronize game play information between users. A gaming accessory can include a back panel or tray to support an electronic device. A first game controller can attach to the back panel or tray, or can fit over or otherwise attach to a first end of the electronic device, and a second game controller can attach to the back panel or tray, or can fit over or otherwise attach to a second end of the electronic device. The first game controller can be swappable between a first player and a second player. That is, the first player and the second player can swap first game controllers and attach the first game controllers to their gaming accessory. This can allow information from the first player's gaming accessory to synchronize with the second player's gaming accessory and information from the second player's gaming accessory to synchronize with the first player's gaming accessory.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that can include a projector. A projector can project an image of game play onto a surface. The projected image can be the same or different as an image viewable on an electronic device attached to the gaming accessory.

Various types of data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from a game controller of a gaming accessory to an electronic device. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from a gaming accessory to an electronic device. The electronic device can provide information to the gaming accessory for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on the gaming accessory, as well as other types of information.

Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device in various ways. For example, data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using near-field communication circuitry. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using charging circuitry. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using electrical contacts. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using any one or a combination of these.

Again, data can be transferred from an accessory to an electronic device using near-field communication circuitry. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in an electronic device. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in the accessory can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device. From this, the data transmitted by the accessory can be read. Data can similarly be transmitted from the electronic device to the accessory.

Data can also or instead be transferred from a gaming accessory to an electronic device using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in the gaming accessory can generate currents in a coil of the gaming accessory. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in the electronic device. Control circuitry in the electronic device can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by the gaming accessory. Data can similarly be transferred from the electronic device to the gaming accessory.

Data can also or instead be transferred from a gaming accessory to an electronic device using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from the electronic device to the gaming accessory.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to a gaming accessory in various ways. For example gaming accessory can receive wired power. The gaming accessory can also or instead receive wireless power.

A gaming accessory can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in the gaming accessory that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source.

A gaming accessory for an electronic device can receive wireless power from the electronic device or other wireless charger. For example, the gaming accessory can include a charging coil and control circuitry that allow the gaming accessory to be inductively charged by either the electronic device, a wireless charger, or other charging device.

A gaming accessory for an electronic device can also act as a pass-through that allows an electronic device to be charged. For example, an electronic device in gaming accessory can be placed on a wireless charger. The wireless charger can charge the electronic device through the gaming accessory.

Various embodiments of the present invention can incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates a gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure, as with the other figures, is shown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the present invention or the claims.

Gaming accessory100can include back panel or tray110supporting electronic device190. Back panel or tray110(referred to herein as tray110) can cover some or all of a back side (not shown) of electronic device190. Tray110can further cover some or all of sides of electronic device190, leaving a screen192on a front side of electronic device190at least largely unobstructed. Gaming accessory100can further include first game controller120. First game controller120can include a tab (not shown) on side122that can fit in a slot (not shown) on side112of tray110. First game controller120can include user-interface control124, which can be a directional joystick, a button array, a shoulder button, or other user-interface control. Gaming accessory100can further include second game controller130. Second game controller130can include a tab (not shown) on side132that can fit in a slot (not shown) on side114of tray110. Second game controller130can include user-interface control134, which can be a directional joystick, a button array, a shoulder button, or other user-interface control.

Gaming accessory100can provide an improved gaming functionality for electronic device190. Specifically, in this configuration, first game controller120and second game controller130can be on sides of tray110, thereby allowing screen192of electronic device190to remain at least largely unobstructed. First game controller120and second game controller130can easily be removed. Tray110can be used as a case or protective cover for electronic device190when first game controller120and second game controller130are removed. This configuration can provide a small and efficient form factor for gaming accessory100.

Again, first game controller120can include a tab on side122that fits in a slot on side112of tray110. Similarly, second game controller130can include a tab on side114that fits in a slot on side one14of tray110. Contacts on each tab can mate with corresponding contacts in slots on sides of tray110. One or more of these contacts can be spring biased or other types of contacts. Alternatively, first game controller120can magnetically attach to tray110at side112. Similarly, second game controller130can magnetically attach to tray110at side114.

Gaming accessory100can readily attach to electronic device190. For example, tray110can fit around electronic device190. Alternatively, tray110can magnetically attach to electronic device190. This can be particularly true when tray110has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray110can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device190. Tray110can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device190. Tray110can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device190. For example, tray110can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component1716(shown inFIG. 17) while electronic device190can include a magnet array such as secondary magnetic alignment component1718(shown inFIG. 17) or any of the other alignment components shown herein. Alternatively, tray110can include a pass-through magnet array. The use of a pass-through magnet array can allow electronic device190or gaming accessory100to be charged while gaming accessory100is attached to electronic device190. For example, tray110can include an auxiliary magnet array such as auxiliary alignment component3770(shown inFIG. 37A.) These magnets in the magnet array in tray110can be fixed in position or they can move to increase a magnetic attraction to electronic device190. For example, they can move closer to a top surface of tray110and nearer electronic device190when tray110is or is about to be attached to electronic device190. Examples of moving magnet arrays are shown below inFIG. 38throughFIG. 45below. Gaming accessory100can further include an additional alignment feature, where the alignment feature can align gaming accessory100in a particular orientation relative to electronic device190. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array. For example, gaming accessory100can include secondary rotational alignment component2724(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32, while electronic device190can include primary rotational alignment component2722(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32.

Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory100. For example, tray110can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device190can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray110. From this, electronic device190can determine that it is attached to tray110and can enter a gaming mode of operation.

These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory100to electronic device190, and from electronic device190to gaming accessory100. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device190. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory100can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device190. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory100can be read by electronic device190. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device190to gaming accessory100Gaming accessory100can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil4664(shown inFIG. 46.)

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory100to electronic device190using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory100can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory100. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device190. Control circuitry in electronic device190can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory100. Gaming accessory100can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that can be used in transmitting data. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device190to gaming accessory100.

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory100to electronic device190using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device190to gaming accessory100.

Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory100and electronic device190. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from first game controller120, second game controller130, or tray110of gaming accessory100to electronic device190. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory100to electronic device190. Electronic device190can provide information to gaming accessory100for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory100, as well as other types of information.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory100in various ways. For example, gaming accessory100can receive wired power. Gaming accessory100can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory100can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in first game controller120, second game controller130, or tray110that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, electronic device190, or other charging or other power source. Gaming accessory100can receive wireless power from the electronic device190or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory100can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that allow gaming accessory100to be inductively charged by either electronic device190, a wireless charger, or other charging device. Power can be stored in one or more batteries that can be housed in one or more of the tray110, first game controller120, and second game controller130.

In this example, first game controller120can be attached to side112of tray110, while second game controller130can be attached to an opposing side114of tray110. In this configuration, games can be played in a landscape orientation. Other configurations are possible. For example, first game controller120can be attached to side116of tray110. Side116of tray110can be adjacent to side112and side114of tray110. Second game controller130can be attached to side118of tray110, where side116of tray110and side118of tray110are opposing sides. An example is shown in the following figure.

FIG. 2illustrates the gaming accessory ofFIG. 1. In this configuration, first game controller120can be attached to side116of tray110. Second game controller130can be attached to side118of tray110. In this configuration, first game controller120and second game controller130can be on sides of electronic device190, thereby leaving screen192at least largely unobstructed. In this configuration, games can be played in a portrait mode using gaming accessory300.

In these examples, electronic device190can be a smart phone, tablet, wearable computing device, or other electronic device. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, a larger screen of a tablet can encourage additional functionality, though this additional functionality can be provided when using a smart phone, wearable computing device, or other electronic device as well. Examples are shown in the following figure.

FIG. 3illustrates another gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory300can include tray140supporting electronic device390. Tray140can be similar to tray110(shown inFIG. 1.) Tray140can be a back panel, cover, or tray that can at least partially cover a backside of electronic device390. Tray140can further cover sides of electronic device390. First game controller120can be attached to side142of tray140, while second game controller130can be attached to side144of tray140.

In this example, electronic device390can be a tablet computing device having a relatively larger screen392. The relatively larger screen392can be subdivided to show two or more types of information. These two or more types of information can be provided by one, two, or more than two different applications. The division on the screen can be determined by the positions of first game controller120and second game controller along their corresponding sides of tray140. In this example, first game controller120can be attached to side142of tray140at location143, while second game controller130can be attached to side144of tray140at location145. This can cause screen392to be subdivided into screen portion394and screen portion396. Screen portion394and screen portion396can convey different types of information, where the different types of information are provided by the same or different sources or applications. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, first game controller120can connect to tray110at side146, while second game controller130can connect to tray110at side148. While in this example, tray140is shown as substantially covering a backside of electronic device390, in these and other embodiments of the present invention, tray140can extend from first game controller120to second game controller130thereby covering only a portion of a backside of electronic device390. For example, tray140can cover a portion of a backside of electronic device390that at least approximately aligns with screen portion396.

FIG. 4AandFIG. 4Billustrate another gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory400can include tray410to support electronic device490having screen492. Tray410can form back panel, cover, or tray for electronic device490. For example, tray410can cover some or all of a back side of electronic device490. Tray410can further cover some or all of sides of electronic device490. Tray410can further be attached to sliding game controller420. Sliding game controller420can slide between two positions. Game controller420can be in a first position under tray410as shown inFIG. 4A. In this configuration, tray410and game controller420can be aligned. This aligned arrangement can provide an efficient form factor for transport of electronic device490and gaming accessory400. Game controller420can also be in a second position partially out from under tray410such that user-input controls430and432on portion422are exposed. Game controller420can include hinge423to allow portion422of game controller420to be angled at a desirable position.

Gaming accessory400can readily attach to electronic device490. For example, tray410can fit around electronic device490leaving screen492at least largely unobstructed. Alternatively, tray410can magnetically attach to electronic device490. This can be particularly true when tray410has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray410can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device490. Tray410can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device490. Tray410can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device490. For example, tray410can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component1716(shown inFIG. 17) while electronic device490can include a magnet array such as secondary magnetic alignment component1718(shown inFIG. 17) or any of the other alignment components shown herein. Alternatively, tray410can include a pass-through magnet array. The use of a pass-through magnet array can allow electronic device490or gaming accessory400to be charged while gaming accessory400is attached to electronic device490. For example, tray410can include an auxiliary magnet array such as auxiliary alignment component3770(shown inFIG. 37A.) These magnets in the magnet array in tray410can be fixed in position or they can move to increase a magnetic attraction to electronic device490. For example, they can move closer to a top surface of tray410and nearer electronic device490when tray410is or is about to be attached to electronic device490. Examples of moving magnet arrays are shown below inFIG. 38throughFIG. 45below. Gaming accessory400can further include an additional alignment feature, where the alignment feature can align gaming accessory400in a particular orientation relative to electronic device490. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array. For example, gaming accessory400can include secondary rotational alignment component2724(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32, while electronic device490can include primary rotational alignment component2722(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32.

Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory400. For example, tray410can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device490can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray410. From this, electronic device490can determine that it is attached to tray410and can enter a gaming mode of operation.

These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory400to electronic device490, and from electronic device490to gaming accessory400. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device490. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory400can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device490. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory400can be read by electronic device490. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device490to gaming accessory400Gaming accessory400can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil4664(shown inFIG. 46.)

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory400to electronic device490using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory400can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory400. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device490. Control circuitry in electronic device490can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory400. Gaming accessory400can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that can be used in transmitting data. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device490to gaming accessory400.

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory400to electronic device490using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device490to gaming accessory400.

Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory400and electronic device490. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller420or other portion of gaming accessory400to electronic device490. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory400to electronic device490. Electronic device490can provide information to gaming accessory400for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory400, as well as other types of information.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory400in various ways. For example, gaming accessory400can receive wired power. Gaming accessory400can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory400can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller420or tray410that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, electronic device490, or other charging or other power source. Gaming accessory400can receive wireless power from the electronic device490or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory400can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that allow gaming accessory400to be inductively charged by either electronic device490, a wireless charger, or other charging device. Power can be stored in one or more batteries that can be housed in one or more of tray410and game controller420.

FIG. 5AandFIG. 5Billustrate another game controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory500can have an efficient form factor as a folio including tray510and game controller520. Tray510can support electronic device590. Tray510can be a back panel or tray that can cover at least a portion of a back side of electronic device590. Tray510can also cover sides of electronic device590, thereby leaving screen592at least largely unobstructed. Tray510can be attached to game controller520through hinge514. Hinge514can include portion512, the can be used to prop up electronic device590when game controller520is resting on a flat surface.

Game controller520can include one or more user-input controls, shown here as user-input controls530and532. User-input controls530and532, as with the other user-input controls shown herein, can include directional or D pads, joysticks, button pads, or other user-input controls. Game controller520can provide a cover for screen592of electronic device590when gaming accessory500is in a closed position, as shown inFIG. 5B. Game controller520can further include openings540. Openings540can be aligned with images or icons594on screen592of electronic device590. Obscured portions of screen592not aligned with openings540can be off to reduce power dissipation in electronic device590.

In this way, functionality of electronic device590can be accessed even when the folio forming gaming accessory500is closed. For example, icon594can be touched in order to make a phone call, while calendar information can be accessed by touching icon595. These icons can be replaced by images for a game by pressing gaming icon596. Game play can then proceed with the touching of icons595in openings540controlling the gaming action.

Gaming accessory500can readily attach to electronic device590. For example, tray510can fit around electronic device590. Alternatively, tray510can magnetically attach to electronic device590. This can be particularly true when tray510has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray510can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device590. Tray510can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device590. Tray510can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device590. For example, tray510can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component1716(shown inFIG. 17) while electronic device590can include a magnet array such as secondary magnetic alignment component1718(shown inFIG. 17) or any of the other alignment components shown herein. Alternatively, tray510can include a pass-through magnet array. The use of a pass-through magnet array can allow electronic device590or gaming accessory500to be charged while gaming accessory500is attached to electronic device590. For example, tray510can include an auxiliary magnet array such as auxiliary alignment component3770(shown inFIG. 37A.) These magnets in the magnet array in tray510can be fixed in position or they can move to increase a magnetic attraction to electronic device590. For example, they can move closer to a top surface of tray510and nearer electronic device590when tray510is or is about to be attached to electronic device590. Examples of moving magnet arrays are shown below inFIG. 38throughFIG. 55below. Gaming accessory500can further include an additional alignment feature, where the alignment feature can align gaming accessory500in a particular orientation relative to electronic device590. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array. For example, gaming accessory500can include secondary rotational alignment component2724(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32, while electronic device590can include primary rotational alignment component2722(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32.

Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory500. For example, tray510can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device590can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray510. From this, electronic device590can determine that it is attached to tray510and can enter a gaming mode of operation.

These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory500to electronic device590, and from electronic device590to gaming accessory500. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device590. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory500can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device590. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory500can be read by electronic device590. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device590to gaming accessory500Gaming accessory500can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil4664(shown inFIG. 46.)

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory500to electronic device590using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory500can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory500. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in the electronic device. Control circuitry in electronic device590can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory100. Gaming accessory500can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that can be used in transmitting data. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device590to gaming accessory500.

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory500to electronic device590using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device590to gaming accessory500.

Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory500and electronic device590. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller520of gaming accessory500to electronic device590. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory500to electronic device590. Electronic device590can provide information to gaming accessory500for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory500, as well as other types of information.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory500in various ways. For example, gaming accessory500can receive wired power. Gaming accessory500can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory500can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller520or tray510that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory500can receive wireless power from the electronic device590or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory500can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that allow gaming accessory500to be inductively charged by either electronic device590, a wireless charger, or other charging device. Power can be stored in one or more batteries that can be housed in one or more of tray510and game controller520.

FIG. 6AandFIG. 6Billustrate another gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory600can have an efficient form factor as a folio that includes tray610and game controller620. Tray610can support electronic device690. Tray610can be a back panel or tray that can cover at least a portion of a back side of electronic device690. Tray610can also cover sides of electronic device690, thereby leaving screen692at least largely unobstructed. Tray610can be attached to game controller620through hinge612, cover portion650, and hinge614. Cover portion650and game controller620can include cutout640. Cutout640can expose a section694of screen692of electronic device690when game controller620and cover portion650are closed over screen692of electronic device690.

As shown inFIG. 6A, when the folio of gaming accessory600is open, game controller620can be folded over cover portion650along hinge614. This can position user-interface controls630and632where they can be easily manipulated to control game action on the screen692of electronic device690. Cutout640can be used to improve a game player's grip. As shown inFIG. 6B, when the folio of gaming accessory600is closed, game controller620can be located on a top surface of electronic device690. Cutout640can expose section694of screen692of electronic device690. The remaining sections of screen692that are not exposed by cutout640can be turned off to reduce power consumption of electronic device690. User-interface controls630and632on game controller620can be manipulated to control gameplay and other information695displayed on section694of screen692.

