Smart charging systems for portable electronic devices

Embodiments describe a charging component for an electronic device that includes an interface surface comprising a portion of an external surface of a housing of the electronic device; a plurality of contacts positioned at the interface surface and exposed for making contact with contacts of a connector; one or more sensors for detecting a separation event; an inductor coil positioned proximate to the interface surface, wherein a central axis of the inductor coil is perpendicular to at least a portion of the interface surface; and a processor coupled to the inductor coil and the one or more sensors, wherein the processor is configured to change an operation of the inductor coil based at least in part on a measurement from the one or more sensors.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices (e.g., laptop computers, tablets, mobile phones, media players, smart watches, and the like) operate when there is charge stored in their batteries. Some portable electronic devices include a rechargeable battery that can be charged by coupling the portable electronic device to a power source through a physical connection, such as through a charging cord. The charging cord typically includes a plug connector for mating with a receptacle connector in the portable electronic device. The plug connector mechanically couples with the receptacle connector by physically inserting into the receptacle connector so that electrical contacts in the plug connector mate with corresponding contacts in the receptacle connector to enable power transfer. When mated, the plug connector is securely attached to the receptacle connector via static frictional force that can only be separated by having a user physically pull the plug connector out of the receptacle connector.

Sometimes, however, the portable electronic device experiences a jolting event that causes the portable electronic device to dramatically jolt in one direction, such as when the portable electronic device is kicked or dropped. In such situations, the plug connector can be pulled in a direction that it is not intended to travel, thereby causing physical damage to the plug connector and/or the receptacle connector. To reduce such shortcomings, plug and receptacle connectors have been configured with magnets to assist with mating without the need for a strong static frictional force to exist between the two connectors. These connectors utilize magnetic forces to perform the coupling while providing easier disconnection. However, even though the severity of physical damage is reduced, magnetic connectors still have a high likelihood of suffering physical damage when experiencing a jolting event because the magnetic connectors maintain attracting force between the two connectors throughout the entire jolting event.

Furthermore, the plug connector often includes a visual indicator that emits a colored light indicating whether a successful mating between the two connectors has been achieved. This visual indicator is constantly on, thereby wasting power and decreasing the efficiency at which the portable electronic device receives power. Removing the visual indicator, however, makes it difficult to communicate to a user whether the connectors are successfully mated.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a smart charging system for a portable electronic device. The smart charging system includes a magnetized connector and a charging component that can be configured to dynamically attract and repel the connector to and from the portable electronic device. By being able to control whether the connector is attracted or repelled, the charging component can substantially minimize damage to the connector and/or the charging component during a jolting event. For instance, the connector can be disconnected from the portable electronic device by the charging component before the jolting event occurs. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the magnetic connector includes a haptic device that can communicate to a user whether the connector is successfully coupled to the charging component. The haptic device allows the connector to communicate the connection status to a user in a short amount of time without needing to be constantly turned on, thereby increasing charging efficiency.

In some embodiments, a charging component for an electronic device includes an interface surface comprising a portion of an external surface of a housing of the electronic device; a plurality of contacts positioned at the interface surface and exposed for making contact with contacts of a connector; one or more sensors for detecting a separation event; an inductor coil positioned proximate to the interface surface, where a central axis of the inductor coil is perpendicular to at least a portion of the interface surface; and a processor coupled to the inductor coil and the one or more sensors, where the processor is configured to change an operation of the inductor coil based at least in part on a measurement from the one or more sensors.

In some additional embodiments, an electronic device includes: a housing; a battery disposed within the housing and configured to store energy and discharge the stored energy; and a charging component configured to receive power from an external power source to provide energy to the battery. The charging component includes: an interface surface comprising a portion of an external surface of a housing of the electronic device; a plurality of contacts positioned at the interface surface and exposed for making contact with contacts of a connector; one or more sensors for detecting a separation event; an inductor coil positioned proximate to the interface surface, where a central axis of the inductor coil is perpendicular to at least a portion of the interface surface; and a processor coupled to the inductor coil and the one or more sensors, where the processor is configured to change an operation of the inductor coil based at least in part on a measurement from the one or more sensors

In some further embodiments, a smart charging system includes a connector and an electronic device configured to receive power by way of the connector. The connector includes: a mating surface; a permanent magnet positioned adjacent to the mating surface; a first communication contact positioned at the mating surface; and a haptic device configured to move the connector in response to one or more inputs from the first communication contact. The electronic device includes: a housing; a battery disposed within the housing and configured to store energy and discharge the stored energy; and a charging component configured to receive power from an external power source to provide energy to the battery. The charging component includes: an interface surface comprising a portion of an external surface of a housing of the electronic device; a plurality of contacts positioned at the interface surface and exposed for making contact with contacts of a connector; one or more sensors for detecting a separation event; an inductor coil positioned proximate to the interface surface, where a central axis of the inductor coil is perpendicular to at least a portion of the interface surface; and a processor coupled to the inductor coil and the one or more sensors, where the processor is configured to change an operation of the inductor coil based at least in part on a measurement from the one or more sensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosure describe a smart charging system capable of dynamically attracting and repelling a magnetic connector to and from a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can be a consumer portable electronic device such as a laptop computer, tablet, smart phone, smart watch, and the like, that includes a charging component designed to modify a magnetic polarity at an interface surface with which the magnetic connector couples during charging. In some embodiments, the charging component can include a magnetic element and an inductor coil wound about the magnetic element. Depending on the direction of the current through the inductor coil, the inductor coil can induce a specific magnetic polarity across the magnetic element, thereby causing it to either attract or repel the magnetic connector at the interface surface. By being able to attract or repel the magnetic connector, the charging component can not only attract the magnetic connector when the portable electronic device is stationary or when the user intends for the magnetic connector to remain coupled with the charging component, but also repel the magnetic connector when the portable electronic device senses that a jolting event is imminent or that the user intends to disconnect the magnetic connector from the charging component.

The connector can also include a haptic device that can communicate a connection status to a user when the connector mates with the charging component of the portable electronic device. For example, the haptic device can briefly vibrate the connector when the connector successfully mates with the charging component. The user holding the connector can feel the vibration and acknowledge that the connector has made successful contact with the charging component. Thus, the connector does not require a visual indicator that is constantly turned on to indicate the connection status to the user. Aspects and features of embodiments of such a charging system are discussed in further detail herein.

I. Electronic Device

A portable electronic device is an electronic device that can operate without being coupled to a power grid by running on its own locally stored electrical power. The portable electronic device can be specifically designed to perform various functions for a user. In some embodiments, electronic device100is a consumer electronic device that can perform one or more functions for a user. For instance, electronic device100can be a smart phone, wearable device, smart watch, tablet, personal computer, and the like.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary portable electronic device100and an exemplary power supplying apparatus118for coupling with device100to charge device100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Device100includes a computing system102coupled to a memory bank104. Computing system102can execute instructions stored in memory bank104for performing a plurality of functions for operating device100. Computing system102can be one or more suitable computing devices, such as microprocessors, computer processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like.

Computing system102can also be coupled to a user interface system106, a communication system108, and a sensor system110for enabling electronic device100to perform one or more functions. For instance, user interface system106can include a display, speaker, microphone, actuator for enabling haptic feedback, and one or more input devices such as a button, switch, capacitive screen for enabling the display to be touch sensitive, and the like. Communication system108can include wireless telecommunication components, Bluetooth components, and/or wireless fidelity (WiFi) components for enabling device100to make phone calls, interact with wireless accessories, and access the Internet. Sensor system110can include light sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, and any other type of sensor that can measure a parameter of an external entity and/or environment.

All of these electrical components require a power source to operate. Accordingly, electronic device100also includes a battery112for discharging stored energy to power the electrical components of device100. To replenish the energy discharged to power the electrical components, electronic device100includes a charging component114for coupling with power supplying apparatus118. Power supplying apparatus118can include a power source122, such as an electrical outlet coupled to the utility grid or an external energy storage device (such as a portable battery), and a connector120for interfacing with charging component114.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, charging component114can be configured to dynamically attract and repel connector120using electromagnetic forces to perform several functions. For instance, charging component114can dynamically attract and repel connector120to minimize damage from jolting events by repelling connector120before physical damage can occur. Additionally, it can dynamically attract and repel connector120to provide tactile feedback for indicating a mating event by exerting a force profile on connector120that is representative of a physical mating connection without succumbing to the shortcomings of a physical mating connection. Furthermore, charging component114can ease disconnection of connector120when it is determined that a user intends to disconnect connector120from portable electronic device100, such as when a desired amount of charge has been stored in battery112. In some embodiments, connector120includes a magnetic component that enables charging component114to interact with it. Thus, charging component114and connector120can operate as a system for charging portable electronic device100. Accordingly, charging component114and connector120can form a smart charging system101. Further details and embodiments of smart charging system101will be discussed further herein.