Gaming accessory600can readily attach to electronic device690. For example, tray610can fit around electronic device690. Alternatively, tray610can magnetically attach to electronic device690. This can be particularly true when tray610has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray610can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device690. Tray610can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device690. Tray610can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device690. For example, tray610can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component1716(shown inFIG. 17) while electronic device690can include a magnet array such as secondary magnetic alignment component1718(shown inFIG. 17) or any of the other alignment components shown herein. Alternatively, tray610can include a pass-through magnet array. The use of a pass-through magnet array can allow electronic device690or gaming accessory600to be charged while gaming accessory600is attached to electronic device690. For example, tray610can include an auxiliary magnet array such as auxiliary alignment component3770(shown inFIG. 37A.) These magnets in the magnet array in tray610can be fixed in position or they can move to increase a magnetic attraction to electronic device690. For example, they can move closer to a top surface of tray610and nearer electronic device690when tray610is or is about to be attached to electronic device690. Examples of moving magnet arrays are shown below inFIG. 38throughFIG. 55below. Gaming accessory600can further include an additional alignment feature, where the alignment feature can align gaming accessory600in a particular orientation relative to electronic device690. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array. For example, gaming accessory600can include secondary rotational alignment component2724(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32, while electronic device690can include primary rotational alignment component2722(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32.

Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory600. For example, tray610can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device690can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray610. From this, electronic device690can determine that it is attached to tray610and can enter a gaming mode of operation.

These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory600to electronic device690, and from electronic device690to gaming accessory600. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device690. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory600can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device690. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory600can be read by electronic device690. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device690to gaming accessory600Gaming accessory600can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil4664(shown inFIG. 46.)

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory600to electronic device690using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory600can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory600. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device690. Control circuitry in electronic device690can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory600. Gaming accessory600can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that can be used in transmitting data. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device690to gaming accessory600.

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory600to electronic device690using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device690to gaming accessory600.

Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory600and electronic device690. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller620of gaming accessory600to electronic device690. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory600to electronic device690. Electronic device690can provide information to gaming accessory600for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory600, as well as other types of information.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory600in various ways. For example, gaming accessory600can receive wired power. Gaming accessory600can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory600can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller620or tray610that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory600can receive wireless power from the electronic device690or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory600can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that allow gaming accessory600to be inductively charged by either electronic device690, a wireless charger, or other charging device. Power can be stored in one or more batteries that can be housed in one or more of tray610and game controller620.

FIG. 8AandFIG. 8Billustrate another gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory800can have an efficient form factor by having a profile that is at least similar to a profile of an electronic device. For example, gaming accessory800can include a base810, first game controller820, and second game controller830. As shown inFIG. 8A, first game controller820can be in a first position adjacent to base810and adjacent to a back side of electronic device890. Similarly, second game controller830can also be in a first position adjacent to base810and adjacent to a back side of electronic device890. When first game controller820and second game controller830are in this first position, gaming accessory800can have a profile that is similar to a profile for electronic device890. That is, and outer perimeter of gaming accessory800can be at least approximately coincident with an outer perimeter of electronic device890. As shown inFIG. 8B, first game controller820can move to a second position away from base810. This can expose user-interface control824where it can be manipulated to control gameplay on screen892of electronic device890. Similarly, second game controller830can move to a second position away from base810. This can expose user-interface control834, where it can be manipulated to control gameplay on screen892of electronic device890.

FIG. 9AandFIG. 9Billustrate a backside of the gaming accessory ofFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B. InFIG. 9A, first game controller820can be in a first position adjacent to base810. Second game controller830can be in a first position adjacent to base810. In this configuration, the closed gaming accessory800can have a similar profile or perimeter as electronic device890. InFIG. 9B, first game controller820can be moved to a second position away from base810. First game controller820can slide along plate822. Plate822can be attached to first game controller820and can slide in and out of base810. Alternatively, plate822can be attached to base810and can slide in and out of first game controller820. Alternatively, plate822can float and can slide in and out of first game controller820and base810. Similarly, plate832can be attached second game controller830and can slide in and out of base810. Alternatively, plate832can be attached to base810and can slide in and out of second game controller830. Alternatively, plate832can float and can slide in and out of second game controller830and base810. Plate822can include opening823for lenses or other components894on a backside of electronic device890.

In this configuration, games can be played in a landscape orientation. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, gaming accessory800can be used to play games in a portrait orientation. An example is shown in the following figure.

FIG. 10AandFIG. 10Billustrate the gaming accessory ofFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B. In this example, gaming accessory800can be attached to a back side of electronic device890. First game controller820can be in the first position adjacent to base810. Similarly, second game controller830can be in the first position adjacent to base810. The portrait orientation of electronic device890can expose user-interface controls824on first game controller820and user-interface control834on second game controller830. Lenses or other components894, as well as screen892, can remain at least largely unobstructed by gaming accessory800.

Gaming accessory800can readily attach to electronic device890. For example, base810can fit around electronic device890. Alternatively, base810can magnetically attach to electronic device890. This can be particularly true when base810has a cover or back panel configuration. Base810can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device890. Base810can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device890. Base810can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device890. For example, base810can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component1716(shown inFIG. 17) while electronic device890can include a magnet array such as secondary magnetic alignment component1718(shown inFIG. 17) or any of the other alignment components shown herein. Alternatively, base810can include a pass-through magnet array. The use of a pass-through magnet array can allow electronic device890or gaming accessory800to be charged while gaming accessory800is attached to electronic device890. For example, base810can include an auxiliary magnet array such as auxiliary alignment component3770(shown inFIG. 37A.) These magnets in the magnet array in base810can be fixed in position or they can move to increase a magnetic attraction to electronic device890. For example, they can move closer to a top surface of base810and nearer electronic device890when base810is or is about to be attached to electronic device890. Examples of moving magnet arrays are shown below inFIG. 38throughFIG. 55below. Gaming accessory800can further include an additional alignment feature, where the alignment feature can align gaming accessory800in a particular orientation relative to electronic device890. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array. For example, gaming accessory800can include secondary rotational alignment component2724(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32, while electronic device890can include primary rotational alignment component2722(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32.

Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory800. For example, base810can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device890can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in base810. From this, electronic device890can determine that it is attached to base810and can enter a gaming mode of operation.

These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory800to electronic device890, and from electronic device890to gaming accessory800. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device890. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory800can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device890. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory800can be read by electronic device890. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device890to gaming accessory800Gaming accessory800can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil4664(shown inFIG. 46.)

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory800to electronic device using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory800can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory800. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device890. Control circuitry in electronic device890can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory800. Gaming accessory800can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that can be used in transmitting data. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device890to gaming accessory800.

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory800to electronic device890using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device890to gaming accessory800.

Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory800and electronic device890. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from first game controller820and second game controller of gaming accessory800to electronic device890. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory800to electronic device890. Electronic device890can provide information to gaming accessory800for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory800, as well as other types of information.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory800in various ways. For example, gaming accessory800can receive wired power. Gaming accessory800can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory800can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in first game controller820or base810that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory800can receive wireless power from the electronic device890or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory800can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that allow gaming accessory800to be inductively charged by either electronic device890, a wireless charger, or other charging device. Power can be stored in one or more batteries that can be housed in one or more of base810, first game controller820, and second game controller830.

FIG. 11illustrates another gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory1100can have an efficient form factor as a folio that includes tray1110and game controller1120. Tray1110can support electronic device1190. Tray1110can be a back panel or tray that can cover at least a portion of a back side of electronic device1190. Tray1110can also cover sides of electronic device1190, thereby leaving screen1192at least largely unobstructed. Tray1110can be attached to game controller1120through hinge1112.

Game controller1120can include cover screen1121. Opening1122and opening1124can be formed in cover screen1121. Opening1122and opening1124can provide passage for user-interface control1132and user-interface control1134. User-interface control1132and user-interface control1134can themselves have a screen, display, or icon on a top surface. Cover screen1121can act as a second screen to gameplay action on screen1192of electronic device1190. Information on cover screen1121can be provided by the same or a different application as information displayed on screen1192.

In this configuration, tray1110can include portion1114attached to hinge1112. Portion1114can fold out away from a backside of electronic device1190. Portion1114can act to prop-up electronic device1190when game controller1120is resting on a flat surface. Other configurations are possible. Examples are shown in the following figures.

FIG. 12illustrates the gaming accessory ofFIG. 11. In this example, hinge1112can allow gaming accessory1100to be opened to a flat position. This configuration can allow head-to-head competition, where a first game player can play a game using virtual controls on screen1192of electronic device1190and a second game player can play the game using cover screen1121and user-interface controls1132and1134on game controller1120. In this example, screen1192and cover screen1121can be used as a single larger virtual screen where gameplay action occurs on both screens. In other examples, screen1192and cover screen1121can be used to show separate images.

FIG. 13AandFIG. 13Billustrate the gaming accessory ofFIG. 11. In this example, hinge1112can allow screen1192of electronic device1190and cover screen1121of gaming accessory1100to face in opposite directions. InFIG. 13A, a first game player can observe a screen1192of electronic device1190, while electronic device1190is being used by second game player. In this example, the first game player can read information about the status of gameplay by the second game player on screen1192. InFIG. 13B, the first game player can manipulate gameplay on cover screen1121of gaming accessory1100using user-interface control1132and user-interface control1134. User-interface control1132can be positioned in opening1122of cover screen1121. User-interface control1134can be positioned in opening1124of cover screen1121. In this way, the first game player can play a game holding a first gaming accessory1100(as shown inFIG. 13B) and can observe status or other information about a second game player holding a second gaming accessory1100(as shown inFIG. 13A.)

The two screens, screen1192of electronic device1190, and cover screen1121of game controller1120can be used as a single screen as shown inFIG. 12. This can be useful in gaming applications. This can also be useful in virtual reality or augmented reality applications. An example is shown in the following figure.

FIG. 14illustrates the gaming accessory ofFIG. 11. In this example, screen1192of electronic device1190and cover screen1121of game controller1120can be connected through hinge1112and can be used to show a single virtual reality or augmented reality image. A camera (not shown) of electronic device1190can be used in generating some or all of the image displayed on screen1192and cover screen1121. A camera (not shown) on a bottom or side surface of game controller1120can be used along with the camera of electronic device1190in forming the image on either or both screen1192and cover screen1121.

Gaming accessory1100can readily attach to electronic device1190. For example, tray1110can fit around electronic device1190. Alternatively, tray1110can magnetically attach to electronic device1190. This can be particularly true when tray1110has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray1110can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device1190. Tray1110can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device1190. Tray1110can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device1190. For example, tray1110can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component1716(shown inFIG. 17) while electronic device1190can include a magnet array such as secondary magnetic alignment component1718(shown inFIG. 17) or any of the other alignment components shown herein. Alternatively, tray1110can include a pass-through magnet array. The use of a pass-through magnet array can allow electronic device1190or gaming accessory1100to be charged while gaming accessory1100is attached to electronic device1190. For example, tray1110can include an auxiliary magnet array such as auxiliary alignment component3770(shown inFIG. 37A.) These magnets in the magnet array in tray1110can be fixed in position or they can move to increase a magnetic attraction to electronic device1190. For example, they can move closer to a top surface of tray1110and nearer electronic device1190when tray1110is or is about to be attached to electronic device1190. Examples of moving magnet arrays are shown below inFIG. 38throughFIG. 55below. Gaming accessory1100can further include an additional alignment feature, where the alignment feature can align gaming accessory1100in a particular orientation relative to electronic device1190. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array. For example, gaming accessory1100can include secondary rotational alignment component2724(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32, while electronic device1190can include primary rotational alignment component2722(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32.

Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory1100. For example, tray1110can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device1190can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray1110. From this, electronic device1190can determine that it is attached to tray1110and can enter a gaming mode of operation.

These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory1100to electronic device1190, and from electronic device1190to gaming accessory1100. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device1190. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory1100can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device1190. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory1100can be read by electronic device1190. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device1190to gaming accessory1100Gaming accessory1100can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil4664(shown inFIG. 46.)

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory1100to electronic device1190using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory1100can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory1100. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device1190. Control circuitry in electronic device1190can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory1100. Gaming accessory1100can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that can be used in transmitting data. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device1190to gaming accessory1100.

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory1100to electronic device1190using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device1190to gaming accessory1100.

Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory1100and electronic device1190. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller1120of gaming accessory1100to electronic device1190. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory1100to electronic device1190. Electronic device1190can provide information to gaming accessory1100for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory1100, as well as other types of information.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory1100in various ways. For example, gaming accessory1100can receive wired power. Gaming accessory1100can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory1100can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller1120or tray1110that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory1100can receive wireless power from the electronic device1190or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory1100can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that allow gaming accessory1100to be inductively charged by either electronic device1190, a wireless charger, or other charging device. Power can be stored in one or more batteries that can be housed in one or more of tray1110and game controller1120.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable for a first gaming accessory used by a first game player to synchronize data with a second gaming accessory used by a second game player. An example is shown in the following figure.

FIG. 15illustrates another gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory1500can include a back panel or tray1510, first game controller1520, and second game controller1530. Tray1510can support electronic device1590, while first game controller1520and second game controller1530can attached to or slide over ends of electronic device1590, thereby leaving screen1592at least largely unobstructed.

Either or both first game controller1520and second game controller1530can be removed or otherwise detached from tray1510. This operation can be performed by the first game player and second game player. The first game player the second game player can then swap one of their respective game controllers. By connecting the swapped game controller to the individual gaming accessories, data can be synchronized between the two gaming accessories. The first game player and second game player can then re-swap the game controllers for their original game controllers and can then commence with game playing.

For example, a first game player can connect a second game player's first game controller1520to their gaming accessory1500, electronic device1590, or both. The second game player can connect the first game player's first game controller1520to their gaming accessory1500, electronic device1590, or both. This can allow data from the first game player's gaming accessory1500to synchronize with the second game player's gaming accessory1500, and from the second game player's gaming accessory1500to synchronize with the first game player's gaming accessory1500. The first and second game players can re-swap their game controller and commence game play.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable for a game player to share an image with a second game player or other individuals. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide a projector that can project an image on to a surface. An example is shown in the following figure.

FIG. 16illustrates another gaming accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. Gaming accessory1600can be substantially the same or similar to gaming accessory1500shown inFIG. 15. Gaming accessory1600can include back panel or tray1610, first game controller1620, and second game controller1630. Tray1610can support electronic device1690, while first game controller1620and second game controller1630can attach to or slight over ends of electronic device1690. Either or both first game controller1620or second game controller1630can include a projector having an opening1632. In this example, second game controller1630can include opening1632for protecting image1650onto a surface. Image1650can then be observed by a second game player, or other third parties. Image1650can be the same or different as what is displayed on screen1692of electronic device1690.

Gaming accessory1600can readily attach to electronic device1690. For example, tray1610can fit around electronic device1690. Alternatively, tray1610can magnetically attach to electronic device1690. This can be particularly true when tray1610has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray1610can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device1690. Tray1610can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device1690. Tray1610can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device1690. For example, tray1610can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component1716(shown inFIG. 17) while electronic device1690can include a magnet array such as secondary magnetic alignment component1718(shown inFIG. 17) or any of the other alignment components shown herein. Alternatively, tray1610can include a pass-through magnet array. The use of a pass-through magnet array can allow electronic device1690or gaming accessory1600to be charged while gaming accessory1600is attached to electronic device1690. For example, tray1610can include an auxiliary magnet array such as auxiliary alignment component3770(shown inFIG. 37A.) These magnets in the magnet array in tray1610can be fixed in position or they can move to increase a magnetic attraction to electronic device1690. For example, they can move closer to a top surface of tray1610and nearer electronic device1690when tray1610is or is about to be attached to electronic device1690. Examples of moving magnet arrays are shown below inFIG. 38throughFIG. 45below. Gaming accessory1600can further include an additional alignment feature, where the alignment feature can align gaming accessory1600in a particular orientation relative to electronic device1690. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array. For example, gaming accessory1600can include secondary rotational alignment component2724(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32, while electronic device1690can include primary rotational alignment component2722(shown inFIG. 27) or other alignment component such as those shown inFIGS. 28-32.

Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory1600. For example, tray1610can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device1690can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray1610. From this, electronic device1690can determine that it is attached to tray1610and can enter a gaming mode of operation.

These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory1600to electronic device1690, and from electronic device1690to gaming accessory1600. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device1690. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory1600can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device1690. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory1600can be read by electronic device1690. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device1690to gaming accessory1600Gaming accessory1600can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil4664(shown inFIG. 46.)

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory1600to electronic device1690using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory1600can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory1600. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device1690. Control circuitry in electronic device1690can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory1600. Gaming accessory1600can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that can be used in transmitting data. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device1690to gaming accessory1600.

Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory1600to electronic device1690using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device1690to gaming accessory1600.

Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory1600and electronic device1690. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from first game controller1620and second game controller1630of gaming accessory1600to electronic device1690. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory1600to electronic device1690. Electronic device1690can provide information to gaming accessory1600for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory1600, as well as other types of information.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory1600in various ways. For example, gaming accessory1600can receive wired power. Gaming accessory1600can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory1600can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in first game controller1620, second game controller1630, or tray1610that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, electronic device1690, or other charging or other power source. Gaming accessory1600can receive wireless power from the electronic device1690or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory1600can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil4612(shown inFIG. 46) and control circuitry such as control circuitry4614(shown inFIG. 46) that allow gaming accessory1600to be inductively charged by either electronic device1690, a wireless charger, or other charging device. Power can be stored in one or more batteries that can be housed in one or more of the tray1610, first game controller1620, and second game controller1630.

In these examples, electronic device190,390,490,590,690,890,1190,1590, and1690and the other electronic devices can be the same or similar electronic device, such as a phone, tablet, wearable computing device, or other electronic device.

Described herein are various embodiments of magnetic alignment systems and components thereof. A magnetic alignment system can include annular alignment components, where each annular alignment component can comprise a ring of magnets (or a single annular magnet) having a particular magnetic orientation or pattern of magnetic orientations such that a “primary” annular alignment component can attract and hold a complementary “secondary” annular alignment component. Magnetic alignment components can be incorporated into a variety of devices, and a magnetic alignment component in one device can attract another device having a complementary magnetic alignment component into a desired alignment and/or hold the other device in a desired alignment. (Devices aligned by a magnetic alignment system may be said to be “attached” to each other.)

For purposes of the present description, a number of different categories of devices can be distinguished. As used herein, a “portable electronic device” refers generally to any electronic device that is portable and that consumes power and provides at least some interaction with the user. Examples of portable electronic devices include: smart phones and other mobile phones; tablet computers; laptop computers; wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, headphones, earbuds); and any other electronic device that a user may carry or wear. Other portable electronic devices can include robotic devices, remote-controlled devices, personal-care appliances, and so on.

An “accessory device” (or “accessory”) refers generally to a device that is useful in connection with a portable electronic device to enhance the functionality and/or esthetics of the portable electronic device. Many categories of accessories may incorporate magnetic alignment. For example, one category of accessories includes wireless charger accessories. As used herein, a “wireless charger accessory” (or “wireless charger device” or just “wireless charger”) is an accessory that can provide power to a portable electronic device using wireless power transfer techniques. A “battery pack” (or “external battery”) is a type of wireless charger accessory that incorporates a battery to store charge that can be transferred to the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a battery pack may also receive power wirelessly from another wireless charger accessory. Wireless charger accessories may also be referred to as “active” accessories, in reference to their ability to provide and/or receive power. Other accessories are “passive accessories” that do not provide or receive power. For example, some passive accessories are “cases” that can cover one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device to provide protection (e.g., against damage caused by impact of the portable electronic device with other objects), esthetic enhancements (e.g., decorative colors or the like), and/or functional enhancements (e.g., cases that incorporate storage pockets, batteries, card readers, or sensors of various types). Cases can have a variety of form factors. For example, a “tray” can refer to a case that has a rear panel covering the back surface of the portable electronic device and side surfaces to secure the portable electronic device in the tray while leaving the front surface (which may include a display) exposed. A “sleeve” can refer to a case that has front and back panels with an open end (or “throat”) into which a portable electronic device can be inserted so that the front and back surfaces of the device are covered; in some instances, the front panel of a sleeve can include a window through which a portion (or all) of a display of the portable electronic device is visible. A “folio” can refer to a case that has a retention portion that covers at least the back surface (and sometimes also one or more side surfaces) of the portable electronic device and a cover that can be closed to cover the display or opened to expose the display. It should be understood that not all cases are passive accessories. For example, a “battery case” can incorporate a battery pack in addition to protective and/or esthetic features; a battery case can be shaped generally as a tray, sleeve, or folio. Other examples of active cases can include cases that incorporate card readers, sensors, batteries, or other electronic components that enhance functionality of a portable electronic device.

In the present description, a distinction is sometimes made between a “charge-through accessory,” which is an accessory that can be positioned between a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device without interfering with wireless power transfer between the wireless charger device and the portable electronic device, and a “terminal accessory,” which is an accessory that is not a charge-through accessory. A wireless charging accessory is typically a terminal accessory, but not all terminal accessories provide wireless charging of a portable electronic device. For example some terminal accessories can be “mounting” accessories that are designed to hold the portable electronic device in a particular position. Examples of mounting include tripods, docking stations, other stands, or mounts that can hold a portable electronic device in a desired position and/or orientation (which might or might not be adjustable). Such accessories might or might not incorporate wireless charging capability.

According to embodiments described herein, a portable electronic device and an accessory device can include complementary magnetic alignment components that facilitate alignment of the accessory device with the portable electronic device and/or attachment of the accessory device to the portable electronic device. The magnetic alignment components can include annular magnetic alignment components that, in some embodiments, can surround inductive charging transmitter and receiver coils. In the nomenclature used herein, a “primary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a wireless charger device or other terminal accessory. A “secondary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a portable electronic device. An “auxiliary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a charge-through accessory. (In this disclosure, adjectives such as “annular,” “magnetic,” “primary,” “secondary” and “auxiliary” may be omitted when the context is clear.)

In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include a rotational magnetic alignment component that facilitates aligning two devices in a preferred rotational orientation. A rotational magnetic alignment component can include, for example, one or more magnets disposed outboard of an annular alignment component. It should be understood that any device that has an annular alignment component might or might not also have a rotational alignment component, and rotational alignment components may be categorized as primary, secondary, or auxiliary depending on the type of device.

In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include a near-field communication (NFC) coil and supporting circuitry to allow devices to identify themselves to each other using an NFC protocol. An NFC coil in a particular device can be an annular coil that is disposed inboard of the annular alignment component or outboard of the annular alignment component. For example, in a device that has an annular alignment component surrounding an inductive charging coil, the NFC coil can be disposed in an annular gap between the inductive charging coil and the annular alignment component. It should be understood that an NFC component is optional in the context of providing magnetic alignment.

FIG. 17shows a simplified representation of a wireless charging system1700incorporating a magnetic alignment system1706according to some embodiments. A portable electronic device1704is positioned on a charging surface1708of a wireless charger device1702. Portable electronic device1704can be a consumer electronic device, such as gaming accessory100or any of the other gaming accessories shown above or otherwise provided by an embodiment of the present invention, a smart phone, tablet, wearable device, or the like, or any other electronic device for which wireless charging is desired. Wireless charger device1702can be any device that is configured to generate time-varying magnetic flux to induce a current in a suitably configured receiving device. For instance, wireless charger device1702can be a wireless charging mat, puck, docking station, or the like. Wireless charger device1702can include or have access to a power source such as battery power or standard AC power.

To enable wireless power transfer, portable electronic device1704and wireless charger device1702can include inductive coils1710and1712, respectively, which can operate to transfer power between them. For example, inductive coil1712can be a transmitter coil that generates a time-varying magnetic flux1714, and inductive coil1710can be a receiver coil in which an electric current is induced in response to time-varying magnetic flux1714. The received electric current can be used to charge a battery of portable electronic device1704, to provide operating power to a component of portable electronic device1704, and/or for other purposes as desired. (“Wireless power transfer” and “inductive power transfer,” as used herein, refer generally to the process of generating a time-varying magnetic field in a conductive coil of a first device that induces an electric current in a conductive coil of a second device.)

To enable efficient wireless power transfer, it is desirable to align inductive coils1712and1710. According to some embodiments, magnetic alignment system1706can provide such alignment. In the example shown inFIG. 17, magnetic alignment system1706includes a primary magnetic alignment component1716disposed within or on a surface of wireless charger device1702and a secondary magnetic alignment component1718disposed within or on a surface of portable electronic device1704. Primary and secondary alignment components1716and1718are configured to magnetically attract one another into an aligned position in which inductive coils1710and1712are aligned with one another to provide efficient wireless power transfer.

According to embodiments described herein, a magnetic alignment component (including a primary or secondary alignment component) of a magnetic alignment system can be formed of arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration. In some embodiments, each magnet can have its magnetic polarity oriented in a desired direction so that magnetic attraction between the primary and secondary magnetic alignment components provides a desired alignment. In some embodiments, an arcuate magnet can include a first magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a first direction and a second magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a second direction different from (e.g., opposite to) the first direction. As will be described, different configurations can provide different degrees of magnetic field leakage.

FIG. 18Ashows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system1800according to some embodiments, andFIG. 18Bshows a cross-section through magnetic alignment system1800across the cut plane indicated inFIG. 18A. Magnetic alignment system1800can be an implementation of magnetic alignment system1706ofFIG. 17. In magnetic alignment system1800, the alignment components all have magnetic polarity oriented in the same direction (along the axis of the annular configuration). For convenience of description, an “axial” direction (also referred to as a “longitudinal” or “z” direction) is defined to be parallel to an axis of rotational symmetry1801of magnetic alignment system1800, and a transverse plane (also referred to as a “lateral” or “x” or “y” direction) is defined to be normal to axis1801. The term “proximal side” or “proximal surface” is used herein to refer to a side or surface of one alignment component that is oriented toward the other alignment component when the magnetic alignment system is aligned, and the term “distal side” or “distal surface” is used to refer to a side or surface opposite the proximal side or surface. (The terms “top” and “bottom” may be used in reference to a particular view shown in a drawing but have no other significance.)

As shown inFIG. 18A, magnetic alignment system1800can include a primary alignment component1816(which can be an implementation of primary alignment component1716ofFIG. 17) and a secondary alignment component1818(which can be an implementation of secondary alignment component1718ofFIG. 17). Primary alignment component1816and secondary alignment component1818have annular shapes and may also be referred to as “annular” alignment components. The particular dimensions can be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component1816and secondary alignment component1818can each have an outer diameter of about 214 mm and a radial width of about 22 mm. The outer diameters and radial widths of primary alignment component1816and secondary alignment component1818need not be exactly equal. For instance, the radial width of secondary alignment component1818can be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component1816and/or the outer diameter of secondary alignment component1818can also be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component1816so that, when in alignment, the inner and outer sides of primary alignment component1816extend beyond the corresponding inner and outer sides of secondary alignment component1818. Thicknesses (or axial dimensions) of primary alignment component1816and secondary alignment component1818can also be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component1816has a thickness of about 17.5 mm while secondary alignment component1818has a thickness of about 0.37 mm.

Primary alignment component1816can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more primary arcuate magnets1826, and secondary alignment component1818can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more secondary arcuate magnets1828. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets1826is equal to the number of secondary magnets1828, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets1826and secondary magnets1828can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets1826(or secondary magnets1828) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets1826(or secondary magnets1828) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets1826can be in contact with each other at interfaces1830, and secondary magnets1828can be in contact with each other at interfaces1832. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets1826or secondary magnets1828, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, primary alignment component1816can also include an annular shield1814(also referred to as a DC magnetic shield or DC shield) disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets1826. In some embodiments, shield1814can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets1826to secure primary magnets1826into position. Shield1814can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component1816, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component1816from magnetic interference.

Primary magnets1826and secondary magnets1828(and all other magnets described herein) can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnets can be plated with a thin layer (e.g., 23-13 μm) of NiCuNi or similar materials. Each primary magnet1826and each secondary magnet1828can have a monolithic structure having a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity aligned in the axial direction as shown by magnetic polarity indicators1815,1817inFIG. 18B. For example, each primary magnet1826and each secondary magnet1828can be a bar magnet that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure having an axial magnetic orientation. (As will be apparent, the term “magnetic orientation” refers to the direction of orientation of the magnetic polarity of a magnet or magnetized region.) In the example shown, primary magnet1826has its north pole oriented toward the proximal surface and south pole oriented toward the distal surface while secondary magnet1828has its south pole oriented toward the proximal surface and north pole oriented toward the distal surface. In other embodiments, the magnetic orientations can be reversed such that primary magnet1826has its south pole oriented toward the proximal surface and north pole oriented toward the distal surface while secondary magnet1828has its north pole oriented toward the proximal surface and south pole oriented toward the distal surface.

As shown inFIG. 18B, the axial magnetic orientation of primary magnet1826and secondary magnet1828can generate magnetic fields1840that exert an attractive force between primary magnet1826and secondary magnet1828, thereby facilitating alignment between respective electronic devices in which primary alignment component1816and secondary alignment component1818are disposed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 17). While shield1814can redirect some of magnetic fields1840away from regions below primary magnet1826, magnetic fields1840may still propagate to regions laterally adjacent to primary magnet1826and secondary magnet1828. In some embodiments, the lateral propagation of magnetic fields1840may result in magnetic field leakage to other magnetically sensitive components. For instance, if an inductive coil having a ferromagnetic shield is placed in the interior (or inboard) region of annular primary alignment component1816(or secondary alignment component1818), leakage of magnetic fields1840may saturate the ferrimagnetic shield, which can degrade wireless charging performance.

It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system1800is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component1816and secondary alignment component1818are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, primary alignment component1816and/or secondary alignment component1818can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet; however, segmenting magnetic alignment components1816and1818into arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because (for some types of magnetic material) smaller arcuate segments may be less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing.

As noted above with reference toFIG. 18B, a magnetic alignment system with a single axial magnetic orientation may allow lateral leakage of magnetic fields, which may adversely affect performance of other components of an electronic device. Accordingly, some embodiments provide magnetic alignment systems with a “closed-loop” configuration that reduces magnetic field leakage. Examples will now be described.

FIG. 19Ashows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system1900according to some embodiments, andFIG. 19Bshows a cross-section through magnetic alignment system1900across the cut plane indicated inFIG. 19A. Magnetic alignment system1900can be an implementation of magnetic alignment system1706ofFIG. 17. In magnetic alignment system1900, the alignment components have magnetic components configured in a “closed loop” configuration as described below.

As shown inFIG. 19A, magnetic alignment system1900can include a primary alignment component1916(which can be an implementation of primary alignment component1716ofFIG. 17) and a secondary alignment component1918(which can be an implementation of secondary alignment component1718ofFIG. 17). Primary alignment component1916and secondary alignment component1918have annular shapes and may also be referred to as “annular” alignment components. The particular dimensions can be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component1916and secondary alignment component1918can each have an outer diameter of about 214 mm and a radial width of about 22 mm. The outer diameters and radial widths of primary alignment component1916and secondary alignment component1918need not be exactly equal. For instance, the radial width of secondary alignment component1918can be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component1916and/or the outer diameter of secondary alignment component1918can also be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component1916so that, when in alignment, the inner and outer sides of primary alignment component1916extend beyond the corresponding inner and outer sides of secondary alignment component1918. Thicknesses (or axial dimensions) of primary alignment component1916and secondary alignment component1918can also be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component1916has a thickness of about 17.5 mm while secondary alignment component1918has a thickness of about 0.37 mm.

Primary alignment component1916can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of primary magnets1926, and secondary alignment component1918can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of secondary magnets1928. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets1926is equal to the number of secondary magnets1928, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required; for example, as described below a sector may include multiple magnets. Primary magnets1926and secondary magnets1928can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets1926(or secondary magnets1928) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets1926(or secondary magnets1928) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets1926can be in contact with each other at interfaces1930, and secondary magnets1928can be in contact with each other at interfaces1932. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets1926or secondary magnets1928, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, primary alignment component1916can also include an annular shield1914(also referred to as a DC magnetic shield or DC shield) disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets1926. In some embodiments, shield1914can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets1926to secure primary magnets1926into position. Shield1914can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component1916, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component1916from magnetic interference.

Primary magnets1926and secondary magnets1928can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each secondary magnet1928can have a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity having a component in the radial direction in the transverse plane (as shown by magnetic polarity indicator1917inFIG. 19B). As described below, the magnetic orientation can be in a radial direction with respect to axis1901or another direction having a radial component in the transverse plane. Each primary magnet1926can include two magnetic regions having opposite magnetic orientations. For example, each primary magnet1926can include an inner arcuate magnetic region1952having a magnetic orientation in a first axial direction (as shown by polarity indicator1953inFIG. 19B), an outer arcuate magnetic region1954having a magnetic orientation in a second axial direction opposite the first direction (as shown by polarity indicator1955inFIG. 19B), and a central non-magnetized region1956that does not have a magnetic orientation. Central non-magnetized region1956can magnetically separate inner arcuate region1952from outer arcuate region1954by inhibiting magnetic fields from directly crossing through central region1956. Magnets having regions of opposite magnetic orientation separated by a non-magnetized region are sometimes referred to herein as having a “quad-pole” configuration.