II. Smart Charging System for a Portable Electronic Device

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a smart charging system can include a charging component and a connector, where the charging component can dynamically attract and repel the connector to enable and disable power transfer between the two components. Furthermore, the charging component can alter and tune the force exerted on the connector as it mates with the charging component by modifying the electromagnetic force applied against the connector as it moves toward the charging component. This altering of force gives the connector a mechanical-like feel when it mates with the charging component. In some embodiments, the charging component can be configured to attract and repel the connector with or without a magnetic element, as will be discussed further herein.

A. Charging Components with Magnetic Elements

FIG. 2is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary smart charging system200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Smart charging system200can include a charging component202and a connector204that can mate with charging component202to charge an electronic device. Connector204can be coupled to a cable209that can route power from an external power source to connector contact218. In some embodiments, connector204can include a permanent magnet216. Permanent magnet216can be positioned adjacent to mating surface222so that it can interact with external magnetic forces to move connector204toward or away from charging component202, as will be discussed further herein. Permanent magnet216can be any suitable permanent that has a strong magnetic field, such as a neodymium magnet.

Charging component202can be a part of a portable electronic device that interfaces with connector204to receive power. Charging component202can include an interface surface220(shown as a bold line) that makes contact with a mating surface222of connector204. Interface surface220can be part of an external surface of a housing210of the portable electronic device that makes physical contact with connector204when connector204is mated with charging component202. Charging component202can also include a device contact214that makes contact with connector contact218when connector204is mated with charging component202. When mated, device contact214can receive power from an external power source (e.g., power source122inFIG. 1) through connector contact218and device contact214.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, charging component202can include an inductor coil206wound about a magnetic element208. Inductor coil206can be a strand of conductive wire wound about a central axis212, which can be positioned perpendicular to at least a portion of interface surface220. Central axis212can even intersect at least a portion of interface surface220in some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2. In some embodiments, inductor coil206can generate a magnetic field that defines a magnetic polarity of magnetic element208to attract or repel magnet216in connector204, as discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate exemplary attracting and repelling forces between magnet216and a polarity induced by inductor coil206. Specifically,FIG. 3Ais a simplified diagram illustrating an attracting force between permanent magnet216and magnetic element208whose polarity is influenced by inductor coil206, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 3Bis a simplified diagram illustrating a repelling force between permanent magnet216and magnetic element208. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the polarity of magnet216is oriented such that its end closest to magnetic element208is positive (i.e., its north pole), but that one skilled in the art understands that this is merely exemplary for ease of discussion and that disclosures can be reversed for instances where the polarity of magnet216is reversed.

With reference toFIG. 3A, to induce an attracting force, a current308can flow through inductor coil206in a clockwise direction to induce a magnetic field302propagating from a first end304of magnetic element208to a second end306opposite of first end304. This magnetic field302can induce a corresponding magnetic polarity in magnetic element208, thereby turning magnetic element208into a magnet where first end304is an acting north pole and second end306is an acting south pole. Accordingly, second end306attracts magnet216toward magnetic element208, which can result in a mating between connector204and charging component202discussed herein with respect toFIG. 2.

With reference toFIG. 3Bon the other hand, to induce a repelling force, a current312can flow through inductor coil206in a counter-clockwise direction to induce a magnetic field310propagating from second end306to first end304. This magnetic field310can induce a corresponding magnetic polarity in magnetic element208, thereby turning magnetic element208into a magnet where first end304is an acting south pole and second end306is an acting north pole. Thus, second end306repels magnetic216away from magnetic element208, which can result in a separation between connector204and charging component202discussed herein with respect toFIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the attracting and repelling forces generated by inductor coil206can be varied according to a force profile that includes both attracting and repelling forces for mating connector204with charging component202. The force profile can be experienced by a user's hand when the user intentionally moves connector204toward charging component202during mating. In some embodiments, the force profile is configured so that mating connector204with charging component202feels like a mechanical connection even though only an electromagnetic connection has been made. The force profile for a mechanical connection can help indicate to a user when mating has occurred by the way the forces exerted on connector204feel when it is mated with charging component202. An exemplary force profile is shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a graphical illustration of an exemplary magnetic force profile400generated by an inductor coil during mating between a connector and a charging component, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The y-axis represents magnitudes of force exerted on a connector, where positive magnitudes indicate a degree of repelling force and negative magnitudes indicate a degree of attracting force. Specifically, magnitudes increasing upwards represent increasing repelling forces against a connector, and magnitudes increasing downwards represent increasing attracting forces against the connector. The x-axis represents degrees of travel with respect to an interface surface402for a charging component. Thus, traversing along the x-axis towards the right from an initial distance404represents the movement of a connector toward interface surface402from initial distance404. Initial distance404may be a distance at which an inductor coil begins to initiate force profile400.