In some embodiments, each secondary magnet1928can be made of a magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetic orientation having a radial component in the transverse plane can be created, e.g., using a magnetizer. Similarly, each primary magnet1926can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each primary magnet1926can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region1952and outer arcuate magnetic region1954; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region1956can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic (or demagnetized) material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region1952and outer arcuate magnetic region1954. DC shield1914can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel or low carbon steel, and can be plated, e.g., with 21-10 μm of matte Ni. Alternatively, DC shield1914can be formed of a magnetic material having a radial magnetic orientation (in the opposite direction of secondary magnets1928). In some embodiments, DC shield1914can be omitted entirely.

As shown inFIG. 19B, the magnetic polarity of secondary magnet1928(shown by indicator1917) can be oriented such that when primary alignment component1916and secondary alignment component1918are aligned, the south pole of secondary magnet1928is oriented toward the north pole of inner arcuate magnetic region1952(shown by indicator1953) while the north pole of secondary magnet1928is oriented toward the south pole of outer arcuate magnetic region1954(shown by indicator1955). Accordingly, the respective magnetic orientations of inner arcuate magnetic region1952, secondary magnet1928and outer arcuate magnetic region1956can generate magnetic fields1940that exert an attractive force between primary magnet1926and secondary magnet1928, thereby facilitating alignment between respective electronic devices in which primary alignment component1916and secondary alignment component1918are disposed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 17). Shield1914can redirect some of magnetic fields1940away from regions below primary magnet1926. Further, the “closed-loop” magnetic field1940formed around central non-magnetized region1956can have tight and compact field lines that do not stray outside of primary and secondary magnets1926and1928as far as magnetic field1840strays outside of primary and secondary magnets1826and1828inFIG. 18B. Thus, magnetically sensitive components can be placed relatively close to primary alignment component1916with reduced concern for stray magnetic fields. Accordingly, as compared to magnetic alignment system1800, magnetic alignment system1900can help to reduce the overall size of a device in which primary alignment component1916is positioned and can also help reduce noise created by magnetic field1940in adjacent components or devices, such as an inductive receiver coil positioned inboard of secondary alignment component1918.

While each primary magnet1926includes two regions of opposite magnetic orientation, it should be understood that the two regions can but need not provide equal magnetic field strength. For example, outer arcuate magnetized region1954can be more strongly polarized than inner arcuate magnetized region1952. Depending on the particular implementation of primary magnets1926, various techniques can be used to create asymmetric polarization strength. For example, inner arcuate region1952and outer arcuate region1954can have different radial widths; increasing radial width of a magnetic region increases the field strength of that region due to increased volume of magnetic material. Where inner arcuate region1952and outer arcuate region1954are discrete magnets, magnets having different magnetic strength can be used.

In some embodiments, having an asymmetric polarization where outer arcuate region1954is more strongly polarized than inner arcuate region1952can create a flux “sinking” effect toward the outer pole. This effect can be desirable in various situations. For example, when primary magnet1926is disposed within a wireless charger device and the wireless charger device is used to charge a “legacy” portable electronic device that has an inductive receiver coil but does not have a secondary (or any) annular magnetic alignment component, the (DC) magnetic flux from the primary annular alignment component may enter a ferrite shield around the inductive receiver coil. The DC magnetic flux can contribute to saturating the ferrite shield and reducing charging performance. Providing a primary annular alignment component with a stronger field at the outer arcuate region than the inner arcuate region can help to draw DC magnetic flux away from the ferrite shield, which can improve charging performance when a wireless charger device having an annular magnetic alignment component is used to charge a portable electronic device that lacks an annular magnetic alignment component.

It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system1900is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component1916and secondary alignment component1918are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as 176 magnets, 178 magnets, 192 magnets, 196 magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, secondary alignment component1918can be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet. Similarly, primary alignment component1916can be formed of a single, monolithic annular piece of magnetic material with an appropriate magnetization pattern as described above, or primary alignment component1916can be formed of a monolithic inner annular magnet and a monolithic outer annular magnet, with an annular air gap or region of nonmagnetic material disposed between the inner annular magnet and outer annular magnet. In some embodiments, a construction using multiple arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because smaller arcuate magnets are less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and are less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing. It should also be understood that the magnetic orientations of the various magnetic alignment components or individual magnets do not need to align exactly with the lateral and axial directions. The magnetic orientation can have any angle that provides a closed-loop path for a magnetic field through the primary and secondary alignment components.

As noted above, in embodiments of magnetic alignment systems having closed-loop magnetic orientations, such as magnetic alignment system1900, secondary alignment component1918can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. For example, in some embodiments, secondary alignment component1918can have a magnetic polarity in a radial orientation.FIG. 20shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignment component2018according to some embodiments. Secondary alignment component2018, like secondary alignment component1918, can be formed of arcuate magnets2028a-hhaving radial magnetic orientations as shown by magnetic polarity indicators2017a-h. In this example, each arcuate magnet2028a-hhas a north magnetic pole oriented toward the radially outward side and a south magnetic pole toward the radially inward side; however, this orientation can be reversed, and the north magnetic pole of each arcuate magnet2028a-hcan be oriented toward the radially inward side while the south magnetic pole is oriented toward the radially outward side.

FIG. 21Ashows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system2100according to some embodiments. Magnetic alignment system2100, which can be an implementation of magnetic alignment system1900, includes a secondary alignment component2118having a radially outward magnetic orientation (e.g., as shown inFIG. 20) and a complementary primary alignment component2116. In this example, magnetic alignment system2100includes a gap2112between two of the sectors; however, gap2112is optional and magnetic alignment system2100can be a complete annular structure. Also shown are components2102, which can include, for example an inductive coil assembly or other components located within the central region of primary magnetic alignment component2116or secondary magnetic alignment component2118. Magnetic alignment system2100can have a closed-loop configuration similar to magnetic alignment system1900(as shown inFIG. 19B) and can include arcuate sectors2101, each of which can be made of one or more arcuate magnets. In some embodiments, the closed-loop configuration of magnetic alignment system2100can reduce or prevent magnetic field leakage that may affect components2102.

FIG. 21Bshows an axial cross-section view through one of arcuate sectors2101. Arcuate sector2101includes a primary magnet2126and a secondary magnet2128. As shown by orientation indicator2117, secondary magnet2128has a magnetic polarity oriented in a radially outward direction, i.e., the north magnetic pole is toward the radially outward side of magnetic alignment system2100. Like primary magnets1926described above, primary magnet2126includes an inner arcuate magnetic region2152, an outer arcuate magnetic region2154, and a central non-magnetized region2156(which can include, e.g., an air gap or a region of nonmagnetic or non-magnetized material). Inner arcuate magnetic region2152has a magnetic polarity oriented axially such that the north magnetic pole is toward secondary magnet2128, as shown by indicator2153, while outer arcuate magnetic region2154has an opposite magnetic orientation, with the south magnetic pole oriented toward secondary magnet2128, as shown by indicator2155. As described above with reference toFIG. 19B, the arrangement of magnetic orientations shown inFIG. 21Bresults in magnetic attraction between primary magnet2126and secondary magnet2128. In some embodiments, the magnetic polarities can be reversed such that the north magnetic pole of secondary magnet2128is oriented toward the radially inward side of magnetic alignment system2100, the north magnetic pole of outer arcuate region2154of primary magnet2126is oriented toward secondary magnet2128, and the north magnetic pole of inner arcuate region2152is oriented away from secondary magnet2128.

When primary alignment component2116and secondary alignment component2118are aligned, the radially symmetrical arrangement and directional equivalence of magnetic polarities of primary alignment component2116and secondary alignment component2118allow secondary alignment component2118to rotate freely (relative to primary alignment component2116) in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the lateral plane while maintaining alignment along the axis.

As used herein, a “radial” orientation need not be exactly or purely radial. For example,FIG. 21Cshows a secondary arcuate magnet2138according to some embodiments. Secondary arcuate magnet2138has a purely radial magnetic orientation, as indicated by arrows2139. Each arrow2139is directed at the center of curvature of magnet2138; if extended inward, arrows2139would converge at the center of curvature. However, achieving this purely radial magnetization requires that magnetic domains within magnet2138be oriented obliquely to neighboring magnetic domains. For some types of magnetic materials, purely radial magnetic orientation may not be practical. Accordingly, some embodiments use a “pseudo-radial” magnetic orientation that approximates the purely radial orientation ofFIG. 21C.FIG. 21Dshows a secondary arcuate magnet2148with pseudo-radial magnetic orientation according to some embodiments. Magnet2148has a magnetic orientation, shown by arrows2149, that is perpendicular to a baseline2151connecting the inner corners2157,2159of arcuate magnet2148. If extended inward, arrows2149would not converge. Thus, neighboring magnetic domains in magnet2148are parallel to each other, which is readily achievable in magnetic materials such as NdFeB. The overall effect in a magnetic alignment system, however, can be similar to the purely radial magnetic orientation shownFIG. 21C.FIG. 21Eshows a secondary annular alignment component2158made up of magnets2148according to some embodiments. Magnetic orientation arrows2149have been extended to the center point2161of annular alignment component2158. As shown the magnetic field direction can be approximately radial, with the closeness of the approximation depending on the number of magnets2148and the inner radius of annular alignment component2158. In some embodiments, 178 magnets2148can provide a pseudo-radial orientation; in other embodiments, more or fewer magnets can be used. It should be understood that all references herein to magnets having a “radial” magnetic orientation include pseudo-radial magnetic orientations and other magnetic orientations that are approximately but not purely radial.

In some embodiments, a radial magnetic orientation in a secondary alignment component2118(e.g., as shown inFIG. 21B) provides a magnetic force profile between secondary alignment component2118and primary alignment component2116that is the same around the entire circumference of the magnetic alignment system. The radial magnetic orientation can also result in greater magnetic permeance, which allows secondary alignment component2118to resist demagnetization as well as enhancing the attractive force in the axial direction and improving shear force in the lateral directions when the two components are aligned.

FIGS. 22A and 22Bshow graphs of force profiles for different magnetic alignment systems, according to some embodiments. Specifically,FIG. 22Ashows a graph2200of vertical attractive (normal) force in the axial (z) direction for different magnetic alignment systems of comparable size and using similar types of magnets. Graph2200has a horizontal axis representing displacement from a center of alignment, where0represents the aligned position and negative and positive values represent displacements from the aligned position in opposite directions (in arbitrary units), and a vertical axis showing the normal force (FNORMAL) as a function of displacement in the lateral plane (also in arbitrary units). For purposes of this description, FNORMALis defined as the magnetic force between the primary and secondary alignment components in the axial direction; FNORMAL>0 represents attractive force while FNORMAL<0 represents repulsive force. Graph2200shows normal force profiles for three different types of magnetic alignment systems. A first type of magnetic alignment system uses “central” alignment components, such as a pair of complementary disc-shaped magnets placed along an axis; a representative normal force profile for a central magnetic alignment system is shown as line2201(dot-dash line). A second type of magnetic alignment system uses annular alignment components with axial magnetic orientations, e.g., magnetic alignment system1800ofFIGS. 18A and 18B; a representative normal force profile for such an annular-axial magnetic alignment system is shown as line2203(dashed line). A third type of magnetic alignment system uses annular alignment components with closed-loop magnetic orientations and radial symmetry (e.g., magnetic alignment system2100ofFIGS. 21A and 21B); a representative normal force profile for a radially symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system is shown as line2205(solid line).

Similarly,FIG. 22Bshows a graph2220of lateral (shear) force in a transverse direction for different magnetic alignment systems. Graph2220has a horizontal axis representing lateral displacement in opposing directions from a center of alignment, using the same convention as graph2200, and a vertical axis showing the shear force (FSHEAR) as a function of direction (in arbitrary units). For purposes of this description, FSHEARis defined as the magnetic force between the primary and secondary alignment components in the lateral direction; FSHEAR>0 represents force toward the left along the displacement axis while FSHEAR<0 represents force toward the right along the displacement axis. Graph2220shows shear force profiles for the same three types of magnetic alignment systems as graph2200: a representative shear force profile for a central magnetic alignment system is shown as line2221(dot-dash line); a representative shear force profile for an annular-axial magnetic alignment system is shown as line2223(dashed line); and a representative normal force profile for a radially symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system is shown as line2225(solid line).

As shown inFIG. 22A, each type of magnetic alignment system achieves the strongest magnetic attraction in the axial direction (i.e., normal force) when the primary and secondary alignment components are in the aligned position (0 on the horizontal axis), as shown by respective peaks2211,2213, and2215. While the most strongly attractive normal force is achieved in the aligned positioned for all systems, the magnitude of the peak depends on the type of magnetic alignment system. In particular, a radially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g., magnetic alignment system2100ofFIG. 21) provides stronger magnetic attraction when in the aligned position than the other types of magnetic alignment systems. This strong attractive normal force can overcome small misalignments and can help to hold devices in the aligned position, thereby can achieving a more accurate and robust alignment between the primary and secondary alignment components, which in turn can provide a more accurate and robust alignment between a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device within which the magnetic alignment system is implemented.

As shown inFIG. 22B, the strongest shear forces are obtained when the primary and secondary alignment components are laterally just outside of the aligned position, e.g., at −2 and +2 units of separation from the aligned position, as shown by respective peaks2231a-b,2233a-b, and2235a-b. These shear forces act to urge the alignment components toward the aligned position. Similarly to the normal force, the peak strength of shear force depends on the type of magnetic alignment system. In particular, a radially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g., magnetic alignment system2100ofFIG. 21) provides higher magnitude of shear force when just outside of the aligned position than the other types of magnetic alignment systems. This strong shear force can provide tactile feedback (sometimes described as a sensation of “snappiness”) to help the user identify when the two components are aligned. In addition, like the normal force, the shear force can overcome small misalignments due to frictional force and can achieve a more accurate and robust alignment between the primary and secondary alignment components, which in turn can provide a more accurate and robust alignment between a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device within which the magnetic alignment system is implemented.

Depending on the particular configuration of magnets, various design choices can be used to increase the sensation of snappiness for a closed-loop magnetic alignment system. For example, reducing the amount of magnetic material in the devices in areas near the magnetic alignment components—e.g., by using less material or by increasing the distance between the magnetic alignment component and the other magnetic material—can reduce stray fields and increase the perceived “snapping” effect of the magnetic alignment components. As another example, increasing the magnetic-field strength of the alignment magnets (e.g., by increasing the amount of material) can increase both shear and normal forces. As yet another example, the widths of the magnetized regions in the primary annular alignment component (and/or the relative strength of the magnetic field in each region) can be optimized based on the particular magnetic orientation pattern for the secondary annular alignment component (e.g., whether the secondary annular alignment components have the purely radial magnetic orientation ofFIG. 21Cor the pseudo-radial magnetic orientation ofFIG. 21D). Another consideration can be the coefficient of friction between the surfaces of the devices containing primary and secondary alignment components; lower friction decreases resistance to the shear force exerted by the annular magnetic alignment components.

A radially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g., magnetic alignment system2100ofFIGS. 21A and 21B) can provide accurate and robust alignment in the axial and lateral directions. Further, because of the radial symmetry, the alignment system does not have a preferred rotational orientation in the lateral plane about the axis; the shear force profile can be the same regardless of relative rotational orientation of the electronic devices being aligned.

In some embodiments, a closed-loop magnetic alignment system can be designed to provide one or more preferred rotational orientations.FIG. 23shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignment component2318according to some embodiments. Secondary alignment component2318includes sectors2328a-hhaving radial magnetic orientations as shown by magnetic polarity indicators2317a-h. Each of sectors2328a-hcan include one or more secondary arcuate magnets. In this example, secondary magnets in sectors2328b,2328d,2328f, and2328heach have a north magnetic pole oriented toward the radially outward side and a south magnetic pole toward the radially inward side, while secondary magnets in sectors2328a,2328c,2328e, and2328geach have a north magnetic pole oriented toward the radially inward side and a south magnetic pole toward the radially outward side. In other words, magnets in adjacent sectors2328a-hof secondary alignment component2318have alternating magnetic orientations.

A complementary primary alignment component can have sectors with correspondingly alternating magnetic orientations. For example,FIG. 24Ashows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system2400according to some embodiments. Magnetic alignment system2400includes a secondary alignment component2418having alternating radial magnetic orientations (e.g., as shown inFIG. 23) and a complementary primary alignment component2416. Some of the arcuate sections of magnetic alignment system2400are not shown in order to reveal internal structure; however, it should be understood that magnetic alignment system2400can be a complete annular structure. Also shown are components2402, which can include, for example, inductive coil assemblies or other components located within the central region of primary annular alignment component2416and/or secondary annular alignment component2418. Magnetic alignment system2400can be a closed-loop magnetic alignment system similar to magnetic alignment system1900described above and can include arcuate sectors2401b,2401cof alternating magnetic orientations, with each arcuate sector2401b,2401cincluding one or more arcuate magnets in each of primary annular alignment component2416and secondary annular alignment component2418. In some embodiments, the closed-loop configuration of magnetic alignment system2400can reduce or prevent magnetic field leakage that may affect component2402. Like magnetic alignment system2100, magnetic alignment system2400can include a gap2403between two sectors.

FIG. 24Bshows an axial cross-section view through one of arcuate sectors2401b, andFIG. 24Cshows an axial cross-section view through one of arcuate sectors2401c. Arcuate sector2401bincludes a primary magnet2426band a secondary magnet2428b. As shown by orientation indicator2417b, secondary magnet2428bhas a magnetic polarity oriented in a radially outward direction, i.e., the north magnetic pole is toward the radially outward side of magnetic alignment system2400. Like primary magnets1926described above, primary magnet2426bincludes an inner arcuate magnetic region2452b, an outer arcuate magnetic region2454b, and a central non-magnetized region2456b(which can include, e.g., an air gap or a region of nonmagnetic or non-magnetized material). Inner arcuate magnetic region2452bhas a magnetic polarity oriented axially such that the north magnetic pole is toward secondary magnet2428b, as shown by indicator2453b, while outer arcuate magnetic region2454bhas an opposite magnetic orientation, with the south magnetic pole oriented toward secondary magnet2428b, as shown by indicator2455b. As described above with reference toFIG. 19B, the arrangement of magnetic orientations shown inFIG. 24Bresults in magnetic attraction between primary magnet2426band secondary magnet2428b.

As shown inFIG. 24C, arcuate sector2401chas a “reversed” magnetic orientation relative to arcuate sector2401b. Arcuate sector2401cincludes a primary magnet2426cand a secondary magnet2428c. As shown by orientation indicator2417c, secondary magnet2428chas a magnetic polarity oriented in a radially inward direction, i.e., the north magnetic pole is toward the radially inward side of magnetic alignment system2400. Like primary magnets1926described above, primary magnet2426cincludes an inner arcuate magnetic region2452c, an outer arcuate magnetic region2454c, and a central non-magnetized region2456c(which can include, e.g., an air gap or a region of nonmagnetic or non-magnetized material). Inner arcuate magnetic region2452chas a magnetic polarity oriented axially such that the south magnetic pole is toward secondary magnet2428c, as shown by indicator2453c, while outer arcuate magnetic region2454chas an opposite magnetic orientation, with the north magnetic pole oriented toward secondary magnet2428c, as shown by indicator2455c. As described above with reference toFIG. 19B, the arrangement of magnetic orientations shown inFIG. 24Cresults in magnetic attraction between primary magnet2426cand secondary magnet2428c.

An alternating arrangement of magnetic polarities as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24A-8Ccan create a “ratcheting” feel when secondary alignment component2418is aligned with primary alignment component2416and one of alignment components2416,2418is rotated relative to the other about the common axis. For instance, as secondary alignment component2416is rotated relative to primary alignment component2416, each radially-outward magnet2428balternately comes into proximity with a complementary magnet2426bof primary alignment component2416, resulting in an attractive magnetic force, or with an anti-complementary magnet2426cof primary alignment component2416, resulting in a repulsive magnetic force. If primary magnets2426b,2426cand secondary magnets2428b,2428chave the same angular size and spacing, in any given orientation, each pair of magnets will experience similar net (attractive or repulsive) magnetic forces such that alignment is stable and robust in rotational orientations in which complementary magnet pairs2426b,2428band2426c,2428care in proximity. In other rotational orientations, a torque toward a stable rotational orientation can be experienced.

In the examples shown inFIGS. 23 and 24A-8C, each sector includes one magnet, and the direction of magnetic orientation alternates with each magnet. In some embodiments, a sector can include two or more magnets having the same direction of magnetic orientation. For example,FIG. 25Ashows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignment component2518according to some embodiments. Secondary alignment component2518includes secondary magnets2528bwith radially outward magnetic orientations and secondary magnets2528cwith radially inward orientations, similarly to secondary alignment component2418described above. In this example, the magnets are arranged such that a pair of outwardly-oriented magnets2528b(forming a first sector2501) are adjacent to a pair of inwardly-oriented magnets2528c(forming a second sector2503adjacent to first sector2501). The pattern of alternating sectors (with two magnets per sector) repeats around the circumference of secondary alignment component2518. Similarly,FIG. 25Bshows a simplified top-down view of another secondary alignment component2518′ according to some embodiments. Secondary alignment component2518′ includes secondary magnets2528bwith radially outward magnetic orientations and secondary magnets2528cwith radially inward orientations. In this example, the magnets are arranged such that a group of four radially-outward magnets2528b(forming a first sector2511) is adjacent to a group of four radially-inward magnets2528c(forming a second sector2513adjacent to first sector2511). The pattern of alternating sectors (with four magnets per sector) repeats around the circumference of secondary alignment component2518′. Although not shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B, the structure of a complementary primary alignment component for secondary alignment component2518or2518′ should be apparent in view ofFIGS. 24A-8C. A shear force profile for the alignment components ofFIGS. 25A and 25Bcan be similar to the ratcheting profile described above, although the number of rotational orientations that provide stable alignment will be different.

In other embodiments, a variety of force profiles can be created by changing the magnetic orientations of different sectors within the primary and/or secondary alignment components. As just one example,FIG. 26shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignment component2618according to some embodiments. Secondary alignment component has sectors2628a-hwith sector-dependent magnetic orientations as shown by magnetic polarity indicators2617a-h. In this example, secondary alignment component2618can be regarded as bisected by bisector line2601, which defines two halves of secondary alignment component2618. In a first half2603, sectors2628e-hhave magnetic polarities oriented radially outward, similarly to examples described above.

In the second half2605, sectors2628a-dhave magnetic polarities oriented substantially parallel to bisector line2601rather than radially. In particular, sectors2628aand2628bhave magnetic polarities oriented in a first direction parallel to bisector line2601, while sectors2628cand2628dhave magnetic polarities oriented in the direction opposite to the direction of the magnetic polarities of sectors2628aand2628b. A complementary primary alignment component can have an inner annular region with magnetic north pole oriented toward secondary alignment component2618, an outer annular region with magnetic north pole oriented away from secondary alignment component2618, and a central non-magnetized region, providing a closed-loop magnetic orientation as described above. The asymmetric arrangement of magnetic orientations in secondary alignment component2618can modify the shear force profile such that secondary alignment component2618generates less shear force resisting motion in the direction toward second half2605(upward in the drawing) than in the direction toward first half2603(downward in the drawing). In some embodiments, an asymmetrical arrangement of this kind can be used where the primary alignment component is mounted in a docking station and the secondary alignment component is mounted in a portable electronic device that docks with the docking station. Assuming secondary annular alignment component2618is oriented in the portable electronic device such that half-annulus2605is toward the top of the portable electronic device, the asymmetric shear force can facilitate an action of sliding the portable electronic device downward to dock with the docking station or upward to remove it from the docking station, while still providing an attractive force to draw the portable electronic device into a desired alignment with the docking station.

In the embodiments described above, the secondary annular magnetic alignment component has a magnetic orientation that is generally aligned in the transverse plane. In some alternative embodiments, a secondary annular magnetic alignment component can instead have a quad-pole configuration similar to that of primary annular magnetic alignment component1916ofFIGS. 19A and 19B, with or without a DC shield (which, if present, can be similar to DC shield1914ofFIGS. 19A and 19B) on the distal surface of the secondary arcuate magnets. Using quad-pole magnetic configurations in both the primary and secondary alignment components can provide a closed-loop DC magnetic flux path and a strong sensation of “snappiness”; however, the thickness of the secondary magnetic alignment component may need to be increased to accommodate the quad-pole magnets and DC shield, which may increase the overall thickness of a portable electronic device that houses the secondary magnetic alignment component. To reduce thickness, the DC shield on the distal surface of the secondary alignment component can be omitted; however, omitting the DC shield may result in increased flux leakage into neighboring components.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples are illustrative and not limiting. Sectors of a primary and/or secondary alignment component can include magnetic elements with the magnetic polarity oriented in any desired direction and in any combination, provided that the primary and secondary alignment components of a given magnetic alignment system have complementary magnetic orientations that exert forces toward the desired position of alignment. Different combinations of magnetic orientations may create different shear force profiles, and the selection of magnetic orientations may be made based on a desired shear force profile (e.g., high snappiness), avoidance of DC flux leakage into other components, and other design considerations.

In various embodiments described above, a magnetic alignment system can provide robust alignment in a lateral plane and may or may not provide rotational alignment. For example, radially symmetric magnetic alignment system2100ofFIGS. 21A-5Bmay not define a preferred rotational orientation. Radially alternating magnetic alignment system2400ofFIGS. 24A-8Ccan define multiple equally preferred rotational orientations. For some applications, such as alignment of a portable electronic device with a wireless charger puck or mat, rotational orientation may not be a concern. In other applications, such as alignment of a portable electronic device in a docking station or other mounting accessory, a particular rotational alignment may be desirable. Accordingly, in some embodiments an annular magnetic alignment component can be augmented with one or more rotational alignment components positioned outboard of and spaced apart from the annular magnetic alignment components. The rotational alignment component(s) can help guide devices into a target rotational orientation relative to each other.

FIG. 27shows an example of a magnetic alignment system with an annular alignment component and a rotational alignment component according to some embodiments.FIG. 27shows respective proximal surfaces of a portable electronic device2704and an accessory2702. In this example, primary alignment components of the magnetic alignment system are included in an accessory device2702, and secondary alignment components of the magnetic alignment system are included in a portable electronic device2704. Portable electronic device2704can be, for example, a smart phone whose front surface provides a touchscreen display and whose back surface is designed to support wireless charging. Accessory device2702can be, for example, a charging dock that supports portable electronic device2704such that its display is visible and accessible to a user. For instance, accessory device2702can support portable electronic device2704such that the display is vertical or at a conveniently tilted angle for viewing and/or touching. In the example shown, accessory device2702supports portable electronic device2704in a “portrait” orientation (shorter sides of the display at the top and bottom); however, in some embodiments accessory device2702can support portable electronic device2704in a “landscape” orientation (longer sides of the display at the top and bottom). Accessory device2702can also be mounted on a swivel, gimbal, or the like, allowing the user to adjust the orientation of portable electronic device2704by adjusting the orientation of accessory device2702.

As described above, components of a magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular alignment component2716disposed in accessory2702and a secondary annular alignment component2718disposed in portable electronic device2704. Primary annular alignment component2716can be similar or identical to any of the primary alignment components described above. For example, primary annular alignment component2716can be formed of arcuate magnets2726arranged in an annular configuration. Although not shown inFIG. 27, one or more gaps can be provided in primary annular alignment component2716, e.g., by omitting one or more of arcuate magnets2726or by providing a gap at one or more interfaces2730between adjacent arcuate magnets2726. In some embodiments, each arcuate magnet2726can include an inner arcuate region having a first magnetic orientation (e.g., axially oriented in a first direction), an outer arcuate region having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation (e.g., axially oriented opposite the first direction), and a central non-magnetized arcuate region between the inner and outer regions (as described above, the non-magnetized central region can include an air gap or a nonmagnetic material). In some embodiments, primary annular alignment component2716can also include a DC shield (not shown) on the distal side of arcuate magnets2726.

Likewise, secondary annular alignment component2718can be similar or identical to any of the secondary alignment components described above. For example, secondary annular alignment component2718can be formed of arcuate magnets2728arranged in an annular configuration. Although not shown inFIG. 27, one or more gaps can be provided in secondary annular alignment component2718, e.g., by omitting one or more arcuate magnets2728or by providing a gap at one or more interfaces2732between adjacent magnets2728. As described above, arcuate magnets2728can provide radially-oriented magnetic polarities. For instance, all sectors of secondary annular alignment component2718can have a radially-outward magnetic orientation or a radially-inward magnetic orientation, or some sectors of secondary annular alignment component2718may have a radially-outward magnetic orientation while other sectors of secondary annular alignment component2718have a radially-inward magnetic orientation.

As described above, primary annular alignment component2716and secondary annular alignment component2718can provide shear forces that promote alignment in the lateral plane so that center point2701of primary annular alignment component2716aligns with center point2703of secondary annular alignment component2718. However, primary annular alignment component2716and secondary annular alignment component2718might not provide torque forces that favor any particular rotational orientation, such as portrait orientation.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can incorporate one or more rotational alignment components in addition to the annular alignment components. The rotational alignment components can include one or more magnets that provide torque about the common axis of the (aligned) annular alignment components, so that a preferred rotational orientation can be reliably established. For example, as shown inFIG. 27, a primary rotational alignment component2722can be disposed outboard of and spaced apart from primary annular alignment component2716while a secondary rotational alignment component2724is disposed outboard of and spaced apart from secondary annular alignment component2718. Secondary rotational alignment component2724can be positioned at a fixed distance (y0) from center point2703of secondary annular alignment component2718and centered between the side edges of portable electronic device2704(as indicated by distance x0from either side edge). Similarly, primary rotational alignment component2722can be positioned at the same distance y0from center point2701of primary annular alignment component2716and located at a rotational angle that results in a torque profile that favors the desired orientation of portable electronic device2704relative to accessory2702when secondary rotational alignment component2724is aligned with primary rotational alignment component2722. It should be noted that the same distance y0can be applied in a variety of portable electronic devices having different form factors, so that a single accessory can be compatible with a family of portable electronic devices. A longer distance y0can increase torque toward the preferred rotational alignment; however, the maximum distance y0may be limited by design considerations, such as the size of the smallest portable electronic device in a family of portable electronic devices that incorporate mutually compatible magnetic alignment systems.

According to some embodiments, each of primary rotational alignment component2722and secondary rotational alignment component2724can be implemented using one or more magnets (e.g., rare earth magnets such as NdFeB) each of which has each been magnetized such that its magnetic polarity is oriented in a desired direction. In the example ofFIG. 27, the magnets have rectangular shapes; however, other shapes (e.g., rounded shapes) can be substituted. The magnetic orientations of rotational alignment components2722and2724can be complementary so that when the proximal surfaces of rotational alignment components2722and2724are near each other, an attractive magnetic force is exerted. This attractive magnetic force can help to rotate portable electronic device2704and accessory2702into a preferred rotational orientation in which the proximal surfaces of rotational alignment components2722and2724are aligned with each other. Examples of magnetic orientations for rotational alignment components2722and2724that can be used to provide a desired attractive force are described below. In some embodiments, primary rotational alignment component2722and secondary rotational alignment component2724can have the same lateral (xy) dimensions and the same thickness. The dimensions can be chosen based on a desired magnetic field strength and/or torque, the dimensions of devices in which the rotational alignment components are to be deployed, and other design considerations. In some embodiments, the lateral dimensions can be about 6 mm (x direction) by about 27 mm (y direction), and the thickness can be anywhere from about 0.3 mm to about 1.5 mm; the particular dimensions can be chosen based on the sizes of the devices that are to be aligned. In some embodiments, each of primary rotational alignment component2722and secondary rotational alignment component2724can be implemented using two or more rectangular blocks of magnetic material positioned adjacent to each other. As in other embodiments, a small gap may be present between adjacent magnets, e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances.

FIGS. 28A and 28Bshow an example of rotational alignment according to some embodiments. InFIG. 28A, accessory2702is placed on the back surface of portable electronic device2704such that primary annular alignment component2716and secondary alignment component2718are aligned with each other in the lateral plane such that, in the view shown, center point2701of primary annular alignment component2716overlies center point2703of secondary annular alignment component2718. A relative rotation is present such that rotational alignment components2722and2724are not aligned. In this configuration, an attractive force between rotational alignment components2722and2724can urge portable electronic device2704and accessory2702toward a target rotational orientation. InFIG. 28B, the attractive magnetic force between rotational alignment components2722and2724has brought portable electronic device2704and accessory2702into the target rotational alignment with the sides of portable electronic device2704parallel to the sides of accessory2702. In some embodiments, the attractive magnetic force between rotational alignment components2722and2724can also help to hold portable electronic device2704and accessory2702in a fixed rotational alignment.

Rotational alignment components2722and2724can have various patterns of magnetic orientations. As long as the magnetic orientations of rotational alignment components2722and2724are complementary to each other, a torque toward the target rotational orientation can be present when the devices are brought into lateral alignment and close to the target rotational orientation.FIGS. 29A-21Bshow examples of magnetic orientations for a rotational alignment component according to various embodiments. While the magnetic orientation is shown for only one rotational alignment component, it should be understood that the magnetic orientation of a complementary rotational alignment component can be complementary to the magnetic orientation of shown.