At initial distance404, force profile400induced by the inductor coil can exert little to no repelling force against a connector. As the connector moves toward the charging component, the inductor coil can begin to gradually increase a repelling force against the connector. This gradual increase in repelling force can mimic the feel of a mechanical connection where a plug begins to insert into a socket. The repelling force can increase until a peak406where force profile400stops the increase in repelling force and begins a drastic decrease in repelling force and into a drastic increase in attracting force. Peak406can mimic the feel of the mechanical connection where the plug is just about fully inserted into the socket. And, the sudden decrease in repelling force and increase in attracting force can mimic the feel of the mechanical connection where the plug fully inserts into the socket. At peak410, the inductor coil can generate a sustained attracting force that keeps the connector mated with the charging component, thereby completing the mating process. In some embodiments, the slope of force profile400between initial distance404and peak406is less dramatic than the slope of force profile400between peak406and410. Larger slopes of force profile400between peak406and410can result in a feeling on the connector that mimics a clicking action of a mechanical connection. Accordingly, force profile400can allow an electromagnetic connection to feel more mechanical in nature, thereby enhancing user experience and feedback.

With reference back toFIG. 2, the polarity of magnetic element208can be influenced by inductor coil206to attract or repel connector204. Thus, magnetic element208can be a structure formed of any suitable material whose magnetic polarity can be influenced by an external magnetic field. For instance, magnetic element208can be formed of a conductive structure that can acquire magnetic properties when a magnetic field is induced across it, such as an iron structure. When a magnetic field is induced across the iron structure, the iron structure can have a magnetic polarity induced by the polarity of the magnetic field, as discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B. Due to the nature of a conductive material, the induced magnetic properties can remain as long as the magnetic field exists. Once, the magnetic field ceases, however, the conductive material may no longer have magnetic properties. Thus, inductor coil206may need to be constantly turned on even though connector204has already mated with charging component202.

In some embodiments, instead of being formed of iron, magnetic element208can be formed of a highly coercive magnet that can maintain a magnetic polarity even when inductor coil206is turned off. For instance, magnetic element208can be a magnet formed of an aluminum, nickel, and cobalt (AlNiCo) alloy. Such coercive magnets can change their polarity based on a magnetic field exposed on it. Thus, when magnetic element208is formed as a coercive magnet, it can still change in polarity as discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B. However, unlike some conductive structures (e.g., iron structures discussed herein), coercive magnets can maintain their magnetic polarity even after inductor coil206stops generating the magnetic field. Thus inductor coil206can be turned off after connector204has mated with charging component202. Using a highly coercive magnet as magnetic element208can help reduce power consumption as power is not constantly needed for generating an attracting force once connector204has mated with charging component202. In some embodiments, magnetic element208can amplify the magnetic field at interface surface220, thereby creating a stronger attracting or repelling force.

As shown inFIG. 2, magnet216can be positioned within a connector housing211. Connector housing211can be formed of a non-conductive material that can protect the inner components of connector204, such as one or more internal wires coupled with connector contact218. AlthoughFIG. 2illustrates that mating surface222is formed by connector housing211, embodiments are not so limited. Some embodiments can have magnet216form part of mating surface222, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B. Forming at least a portion of a mating surface as a magnet results in a stronger attracting and repelling force between a connector and a charging component because the attracting and repelling force is stronger when the distance between them decreases.

FIG. 5Ais a simplified diagram of a connector500having a magnet502that forms the entire mating surface222(save for connector contacts218), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Connector500can have an oval cross-sectional shape as shown, but is not limited to such configurations. Other embodiments can have different sizes and shapes according to design. For instance, some embodiments can have a cross-sectional shape resembling a rectangle, circle, square triangle, or any other suitable shape. Magnet502can be configured to perform the same functions and serve the same purpose as magnet216inFIG. 3. As can be seen fromFIG. 5A, a vast majority of mating surface222can be formed of magnet502, thereby allowing the entire mating surface222to be influenced by magnetic element208. In some embodiments, however, mating surface222does not have to be substantially formed of magnet502in order to be influenced by magnetic element208. For instance, a part of mating surface222can be formed of a magnet as shown inFIG. 5B.