FIGS. 29A and 29Bshow a perspective view and a top view of a rotational alignment component2924having a “z-pole” configuration according to some embodiments. It should be understood that the perspective view is not to any particular scale and that the lateral (xy) dimensions and axial (z) thickness can be varied as desired. As shown inFIG. 29A, rotational alignment component2924can have a uniform magnetic orientation along the axial direction, as indicated by arrows2905. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 29B, a north magnetic pole (N) may be nearest the proximal surface2903of rotational alignment component2924. A complementary z-pole alignment component can have a uniform magnetic orientation with a south magnetic pole nearest the proximal surface. The z-pole configuration can provide reliable alignment.

Other configurations can provide reliable alignment as well as a stronger, or more salient, “clocking” sensation for the user. A “clocking sensation,” in this context, refers to a user-perceptible torque about the common axis of the annular alignment components that urges toward the target rotational alignment and/or resists small displacements from the target rotational alignment. A greater variation of torque as a function of rotational angle can provide a more salient clocking sensation. Following are examples of magnetization configurations for a rotational alignment component that can provide more salient clocking sensations than the z-pole configuration ofFIGS. 29A and 29B.

FIGS. 30A and 30Bshow a perspective view and a top view of a rotational alignment component3024having a “quad pole” configuration according to some embodiments. It should be understood that the perspective view is not to any particular scale and that the lateral (xy) dimensions and axial (z) thickness can be varied as desired. As shown inFIG. 30A, rotational alignment component3024has a first magnetized region3025with a magnetic orientation along the axial direction such that the north magnetic pole (N) is nearest the proximal (+z) surface3003of rotational alignment component3024(as indicated by arrow3005) and a second magnetized region3027with a magnetic orientation opposite to the magnetic orientation of the first region such that the south magnetic pole (S) is nearest to proximal surface3003(as indicated by arrows3007). Between magnetized regions3025and3027is a central region3029that is not magnetized. In some embodiments, rotational alignment component3024can be formed from a single piece of magnetic material that is exposed to a magnetizer to create regions3025,3027,3029. Alternatively, rotational alignment component3024can be formed using two pieces of magnetic material with a nonmagnetic material or an air gap between them. As shown inFIG. 30B, the proximal surface of rotational alignment component3024can have one region having a “north” polarity and another region having a “south” polarity. A complementary quad-pole rotational alignment component can have corresponding regions of south and north polarity at the proximal surface.

FIGS. 31A and 31Bshow a perspective view and a top view of a rotational alignment component3124having an “annulus design” configuration according to some embodiments. It should be understood that the perspective view is not to any particular scale and that the lateral (xy) dimensions and axial (z) thickness can be varied as desired. As shown inFIG. 31A, rotational alignment component3124has an annular outer magnetized region3125with a magnetic orientation along the axial direction such that the north magnetic pole (N) is nearest the proximal (+z) surface3103of rotational alignment component3124(as shown by arrows3105) and an inner magnetized region3127with a magnetic orientation opposite to the magnetic orientation of the first region such that the south magnetic pole (S) is nearest to proximal surface3103. Between magnetized regions3125and3127is a neutral annular region3129that is not magnetized. In some embodiments, rotational alignment component3124can be formed from a single piece of magnetic material that is exposed to a magnetizer to create regions3125,3127,3129. Alternatively, rotational alignment component3124can be formed using two or more pieces of magnetic material with a nonmagnetic material or an air gap between them. As shown inFIG. 31B, the proximal surface of rotational alignment component3124can have an annular outer region having a “north” polarity and an inner region having a “south” polarity. The proximal surface of a complementary annulus-design rotational alignment component can have an annular outer region of south polarity and an inner region of north polarity.

FIGS. 32A and 32Bshow a perspective view and a top view of a rotational alignment component3224having a “triple pole” configuration according to some embodiments. It should be understood that the perspective view is not to any particular scale and that the lateral (xy) dimensions and axial (z) thickness can be varied as desired. As shown inFIG. 32A, rotational alignment component3224has a central magnetized region3225with a magnetic orientation along the axial direction such that the south magnetic pole (S) is nearest the proximal (+z) surface3203of rotational alignment component3224(as shown by arrow3205) and outer magnetized regions3227,3229with a magnetic orientation opposite to the magnetic orientation of central region3225such that the north magnetic pole (N) is nearest to proximal surface3203(as shown by arrows3207,3209). Between central magnetized region3225and each of outer magnetized regions3227,3229is a neutral region3231,3233that is not strongly magnetized. In some embodiments, rotational alignment component3224can be formed from a single piece of magnetic material that is exposed to a magnetizer to create regions3225,3227,3229. Alternatively, rotational alignment component3224can be formed using three (or more) pieces of magnetic material with nonmagnetic materials or air gaps between them. As shown inFIG. 32B, the proximal surface may have a central region having a “south” polarity with an outer region having “north” polarity to either side. The proximal surface of a complementary triple-pole rotational alignment component can have a central region of north polarity with an outer region of south polarity to either side.

It should be understood that the examples inFIGS. 29A-21Bare illustrative and that other configurations may be used. The selection of a magnetization pattern for a rotational alignment component can be independent of the magnetization pattern of an annular alignment component with which the rotational alignment component is used.

In some embodiments, the selection of a magnetization pattern for a rotational alignment component can be based on optimizing the torque profile. For example, as noted above, it may be desirable to provide a salient clocking sensation to a user when close to the desired rotational alignment. The clocking sensation can be a result of torque about a rotational axis defined by the annular alignment components. The amount of torque depends on various factors, including the distance between the axis and the rotational alignment component (distance y0inFIG. 27) and the length (in the y direction as defined inFIG. 27) of the rotational alignment component, as well as the strength of the magnetic fields of the rotational alignment components (which may depend on the size of the rotational alignment components) and whether the annular alignment components exert any torque toward a preferred rotational orientation.

FIG. 33shows a graph of torque as a function of angular rotation (in degrees) for an alignment system of the kind shown inFIG. 27, for different magnetization configurations of the rotational alignment component according to various embodiments. Angular rotation is defined such that zero degrees corresponds to the target rotational alignment (where the proximal surfaces of rotational angular components2722and2724are in closest proximity, e.g., as shown inFIG. 28B). Torque is defined such that positive (negative) values indicate force in the direction of decreasing (increasing) rotational angle. For purpose of generating the torque profiles, it is assumed that annular alignment components2716and2718are rotationally symmetric and do not exert torque about the z axis defined by center points2701and2703. Three different magnetization configurations are considered. Line3304corresponds to the quad-pole configuration ofFIGS. 30A and 30B. Line3305corresponds to the annulus design configuration ofFIGS. 31A and 31B. Line3306corresponds to the triple-pole configuration ofFIGS. 32A and 32B. As shown, the annulus design (line3305) and triple-pole (line3306) configurations provide a sharper peak in the torque and therefore a more salient clocking sensation for the user, as compared to the quad-pole configuration (line3304). In addition, the triple-pole configuration provides a stronger peak torque and therefore a more salient clocking sensation than the annulus-design configuration. (The triple-pole configuration can also provide reduced flux leakage as compared to other configurations.) It should be understood that the numerical values inFIG. 33are illustrative, and that torque in a particular embodiment may depend on a variety of other factors in addition to the magnetization configuration, such as the magnet volume, aspect ratio, and distance y0from the center of the annular alignment component.

In the example shown inFIG. 27, a single rotational alignment component is placed outboard of the annular alignment component at a distance y0from the center of the annular alignment component. This arrangement allows a single magnetic element to generate torque that produces a salient clocking sensation for a user aligning devices. In some embodiments, other arrangements are also possible. For example,FIG. 34shows a portable electronic device3404having an alignment system3400with multiple rotational alignment components according to some embodiments. In this example, alignment system3400includes an annular alignment component3418and a set of rotational alignment components3424positioned at various locations around the perimeter of annular alignment component3418. In this example, there are four rotational alignment components3424positioned at angular intervals of approximately90degrees. In other embodiments, different numbers and spacing of rotational alignment components can be used. Each rotational alignment component3424can have any of the magnetization configurations described above, including z-pole, quad-pole, triple-pole, or annulus-design configurations, or a different configuration. Further, different rotational alignment components3424can have different magnetization configurations from each other. It should be noted that rotational alignment components3424can be placed close to the perimeter of annular alignment component3418, and the larger number of magnetic components can provide sufficient torque with a shorter lever arm. Complementary rotational alignment components can be disposed around the outer perimeter of any type of annular alignment component (e.g., primary alignment components, secondary alignment components, or annular alignment components as described herein).

It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples of rotational alignment components are illustrative and that variations or modifications are possible. In some embodiments, a rotational alignment component can be provided as an optional adjunct to an annular alignment component, and a device that has both an annular alignment component and a rotational alignment component can align laterally to any other device that has a complementary annular alignment component, regardless of whether the other device has or does not have a rotational alignment component. Thus, for example, portable electronic device2704ofFIG. 27can align rotationally to accessory2702(which has both annular alignment component2716and rotational alignment component2722) as well as aligning laterally to another accessory (such as wireless charger device2000ofFIG. 20) that has annular alignment component2716but not rotational alignment component2722. In the latter case, lateral alignment can be achieved, e.g., to support efficient wireless charging, but there may be no preferred rotational alignment, or rotational alignment may be achieved using a nonmagnetic feature (e.g., a mechanical retention feature such as a ledge, a clip, a notch, or the like). A rotational magnetic alignment component can be used together with any type of annular magnetic alignment component (e.g., primary annular magnetic alignment components, secondary annular magnetic alignment components, or auxiliary annular magnetic alignment components as described below).

In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can align more than two devices. Examples of magnetic alignment systems with three annular alignment components (referred to as primary, secondary, and auxiliary annular magnetic alignment components) will now be described. It should be understood that the primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components described in this section can be identical to primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components described above and that a given pair primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components can be used with or without an auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component. It should also be understood that a system where alignment is desired may include more than three devices and that additional auxiliary annular alignment components can be provided to facilitate alignment of more than three devices.

FIG. 35shows a simplified representation of a wireless charging system3500incorporating a three-component magnetic alignment system3506according to some embodiments. Wireless charging system3500includes a portable electronic device3504, a wireless charger device3502, and an accessory3520positioned between portable electronic device3504and wireless charger device3502. Portable electronic device3504can be a consumer electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, wearable device, or the like, or any other electronic device for which wireless charging is desired. Wireless charger device3502can be any device that is configured to generate time-varying magnetic flux to induce a current in a suitably configured receiving device. For instance, wireless charger device3502can be a wireless charging mat, puck, docking station, or the like. Wireless charger device3502can include or have access to a power source such as battery power or standard AC power.

To enable wireless power transfer, portable electronic device3504and wireless charger device3502can include inductive coils3510and3512, respectively, which can operate to transfer power between them. For example, inductive coil3512can be a transmitter coil that generates a time-varying magnetic flux3514, and inductive coil3510can be a receiver coil in which an electric current is induced in response to time-varying magnetic flux3514. The received electric current can be used to charge a battery of portable electronic device3504, to provide operating power to a component of portable electronic device3504, and/or for other purposes as desired. In some embodiments, wireless power transfer between wireless charger device3502and portable electronic device3504can occur regardless of whether accessory3520is present.

Accessory3520can be an accessory that is used with portable electronic device3504to protect, enhance, and/or supplement the aesthetics and/or functions of portable electronic device3504. For example, accessory3520can be a protective case, an external battery pack, a camera attachment, or any other charge-through accessory. In some embodiments, accessory3520can include one or more wireless charging coils3538. For example, accessory3520can be a portable external battery pack that can be attached to and carried together with portable electronic device3504. In some embodiments, accessory3520can operate wireless charging coil3538as a receiver coil to charge its onboard battery (e.g., from wireless charger device3502) or as a transmitter coil to provide power to portable electronic device3504. In some embodiments, accessory3520cam include separate transmitter and receiver coils3538. Accessory3520can operate coil(s)3538to transmit power or to receive and store power depending on current conditions. In still other embodiments, accessory3520can be an “unpowered” or “passive” accessory such as a case that contains no active circuitry, and wireless charging coil3538can be omitted. In such cases, accessory3520can be designed not to inhibit wireless power transfer between wireless charger device3502and portable electronic device3504. For instance, relevant portions of accessory3520can be made of a material such as plastic, leather, or other material that is transparent to time-varying magnetic flux3514.

To enable efficient wireless power transfer, it is desirable to align inductive coils3512and3510(and coil3538in embodiments where coil3538is present). According to some embodiments, magnetic alignment system3506can provide such alignment. In the example shown inFIG. 35, magnetic alignment system3506includes a primary magnetic alignment component3516disposed within or on a surface of wireless charger device3502, a secondary magnetic alignment component3518disposed within or on a surface of portable electronic device3504, and an auxiliary magnetic alignment component3570disposed within or on a surface of accessory3520. Primary, secondary, and auxiliary magnetic alignment components3516,3518, and3570are configured to magnetically attract one another into an aligned position in which inductive coils3510and3512(and/or3538if present) are aligned with one another to provide efficient wireless power transfer.

Magnetic alignment system3506can enable modularity in that various types of accessories3520can align with primary and/or secondary magnetic alignment components3516,3518, provided that accessory3520includes auxiliary alignment component3570. For instance, in some embodiments (e.g., where accessory3520is a protective case), accessory3520can mechanically couple to portable electronic device3504in a fixed position such that auxiliary magnetic alignment component3570is aligned with secondary magnetic alignment component3518, and portable electronic device3504can rely wholly or partially on auxiliary magnetic alignment component3570to align with primary alignment component3518of wireless charger device3502. Accordingly, when accessory3520is positioned on charging surface3508of wireless charger device3502such that primary alignment component3516is aligned with auxiliary alignment component3570, secondary alignment component3518of portable electronic device3504is also aligned with primary alignment component3570, and efficient wireless power transfer is supported.

As another example, in some embodiments where accessory3520is an external battery, auxiliary alignment component3570can attract to and align with secondary alignment component3518so that power from an internal power source (not shown) within accessory3520can be wirelessly transferred to portable electronic device3504using inductive coil3538and inductive coil3510. The modularity of magnetic alignment system3506can also enable wireless charger device3502to stack with portable electronic device3504and accessory3520. For example, auxiliary alignment component3570can attract and align to secondary alignment component3518and at the same time can attract and align to primary alignment component3516. Accordingly, when portable electronic device3504, accessory3520, and wireless charger device3502are all stacked together, power can be transmitted wirelessly from wireless charger device3502to accessory3520(e.g., to charge an internal battery of accessory3520) and from accessory3520to portable electronic device3504. Both power transfers can be performed simultaneously; i.e., wireless charger device3502can provide power to accessory3520at the same time that accessory3520provides power to portable electronic device3504. In some embodiments, to enable simultaneous power transfers, accessory3520can include two inductive coils3538, one for receiving power and one for transmitting power. In other embodiments, the power transfers can be performed sequentially; e.g., wireless charger device3502can provide power to accessory3520, and at a time when wireless charger device3502is not providing power, accessory3520can provide power to portable electronic device3504.

FIG. 35is illustrative and not limiting. For example, whileFIG. 35shows three devices stacked together, it should be understood that the same principles can be applied to form systems of four or more devices. For instance, a wireless charging system can include a portable electronic device coupled to a protective case that is attached to and magnetically aligned with an external battery, which is attached to and magnetically aligned to a wireless charger device. All the inductive coils within the respective devices can be aligned together, and wireless power can be transmitted between the wireless charger device and the external battery, between the battery and the portable electronic device, and/or between the wireless charger device and the portable electronic device. It is to be appreciated that any number of devices can be stacked together without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

According to embodiments described herein, an alignment component (including a primary, secondary, or auxiliary alignment component) of a magnetic alignment system can be formed of arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration. In some embodiments, each magnet can have its magnetic polarity oriented in a desired direction so that magnetic attraction between the primary, secondary, and auxiliary alignment components provides a desired alignment. In some embodiments, an arcuate magnet can include a first magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a first direction and a second magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. As will be described, different configurations can provide different degrees of magnetic field leakage.

FIG. 36Ashows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system3600according to some embodiments, andFIG. 36Bshows a cross-section through magnetic alignment system3600across the cut plane indicated inFIG. 36A. Magnetic alignment system3600can be an implementation of magnetic alignment system3506ofFIG. 35. In magnetic alignment system3600, the alignment components all have magnetic polarity oriented in the same direction (along the axis of the annular configuration).