FIG. 5Bis a simplified diagram of a connector501having a magnet504that forms part of mating surface222, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Magnet504can be configured to perform the same functions and serve the same purpose as magnet216inFIG. 3. Unlike magnet502, magnet504can be formed as an annular structure that forms part of mating surface222. In some embodiments, mating surface222can include a central portion formed by connector housing211and an outer portion surrounding connector housing211formed by magnet502.

B. Charging Components without Magnetic Elements

As discussed herein with respect toFIG. 2, a charging component can include a magnetic element that can be influenced by a magnetic field from an inductor coil to attract and repel a connector. However, it is to be appreciated that other charging components may not include the magnetic element for attracting and repelling a connector. In such cases, the inductor coil itself can generate a magnetic field that directly attracts and repels a connector toward and away from a cavity in a housing of a portable electronic device, as will be discussed further herein.

FIG. 6illustrates an exemplary smart charging system600including a connector604and a charging component602that does not include a magnetic element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to charging system200, connector604can include a magnet616, and charging component602can be a part of housing610and can include inductor coil606. Thus, magnet616and inductor coil606can be configured to have the same function and purpose as magnet216and inductor coil206inFIG. 2.

UnlikeFIG. 2, however, charging component602may not include a magnetic element. Instead, charging component602can include a cavity608within which at least a portion of connector housing611can insert so that magnet616can be directly influenced by an operation of inductor coil606. Inductor coil606can generate a magnetic field (as discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B) that induces an attracting or repelling force on magnet616when connector604is brought close to charging component602, such as when a portion of connector housing611is inserted into cavity608of charging component602. Cavity608can act as an alignment mechanism for coupling connector contact618with device contact614. Furthermore, cavity608can confine connector604when mated with charging component602to prevent connector604from sliding against interface surface620and disconnecting connector contact618from device contact614.

In some embodiments, connector housing611can include a flange613that rests on interface surface620when connector604is mated with charging component602. Flange613can help spread out and minimize the force exerted against connector contact218and mating surface622when connector604is mated with charging component602. As shown inFIG. 6, interface surface620(shown in bold lines) can include surfaces within cavity608as well as portions just outside cavity608that make contact with connector604during mating. Similar to central axis212of inductor coil206inFIG. 2, central axis612of inductor coil606can be perpendicular to at least a portion of interface surface620. For instance, central axis612can be perpendicular to a portion624of interface surface620positioned at the inner-base of cavity608closest to device contact614. In some embodiments, central axis612intersects portion624and can be positioned within cavity608so that inductor coil606winds around cavity608. By positioning inductor coil606around cavity608, magnetic fields generated by inductor coil606can propagate through cavity608and thus exert a magnetic force against magnet616when at least a portion of magnet616is positioned in cavity608. Accordingly, inductor coil606can dynamically attract and repel connector604according to a force profile (e.g., force profile400inFIG. 4) to mate connector604with charging component602so that power transfer can occur between connector contact618and device contact614. Additionally, inductor coil606can repel connector604to separate connector604from charging component602and prevent damage to connector604during a jolting event.

FIG. 7is a simplified diagram illustrating a perspective view of connector604, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, flange613can extend radially outward past edges of a protruding portion702of connector housing611. Protruding portion702can be the portion of connector housing611that inserts into cavity608of charging component602. When mated, connector contacts618can make contact with device contact614to transfer power from a power source to the portable electronic device.

C. Charging Components with Magnetic Elements and Cavities

As discussed herein, a charging component can include a magnetic element and not a cavity in some embodiments (e.g.,FIG. 2), and may include a cavity and not a magnetic element in other embodiments (e.g.,FIG. 6). However, embodiments are not limited to only these configurations. Some embodiments can have a charging component that includes both a magnetic element and a cavity, as shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary smart charging system800including a charging component802that includes both a cavity804and a magnetic element808, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Having both cavity804and magnetic element808results in a charging component that can both provide a stronger attracting/repelling force and provide an alignment mechanism for mating with a connector. For instance, magnetic element808can be a highly coercive magnet that can be induced with a magnet field generated by inductor806, as discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B. When polarized, magnetic element808can amplify a magnetic force generated by inductor coil806that attracts and repels magnet616(and connector604) toward and away from charging component802. Cavity804can act as an alignment mechanism for coupling connector contact618with device contact614, and can confine connector604when mated with charging component802to prevent connector604from sliding against interface surface820and disconnecting connector contact618from device contact614. As shown inFIG. 8, inductor coil806and magnetic element808can be positioned beside cavity804such that a central axis810of inductor coil806is perpendicular to and intersects interface surface820.

III. Sensors for Detecting a Separation Event in a Smart Charging System

Smart charging systems discussed herein include a charging component that can dynamically attract and repel a connector. Specifically, the charging component can attract the connector to perform mating for power transfer, and repel the connector to separate the connector from the charging component. Being able to dynamically repel the connector away from the charging component can prevent damage to the connector and/or the charging component in the event of a jolting event. Furthermore, the charging component can ease the way at which the connector disconnects from the charging component by assisting the user in separating the connector from the charging surface by providing a repelling force as the user pulls the connector away from the charging component. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more sensors can be implemented in the connector and/or the charging component to enable the dynamic repelling of the connector, as will be discussed further herein with respect toFIGS. 9A-9C.

FIGS. 9A-9Care simplified diagrams illustrating smart charging systems having different sensors for detecting a separation event, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A separation event can be an event that indicates a disconnection is needed and causes a connector to disconnect from a charging component. For instance, a separation event can be a jolting event, such as when a portable electronic device is accidentally kicked, falling at a fast speed, impacting a hard surface after being dropped from an elevated position, or any other event that indicates the portable electronic device is experiencing, or will immediately experience, a sudden movement that could cause damage to the connector and/or charging component. The smart charging systems inFIGS. 9A-9Care based upon the smart charging system discussed herein with respect toFIG. 2. Thus, electrical components inFIGS. 9A-9Cthat are similar to the electrical components inFIG. 2, have the same functions and purposes as those corresponding components inFIG. 2. Details of those functions and purposes can be referenced from the disclosures regardingFIG. 2and are not discussed here for ease of discussion.

FIG. 9Ais a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system900with one or more movement sensors, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, charging component902can include a movement sensor906that is embedded within charging component902. Movement sensor906can be configured to detect the degree and intensity at which charging component902is moving. As an example, movement sensor906can be an accelerometer that can detect a sudden increase in velocity experienced by charging component902. When charging component902is suddenly moved (e.g., kicked or has impacted a hard surface), movement sensor906can detect the intensity of change in the form of a measured movement intensity value.

A computing system (e.g., computing system102inFIG. 1) of the portable electronic device of which charging component902is a part can receive the measurements from movement sensor906and compare the measured movement intensity value to a threshold movement intensity value. If the measured movement intensity value is greater than the threshold movement intensity value, then the computing system can induce a current through inductor coil911to repel magnet913and thus separate connector904from charging component902to minimize damage to connector904and/or charging component902by separating them before the jolting event occurs or decoupling them during the jolting event. In some embodiments, a processor of the computing system can be included as part of charging component902for performing the comparing and the inducing of current through inductor coil911because the processor performs calculations regarding the operation of charging component902.

AlthoughFIG. 9Aillustrates charging component902as having movement sensor906, embodiments are not so limited. In some instances, a movement sensor908can be positioned in connector904instead of charging component902. In such embodiments, the portable electronic device can receive the measured intensity value from movement sensor908through an electrical connection between two communication contacts: a connector communication contact910and a device communication contact912. Communication contacts910and912can be exposed contacts that couple to one another when connector904is mated with charging component902. When mated, communication contacts910and912enable connector904to communicate with the portable electronic device through charging component902so that the computing system can cause inductor coil911to separate connector904from charging component902before or during a jolting event. In additional or alternative instances, both charging component902and connector904can include their own movement sensors, e.g., sensors906and908, respectively, as shown inFIG. 9A.

In addition to movement sensors for detecting a separation event, other sensors, such as optical sensors, can also be used to detect a separation event. The separation event may be a jolting event, or an event where the user initiates disconnection of connector from the charging component by beginning to pull the connector away from the charging component.FIG. 9Bis a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system920with one or more optical sensors, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, charging component902can include an optical sensor922that is positioned at an interface surface914of charging component902. Optical sensor922can be configured to detect a slight separation of connector904from charging component902. As an example, optical sensor922can detect an intensity of light. When connector904is mated with charging component902, optical sensor922may not detect any light. However, when there is a slight separation of connector904from charging component902, then optical sensor922may begin to sense an intensity of light in the form of a measured light intensity. The measured light intensity can be received by the computing system, which can compare the measured light intensity to a threshold light intensity value. If the measured light intensity is greater than the threshold light intensity value, then the computing system can induce a current through inductor coil911to repel magnet913and thus separate connector904from charging component902.