As shown inFIG. 36A, magnetic alignment system3600can include a primary alignment component3616(which can be an implementation of primary alignment component3516ofFIG. 35), a secondary alignment component3618(which can be an implementation of secondary alignment component3518ofFIG. 35), and an auxiliary alignment component3670(which can be an implementation of auxiliary alignment component3570described above). Primary alignment component3616and secondary alignment component3618have annular shapes and may also be referred to as “annular” alignment components. The particular dimensions can be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component3616and secondary alignment component3618can each have an outer diameter of about 47 mm and a radial width of about 6 mm. The outer diameters and radial widths of primary alignment component3616and secondary alignment component3618need not be exactly equal. For instance, the radial width of secondary alignment component3618can be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component3616and/or the outer diameter of secondary alignment component3618can also be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component3616so that, when in alignment, the inner and outer sides of primary alignment component3616extend beyond the corresponding inner and outer sides of secondary alignment component3618. Thicknesses (or axial dimensions) of primary alignment component3616and secondary alignment component3618can also be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component3616has a thickness of about 1.5 mm while secondary alignment component3618has a thickness of about 0.37 mm.

Primary alignment component3616can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more primary arcuate magnets3626. Secondary alignment component3618can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more secondary arcuate magnets3628. Auxiliary alignment component3570can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more auxiliary arcuate magnets3672. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets3626is equal to the number of secondary magnets3628and to the number of auxiliary magnets3670, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets3626, secondary magnets3628, and auxiliary magnets3672can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets3626(or secondary magnets3628or auxiliary magnets3672) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets3626(or secondary magnets3628or auxiliary magnets3672) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets3626can be in contact with each other at interfaces3630, secondary magnets3628can be in contact with each other at interfaces3632, and auxiliary magnets3672can be in contact with each other at interfaces3674. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets3626or adjacent secondary magnets3628or adjacent auxiliary magnets3672, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, primary alignment component3616can also include an annular shield3614disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets3626. In some embodiments, shield3614can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets3626to secure primary magnets3626into position. Shield3614can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component3616, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component3616from magnetic interference.

Primary magnets3626, secondary magnets3628, and auxiliary magnets3672can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each primary magnet3626, each secondary magnet3628, and each auxiliary magnet3672can have a monolithic structure having a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity aligned in the axial direction as shown by magnetic polarity indicators3615,3617,3619inFIG. 36B. For example, each primary magnet3626, each secondary magnet3628, and each auxiliary magnet3672can be a bar magnet that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure having an axial magnetic orientation. In the example shown, primary magnet3626has its north pole oriented toward the proximal surface and south pole oriented toward the distal surface, secondary magnet3628has its south pole oriented toward the proximal surface and north pole oriented toward the distal surface, and auxiliary magnet3672has a corresponding magnetic orientation such that the north pole of auxiliary magnet3672is oriented toward the proximal surface of secondary magnet3628and the south pole of auxiliary magnet3672is oriented toward the proximal surface of primary magnet3626. In other embodiments, the magnetic orientations can be reversed such that primary magnet3626has its south pole oriented toward the proximal surface and north pole oriented toward the distal surface while secondary magnet3628has its north pole oriented toward the proximal surface and south pole oriented toward the distal surface and auxiliary magnet3672has a corresponding magnetic orientation such that the south pole of auxiliary magnet3672is oriented toward the proximal surface of secondary magnet3628and the north pole of auxiliary magnet3672is oriented toward the proximal surface of primary magnet3626.

As shown inFIG. 36B, the axial magnetic orientations of primary magnet3626, auxiliary magnet3672, and secondary magnet3628can generate magnetic fields3640that exert attractive forces between primary magnet3626and auxiliary magnet3672and between auxiliary magnet3672and secondary magnet3628, thereby facilitating alignment between respective devices in which primary alignment component3616, auxiliary alignment component3670, and secondary alignment component3618are disposed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 35). While shield3614can redirect some of magnetic fields3640away from regions below primary magnet3626, magnetic fields3640may still propagate to regions laterally adjacent to primary magnet3626and secondary magnet3628. In some embodiments, the lateral propagation of magnetic fields3640may result in magnetic field leakage to other magnetically sensitive components. For instance, if an inductive coil having a ferromagnetic shield is placed in the interior (or inboard) region of annular primary alignment component3616(or secondary alignment component3618), leakage of magnetic fields3640may saturate the ferrimagnetic shield, which can degrade wireless charging performance.

It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system3600is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component3616, auxiliary alignment component3670, and secondary alignment component3618are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. Similarly, the number of auxiliary magnets need not be equal to either the number of primary magnets or the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, primary alignment component3616and/or secondary alignment component3618and/or auxiliary alignment component3670can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet; however, segmenting alignment components3616,3618, and3670into arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing, as described above with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B.

As noted above with reference toFIG. 36B, a magnetic alignment system with a single axial magnetic orientation may allow lateral leakage of magnetic fields, which may adversely affect performance of other components of an electronic device. Accordingly, some embodiments provide magnetic alignment systems with a closed-loop magnetic configuration that reduces magnetic field leakage. Examples will now be described.

FIG. 37Ashows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system3700according to some embodiments, andFIG. 37Bshows a cross-section through magnetic alignment system3700across the cut plane indicated inFIG. 37A. Magnetic alignment system3700can be an implementation of magnetic alignment system3506ofFIG. 35. In magnetic alignment system3700, the alignment components have magnetic components configured in a “closed loop” configuration as described below.

As shown inFIG. 37A, magnetic alignment system3700can include a primary alignment component3716(which can be an implementation of primary alignment component3516ofFIG. 35), a secondary alignment component3718(which can be an implementation of secondary alignment component3518ofFIG. 35), and an auxiliary alignment component3770(which can be an implementation of auxiliary alignment component3570ofFIG. 35). Primary alignment component3716and secondary alignment component3718have annular shapes and may also be referred to as “annular” alignment components. The particular dimensions can be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component3716and secondary alignment component3718can each have an outer diameter of about 47 mm and a radial width of about 6 mm. The outer diameters and radial widths of primary alignment component3716and secondary alignment component3718need not be exactly equal. For instance, the radial width of secondary alignment component3718can be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component3716and/or the outer diameter of secondary alignment component3718can also be slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component3716so that, when in alignment, the inner and outer sides of primary alignment component3716extend beyond the corresponding inner and outer sides of secondary alignment component3718. Thicknesses (or axial dimensions) of primary alignment component3716and secondary alignment component3718can also be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignment component3716has a thickness of about 1.5 mm while secondary alignment component3718has a thickness of about 0.37 mm.

Primary alignment component3716can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of primary magnets3726; secondary alignment component3718can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of secondary magnets3728; and auxiliary alignment component3770can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of auxiliary magnets3772. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets3726is equal to the number of secondary magnets3728and to the number of auxiliary magnets3772, and each sector includes one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets3726, secondary magnets3728, and auxiliary magnets3772can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets3726(or secondary magnets3728or auxiliary magnets3772) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets3726(or secondary magnets3728or auxiliary magnets3772) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, adjacent primary magnets3726can be in contact with each other at interfaces3730, adjacent secondary magnets3728can be in contact with each other at interfaces3732, and adjacent auxiliary magnets3772can be in contact with each other at interfaces3780. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets3726, adjacent secondary magnets3728, or adjacent auxiliary magnets3772, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, primary alignment component3716can also include an annular shield3714disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets3726. In some embodiments, shield3714can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets3726to secure primary magnets3726into position. Shield3714can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component3716, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component3716from magnetic interference. In some embodiments, auxiliary alignment component3770does not include a similar shield, so that a stronger magnetic attraction with primary alignment component3716can be provided.

Primary magnets3726, secondary magnets3728, and auxiliary magnets3772can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each secondary magnet3728can have a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity having a component in the radial direction in the transverse plane (as shown by magnetic polarity indicator3717inFIG. 37B). As described below, the magnetic orientation can be in a radial direction with respect to axis3701or another direction having a radial component in the transverse plane. Each primary magnet3726can include two magnetic regions having opposite magnetic orientations. For example, each primary magnet3726can include an inner arcuate magnetic region3752having a magnetic orientation in a first axial direction (as shown by polarity indicator3753inFIG. 37B), an outer arcuate magnetic region3754having a magnetic orientation in a second axial direction opposite the first direction (as shown by polarity indicator3755inFIG. 37B), and a central non-magnetized region3756that does not have a magnetic orientation. Central non-magnetized region3756can magnetically separate inner arcuate region3752from outer arcuate region3754by inhibiting magnetic fields from directly crossing through center region3756. Similarly, each auxiliary magnet3772can include two magnetic regions having opposite magnetic orientations. For example, each auxiliary magnet3772can include an inner arcuate magnetic region3774having a magnetic orientation in a first axial direction (as shown by polarity indicator3773inFIG. 37B), an outer arcuate magnetic region3776having a magnetic orientation in a second axial direction opposite the first direction (as shown by polarity indicator3775inFIG. 37B), and a central non-magnetized region3778that does not have a magnetic orientation. Central non-magnetized region3778can magnetically separate inner arcuate region3774from outer arcuate region3776by inhibiting magnetic fields from directly crossing through center region3778.

In some embodiments, each secondary magnet3726can be made of a magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetic orientation having a radial component in the transverse plane can be created, e.g., using a magnetizer.

Similarly, each primary magnet3726can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each primary magnet3726can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region3752and outer arcuate magnetic region3754; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region3756can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region3752and outer arcuate magnetic region3754. Any manufacturing technique that can be used to form primary magnets3726can also be used to form auxiliary magnets3772. Thus, each auxiliary magnet3772can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each auxiliary magnet3772can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region3774and outer arcuate magnetic region3776; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region3778can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic (or demagnetized) material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region3774and outer arcuate magnetic region3776. It should be understood that in some embodiments one manufacturing technique can be used for primary magnets3726while a different manufacturing technique can be used for auxiliary magnets3772; for example, each auxiliary magnet3772can be monolithic while each primary magnet3726is a compound structure. As long as the magnetic fields of the various magnets align as described, alignment between devices can be provided. Further, as described above with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the inner and outer arcuate magnetic regions of a quad-pole primary or auxiliary arcuate magnet can but need not have equal magnetic field strength; asymmetric polarization as described above can be applied.

As shown inFIG. 37B, inner arcuate magnetic region3752of primary magnet3726and inner arcuate magnetic region3774of auxiliary magnet3772can have the same magnetic orientation, as shown by polarity indictors3753and3773. Similarly, outer arcuate magnetic region3754of primary magnet3726and outer arcuate magnetic region3776of auxiliary magnet3772can have the same magnetic orientation, as shown by polarity indictors3755and3775. This configuration creates a magnetic attraction between primary magnet3726and auxiliary magnet3772, which can facilitate alignment between them. The magnetic polarity of secondary magnet3728(shown by indicator3717) can be oriented such that when secondary magnetic alignment component3718is aligned with auxiliary magnetic alignment component3770, the south pole of secondary magnet3728is oriented toward the north pole of inner arcuate magnetic region3774of auxiliary magnet3772(and also toward the north pole of inner arcuate magnetic region3752of primary magnet3726) while the north pole of secondary magnet3728is oriented toward the south pole of outer arcuate magnetic region3776of auxiliary magnet3772(and also toward the south pole of outer arcuate magnetic region3754of primary magnet3726).

Accordingly, the respective magnetic orientations of inner arcuate magnetic regions3752,3774, secondary magnet3728and outer arcuate magnetic region3776,3778can generate magnetic fields3740that exert an attractive force between primary magnet3726and auxiliary magnet3772and between auxiliary magnet3772and secondary magnet3728, thereby facilitating alignment between respective electronic devices in which primary alignment component3716, auxiliary alignment component3770, and secondary alignment component3718are disposed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 35). Shield3714at the distal surface of primary magnet3726can redirect some of magnetic fields3740away from regions below primary magnet3726. Further, the “closed-loop” magnetic field3740formed around central non-magnetized regions3756and3778can have tight and compact field lines that do not stray outside of primary, auxiliary, and secondary magnets3726,3772,3728as far as magnetic field3640strays outside of primary, auxiliary, and secondary magnets3626,3672,3628inFIG. 36B. Thus, magnetically sensitive components can be placed relatively close to primary alignment component3716with reduced concern for stray magnetic fields. Accordingly, as compared to magnetic alignment system3600, magnetic alignment system3700can help to reduce the overall size of a device in which primary alignment component3716is positioned and can also help reduce noise created by magnetic field3740in adjacent components, such as an inductive receiving coil positioned inboard of secondary alignment component3718.

It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system3700is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component3716, auxiliary alignment component3772, and secondary alignment component3718are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. Similarly, the number of auxiliary magnets need not be equal to either the number of primary magnets or the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, secondary alignment component3718can be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet. Similarly, primary alignment component3716and/or auxiliary alignment component3772can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular piece of magnetic material with an appropriate magnetization pattern as described above, or primary alignment component3716and/or auxiliary alignment component3772can each be formed of a monolithic inner annular magnet and a monolithic outer annular magnet, with an annular air gap or region of nonmagnetic material disposed between the inner annular magnet and outer annular magnet. However, a construction using multiple arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because smaller arcuate magnets are less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and are less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing. It should also be understood that the magnetic orientations of the various components or individual magnets do not need to align exactly with the lateral and axial directions. The magnetic orientation can have any angle that provides a closed-loop path for a magnetic field through the primary and secondary alignment components.

In embodiments described above, it is assumed (though not required) that the magnetic alignment components are fixed in position relative to the device enclosure and do not move in the axial or lateral direction. This provides a fixed magnetic flux. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for one or more of the magnetic alignment components to move in the axial direction. For example, in various embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable to limit the magnetic flux provided by these magnetic structures. Limiting the magnetic flux can help to prevent the demagnetization of various charge and payment cards that a user might be carrying with an electronic device that incorporates one of these magnetic structures. But in some circumstances, it can be desirable to increase this magnetic flux in order to increase a magnetic attraction between an electronic device and an accessory or a second electronic device. Also, it can be desirable for one or more of the magnetic alignment components to move laterally. For example, an electronic device and an attachment structure or wireless device can be offset from each other in a lateral direction. The ability of a magnetic alignment component to move laterally can compensate for this offset and improve coupling between devices, particularly where a coil moves with the magnetic alignment component. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide structures where some or all of the magnets in these magnetic structures are able to change positions or otherwise move. Examples of magnetic structures having moving magnets are shown in the following figures.

FIGS. 38A through 38Cillustrate examples of moving magnets according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, first electronic device3800can be gaming accessory100or any of the other gaming accessories shown above, a wireless charging device, or other device having a magnet3810(which can be, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignment components described herein.) InFIG. 38A, moving magnet3810can be housed in a first electronic device3800. First electronic device3800can include device enclosure3830, magnet3810, and shield3820. Magnet3810can be in a first position (not shown) adjacent to nonmoving shield3820. In this position, magnet3810can be separated from device enclosure3830. As a result, the magnetic flux3812at a surface of device enclosure3830can be relatively low, thereby protecting magnetic devices and magnetically stored information, such as information stored on payment cards. As magnet3810in first electronic device3800is attracted to a second magnet (not shown) in a second electronic device (not shown), magnet3810can move, for example it can move away from shield3820to be adjacent to device enclosure3830, as shown. With magnet3810at this location, magnetic flux3812at surface of device enclosure3830can be relatively high. This increase in magnetic flux3812can help to attract the second electronic device to first electronic device3800.

With this configuration, it can take a large amount of magnetic attraction for magnet3810to separate from shield3820. Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention can include a shield that is split into a shield portion and a return plate portion. For example, inFIG. 38B, line3860can be used to indicate a split of shield3820into a shield3840and return plate3850.

InFIG. 38C, moving magnet3810can be housed in first electronic device3800. First electronic device3800can include device enclosure3830, magnet3810, shield3840, and return plate3850. In the absence of a magnetic attraction, magnet3810can be in a first position (not shown) such that shield3840can be adjacent to return plate3850. Again, in this configuration, magnetic flux3812at a surface of device enclosure3830can be relatively low. As magnet3810and first electronic device is attracted to a second magnet (not shown) in a second electronic device (not shown), magnet3810can move, for example it can move away from return plate3850to be adjacent to device enclosure3830, as shown. In this configuration, shield3840can separate from return plate3850and the magnetic flux3812at a surface of device enclosure3830can be increased. As before, this increase in magnetic flux3812can help to attract the second electronic device to the first electronic device3800.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, various housings and structures can be used to guide a moving magnet. Also, various surfaces can be used in conjunction with these moving magnets. These surfaces can be rigid. Alternatively, these surfaces can be compliant and at least somewhat flexible. Examples are shown in the following figures.

FIGS. 39A and 39Billustrate a moving magnetic structure according to an embodiment of the present invention In this example, first electronic device3900can be gaming accessory100or any of the other gaming accessories shown above, a wireless charging device, or other device having a magnet3910(which can be, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignment components described herein.)FIG. 39Aillustrates a moving first magnet3910in a first electronic device3900. First electronic device3900can include first magnet3910, protective surface3912, housings3920and3922, compliant structure3924, shield3940, and return plate3950. In this figure, first magnet3910is not attracted to a second magnet (not shown), and therefore shield3940is magnetically attracted to or attached to return plate3950. In this position, compliant structure3924can be expanded or relaxed. Compliant structure3924can be formed of an elastomer, silicon rubber open cell foam, silicon rubber, polyurethane foam, or other foam or other compressible material.

InFIG. 39B, second electronic device3960has been brought into proximity of first electronic device3900. Second magnet3970can attract first magnet3910, thereby causing shield3940and return plate3950to separate from each other. Housings3920and3922can compress compliant structure3924, thereby allowing protective surface3912of first electronic device3900to move towards or adjacent to housing3980of second electronic device3960. Second magnet3970can be held in place in second electronic device3960by housing3990or other structure. As second electronic device3960is removed from first electronic device3900, first magnet3910and shield3940can be magnetically attracted to return plate3950, as shown inFIG. 39A.

FIGS. 40A and 40Billustrate moving magnetic structures according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, first electronic device4000can be gaming accessory100or any of the other gaming accessories shown above, a wireless charging device, or other device having a magnet4010(which can be, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignment components described herein.)FIG. 40Aillustrates a moving first magnet4010in a first electronic device4000. First electronic device4000can include first magnet4010, pliable surface4012, housing portions4020and4022, shield4040, and return plate4050. In this figure, first magnet4010is not attracted to a second magnet, and therefore shield4040is magnetically attached or attracted to return plate4050. In this position, pliable surface4012can be relaxed. Pliable surface4012can be formed of an elastomer, silicon rubber open cell foam, silicon rubber, polyurethane foam, or other foam or other compressible material.

InFIG. 40B, second electronic device4060has been brought into the proximity of first electronic device4000. Second magnet4070can attract first magnet4010, thereby causing shield4040and return plate4050to separate from each other. First magnet4010can stretch pliable surface4012towards second electronic device4060, thereby allowing first magnet4010of first electronic device4000to move towards housing4080of second electronic device4060. Second magnet4070can be held in place in second electronic device4060by housing4090or other structure. As second electronic device4060is removed from first electronic device4000, first magnet4010and shield4040can be magnetically attracted to return plate4050as shown inFIG. 40A.

FIG. 41toFIG. 43illustrate a moving magnetic structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, first electronic device4100can be gaming accessory100or any of the other gaming accessories shown above, a wireless charging device, or other device having a magnet4110(which can be, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignment components described herein.) InFIG. 41, first magnet4110and shield4140can be magnetically attracted or attached to return plate4150in first electronic device4100. First electronic device4100can be at least partially housed in device enclosure4120. InFIG. 42, housing4180of second electronic device4160can move laterally across a surface of device enclosure4120of first electronic device4100in a direction4185. Second magnet4170in second electronic device4160can begin to attract first magnet4110in first electronic device4100. This magnetic attraction4115can cause first magnet4110and shield4140to pull away from return plate4150by overcoming the magnetic attraction4145between shield4140and return plate4150. InFIG. 43, second magnet4170in second electronic device4160has become aligned with first magnet4110in first electronic device4100. First magnet4110and shield4140have pulled away from return plate4150thereby reducing the magnetic attraction4145. First magnet4110has moved nearby or adjacent to device enclosure4120, thereby increasing the magnetic attraction4115to second magnet4170in second electronic device4160.

As shown inFIGS. 41throughFIG. 43, the magnetic attraction between first magnet4110in first electronic device4100and the second magnet4170in the second electronic device4160can increase when first magnet4110and shield4140pull away from return plate4150. This is shown graphically in the following figures.

FIG. 44illustrates a normal force between a first magnet in first electronic device and a second magnet in a second electronic device as a function of a lateral offset between them. As shown inFIGS. 41-36, with a large offset between first magnet4110and second magnet4370, first magnet4110and shield4140can remain attached to return plate4150in first electronic device4100and the magnetic attraction4115can be minimal. The shear force necessary to overcome this magnetic attraction is illustrated here as curve4410. As shown inFIG. 42, as the offset or lateral distance between first magnet4110and second magnet4170decreases, first magnet4110and shield4140can pull away or separate from return plate4150, thereby increasing the magnetic attraction4115between first magnet4110and second magnet4170.

This is illustrated here as discontinuity4420. As shown inFIG. 43, as first magnet4110and second magnet4170come into alignment, the magnetic attraction4115increases along curve4430to a maximum4440. The difference between curve4410and curve4430can show the increase in magnetic attraction between a phone or other electronic device, such as second electronic device4160and an attachable wallet or wireless charging device, such as first electronic device4100, that results from first magnet4110being able to move axially. It should also be noted that in this example first magnet4110does not move in a lateral direction, though in other examples it is capable of such movement. Where first magnet4110is capable of moving in a lateral direction, curve4430can have a flattened peak from an offset of zero to an offset that can be overcome by a range of possible lateral movement of first magnet4110.

FIG. 45illustrates a shear force between a first magnet in a first electronic device and a second magnet in a second electronic device as a function of a lateral offset between them.

With no offset between first magnet4110and second magnet4160, there it is no shear force to move second magnet4170relative to first magnet4110, as shown inFIG. 41. As the offset is increased, the shear force, that is the force attempting to realign the magnets, can increase along curve4540. At discontinuity4510, first magnet4110and shield4140can return to return plate4150(as shown inFIGS. 41-36), thereby decreasing the magnetic shear force to point4520.

The magnetic shear force can continue to drop off along curve4530as the offset increases. The difference between curve4530and curve4540can show the increase in magnetic attraction between a phone or other electronic device, such as second electronic device4160and an attachable wallet or wireless charging device, such as first electronic device4100, that results from first magnet4110being able to move axially. It should also be noted that in this example first magnet4110does not move in a lateral direction, though in other examples it is capable of such movement. Where first magnet4110is capable of moving in a lateral direction, curve4530can remain at zero until the lateral movement of the second magnet4170overcomes the range of possible lateral movement of first magnet4110.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable to further increase this shear force. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide various high friction or high stiction surfaces, suction cups, pins, or other structures to increase this shear force.

For various applications, it may be desirable to enable a device having a magnetic alignment component to identify other devices that are brought into alignment. In some embodiments where the devices support a wireless charging standard that defines a communication protocol between devices, the devices can use that protocol to communicate. For example, the Qi standard for wireless power transfer defines a communication protocol that enables a power-receiving device (i.e., a device that has an inductive coil to receive power transferred wirelessly) to communicate information to a power-transmitting device (i.e., a device that has an inductive coil to generate time-varying magnetic fields to transfer power wirelessly to another device) via a modulation scheme in the inductive coils. The Qi communication protocol or similar protocols can be used to communicate information such as device identification or charging status or requests to increase or decrease power transfer from the power-receiving device to the power-transmitting device.

In some embodiments, a separate communication subsystem, such as a Near-Field Communication (NFC) subsystem can be provided to enable additional communication, including device identification, from a tag circuit located in one device to a reader circuit located in another device. (As used herein, “NFC” encompasses various protocols, including known standard protocols, that use near-field electromagnetic radiation to communicate data between antenna structures, e.g., coils of wire, that are in proximity to each other.) For example, each device that has an annular magnetic alignment component can also have an NFC coil that can be disposed inboard of and concentric with the annular magnetic alignment component. Where the device also has an inductive charging coil (which can be a transmitter coil or a receiver coil), the NFC coil can be disposed in an annular gap between the inductive charging coil and the annular magnetic alignment component. In some embodiments, an NFC protocol can be used to allow a portable electronic device to identify an accessory device when the respective magnetic alignment components of the portable electronic device and the accessory device are brought into alignment. For example, the NFC coil of a portable electronic device can be coupled to an NFC reader circuit while the NFC coil of an accessory device is coupled to an NFC tag circuit. When devices are brought into proximity, the NFC reader circuit of the portable electronic device can be activated to read the NFC tag of the accessory device. In this manner, the portable electronic device can obtain information (e.g., device identification) from the accessory device.

In some embodiments, an NFC reader in a portable electronic device can be triggered by detecting a change in a DC (or static) magnetic field within the portable electronic device that corresponds to a change expected when an accessory device having a complementary magnetic alignment component is brought into alignment. When the expected change is detected, the NFC reader can be activated to read an NFC tag in the other device, assuming the other device is present.

Examples of devices incorporating NFC circuitry and magnetic alignment components will now be described.

In some embodiments, an NFC tag may be located in a device that includes a wireless charger and an annular alignment structure. The NFC tag can be positioned and configured such that when the wireless charger device is aligned with a portable device having a complementary annular alignment structure and an NFC reader, the NFC tag is readable by the NFC reader of the portable electronic device.

FIG. 46shows an exploded view of a wireless charger device4602incorporating an NFC tag according to some embodiments, andFIG. 47shows a partial cross-section view of wireless charger device4602according to some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 46, wireless charger device4602can include an enclosure4604, which can be made of plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum), and a charging surface4606, which can be made of silicone, plastic, glass, or other material that is permeable to AC and DC magnetic fields. Charging surface4606can be shaped to fit within a circular opening4603at the top of enclosure4604.

A wireless transmitter coil assembly4611can be disposed within enclosure4604. Wireless transmitter coil assembly4611can include a wireless transmitter coil4612for inductive power transfer to another device as well as AC magnetic and/or electric shield(s)4613disposed around some or all surfaces of wireless transmitter coil4612. Control circuitry4614(which can include, e.g., a logic board and/or power circuitry) to control wireless transmitter coil4612can be disposed in the center of coil4612and/or underneath coil4612. In some embodiments, control circuitry4614can operate wireless transmitter coil4612in accordance with a wireless charging protocol such as the Qi protocol or other protocols.

A primary annular magnetic alignment component4616can surround wireless transmitter coil assembly4611. Primary annular magnetic alignment component4616can include a number of arcuate magnet sections arranged in an annular configuration as shown. Each arcuate magnet section can include an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, and a central arcuate region that is not magnetically polarized. (Examples are described above.) In some embodiments, the diameter and thickness of primary annular magnetic alignment component4616is chosen such that arcuate magnet sections of primary annular magnetic alignment component4616fit under a lip4609at the top surface of enclosure4604, as best seen inFIG. 47. For instance, each arcuate magnet section can be inserted into position under lip4609, either before or after magnetizing the inner and outer regions. In some embodiments, primary annular magnetic alignment component4616can have a gap4636between two adjacent arcuate magnet sections. Gap4636can be aligned with an opening4607in a side surface of enclosure4604to allow external wires to be connected to wireless transmitter coil4612and/or control circuitry4614.

A support ring subassembly4640can include an annular frame4642that extends in the axial direction and a friction pad4644at the top edge of frame4642. Friction pad4644can be made of a material such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and can provide support and protection for charging surface4606. Frame4642can be made of a material such as polycarbonate (PC), glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate (GFPC), or glass-fiber reinforced polyamide (GFPA). Frame4642can have an NFC coil4664disposed thereon. For example, NFC coil4664can be a four-turn or five-turn solenoidal coil made of copper wire or other conductive wire that is wound onto frame4642. NFC coil4664can be electrically connected to NFC tag circuitry (not shown) that can be part of control circuitry4614. The relevant design principles of NFC circuits are well understood in the art and a detailed description is omitted. Frame4642can be inserted into a gap region4617between primary annular magnetic alignment component4616and wireless transmitter coil assembly4611. In some embodiments, gap region4617is shielded by AC shield4613from AC electromagnetic fields generated in wireless transmitter coil4612and is also shielded from DC magnetic fields of primary annular magnetic alignment component4616by the closed-loop configuration of the arcuate magnet sections.

As described above, an accessory device such as a case for a mobile phone may include an auxiliary magnetic alignment component, with or without a wireless charging coil. The auxiliary magnetic alignment component can act as a “repeater” to support the use of a primary magnetic alignment component and a secondary alignment component to align the wireless charging transmitter coil of a charger device with the wireless charging receiver coil of a portable electronic device while the portable electronic device is attached to (e.g., inserted into) the accessory device.

In some embodiments, an NFC tag circuit and coil may be incorporated into an accessory device having an auxiliary magnetic alignment component. The NFC tag can be read by the NFC reader of the portable electronic device (e.g., using NFC coil5060and associated NFC reader circuit of portable electronic device5004as described above), allowing the portable electronic device to identify the accessory device when the accessory device is in proximity and aligned with the portable electronic device.

FIG. 48shows an example of an accessory device4800incorporating an auxiliary alignment component with an NFC tag circuit and coil according to some embodiments. Accessory device4800can be, for example, a case for portable electronic device5004(which can be, e.g., a smart phone). Accessory device4800can be shaped as a tray, sleeve, or other form factor as desired that covers and protects one or more surfaces of portable electronic device5004. In particular, accessory device4800can have a rear (or back) panel4802that covers the rear surface of portable electronic device5004. It should be understood that rear panel4802need not cover the entire rear surface of portable electronic device5004; for example, a cutout area4803can be provided to expose a rear camera lens of portable electronic device5004.

Rear panel4802can include an auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component4870. Auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component4870can include a number of arcuate magnets4872arranged in an annular configuration as shown. Each arcuate magnet4872can include an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, and a central arcuate region that is not magnetically polarized. (Examples are described above.) Auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component4870can align with secondary annular magnetic alignment component5018of electronic device5002.

An NFC tag circuit assembly4866can be disposed inboard of auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component4616. In some embodiments, all or part of region4805of rear panel4802, inboard of NFC tag circuit assembly4866, can be a cutout area.

FIG. 49shows a flow diagram of a process4900that can be implemented in portable electronic device5004according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, process4900can be performed iteratively while portable electronic device5004is powered on. At block4902, process4900can determine a baseline magnetic field, e.g., using magnetometer5080. At block4904, process4900can continue to monitor signals from magnetometer5080until a change in magnetic field is detected. At block4906, process4900can determine whether the change in magnetic field matches a magnitude and direction of change associated with alignment of a complementary magnetic alignment component. If not, then the baseline magnetic field can be updated at block4902. If, at block4906, the change in magnetic field matches a magnitude and direction of change associated with alignment of a complementary alignment component, then at block4908, process4900can activate the NFC reader circuitry associated with NFC coil5060to read an NFC tag of an aligned device. In some embodiments, NFC tags associated with different types of devices (e.g., a passive accessory versus an active accessory such as a wireless charger) are tuned to respond to different stimulating signals from the NFC reader circuitry, and information about the particular change in magnetic field can be used to determine a particular stimulating signal to be generated by the NFC reader circuitry. At block4910, process4900can receive identification information read from the NFC tag. At block4912, process4900can modify a behavior of portable electronic device5004based on the identification information, for example, generating a color wash effect as described above. After block4912, process4900can optionally return to block4902to provide continuous monitoring of magnetometer5080. It should be understood that process4900is illustrative and that other processes may be performed in addition to or instead of process4900.

It will be appreciated that the NFC tag and NFC reader circuits described above are illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For example, coil designs can be modified by replacing wound wire coils with etched coils (or vice versa) and solenoidal coils with flat coils (or vice versa). “Wound wire” coils can be made using a variety of techniques, including by winding a wire, by stamping a coil from a copper sheet and molding plastic over the stamped part, or by using a needle dispenser to deposit wire on a plastic part; the wire can be heated so that it embeds into the softened plastic. Etched coils can be made by coating a surface with metal and etching away the unwanted metal. The number of turns in various NFC coils can be modified for a particular application. The choice of wound wire coils or etched coils for a particular device may depend on various design considerations. For instance, in devices that have an internal logic board, a wound wire NFC coil can terminate to the logic board; where a logic board is absent, an etched coil may simplify termination of the coil. Other design considerations may include the Q factor of the coil (a wound coil can provide higher Q in a smaller space) and/or ease of assembly.

Further, where a device that has an NFC tag circuit also has active circuitry (such as wireless charger devices that have active circuitry to control charging behavior), the NFC tag circuit is not limited to being a passive tag; an active NFC tag circuit can be provided to enable two-way communication with a compatible portable electronic device. For example, active NFC circuits in a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device can be used to support delivery of firmware updates to the wireless charger device.

Proximity-detection techniques can also be varied. For example, a different type of magnetometer (e.g., a single-axis magnetometer) can be used, or multiple magnetometers in different locations relative to the magnetic alignment components can be used. In some embodiments, a Hall effect sensor can be used instead of a magnetometer, although false positives may increase because a Hall effect sensor can generally only indicate a change or no-change rather than measuring a magnitude or direction of change.