AlthoughFIG. 9Billustrates charging component902as having optical sensor922, embodiments are not so limited. In some instances, optical sensor922can be positioned in connector904instead. In such embodiments, the portable electronic device can receive the measured intensity value from optical sensor906through an electrical connection between connector communication contact910and device communication contact912. In additional or alternative instances, both charging component902and connector904can include their own optical sensors, e.g., sensors922and924, respectively.FIG. 9Billustrates optical sensors922and924as being positioned near the bottom of charging component902and connector904, respectively; however, embodiments are not so limited. Optical sensors922and924can be positioned at any location suitable for detecting light when separation has occurred.

In some embodiments, one or more capacitive sensors can also be used in a smart charging system to detect a separation event. The separation event may be an event where the user indicates that he or she intends to disconnect the connector from the charging component by touching the connector.FIG. 9Cis a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system930with one or more capacitive sensors, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, connector904can include a first capacitive sensor932and a second capacitive sensor934. First and second capacitive sensors932and934can be positioned at surfaces of connector904where a user's finger may make contact with connector904when the user intends to disconnect connector904from charging component902. As an example, first capacitive sensor932can be positioned at a top surface of connector904, and second capacitive sensor934can be positioned at a bottom surface of connector904opposite of the top surface; or first and second sensors932and934can be position on opposite lateral sides of connector904.

Capacitive sensors932and934can be configured to detect and measure anything that is conductive or has a dielectric different from air. As an example, capacitive sensors932and934can measure a capacitive value when a user's finger approaches one of or both capacitive sensors932and934. The portable electronic device can receive the measured capacitive values from capacitive sensors932and934through the electrical connection between connector communication contact910and device communication contact912, and compare the measured capacitive values to a threshold capacitive value. If the measured capacitive values are greater than the threshold capacitive value (i.e., indicating that the user has both fingers on connector904and thus intends to separate connector904from charging component902), then the computing system can induce a current through inductor coil911to repel magnet913, thereby separating connector904from charging component902. If only one sensor measures a capacitor value greater than the threshold capacitor value, the computing system may not cause a repelling of connector904because it may not be a clear indication that a user intends to disconnect connector904from charging component902.

It is to be appreciated that the computing system can cause an attracting and repelling of connector904for any reasonable purpose unrelated to a jolting event or an indication of user intent to disconnect the two components. As an example, the computing system can cause charging component902to repel connector904when the battery is fully charged. Charging a battery after it is fully charged can detrimentally affect its energy storage performance. Thus, charging component902can be configured to repel connector904when the battery has fully charged so that the battery is no longer receiving charge. In some embodiments, charging component902can also be configured to re-attract connector904after the amount of energy stored in the battery has decreased below a threshold charge level (e.g., 85% of energy capacity) and the portable electronic device has not moved for a long period of time (e.g., at least three hours, such as when the device is plugged for the night). Thus, charging component902can maintain a high level of charge in the battery without enabling the battery to be constantly coupled to a power source and detrimentally affecting its energy storage performance.

IV. Haptic Devices for a Smart Charging System

In addition to providing the force profile by varying attracting and repelling forces, a smart charging system can improve user feel and feedback by including one or more haptic devices. A haptic device is an electronic device that can recreate the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to a user. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a haptic device can be embedded within a connector and/or a charging component to provide haptic feedback to indicate the occurrence of a successful mating between the connector and the charging component.

FIG. 10is a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system1000with one or more haptic devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Smart charging system1000is based upon the smart charging system discussed herein with respect toFIG. 2. Thus, electrical components inFIG. 10that are similar to the electrical components inFIG. 2, have the same functions and purposes as those corresponding components inFIG. 2. Details of those functions and purposes can be referenced from the disclosures regardingFIG. 2and are not discussed here for ease of discussion.

In some embodiments, charging component1002can include a haptic device1006that is embedded within charging component1002. Haptic device1006can be any electromechanical device configured to move, shake, and/or vibrate and, as a result, cause charging component1002to move, shake, and/or vibrate in a corresponding manner. In some embodiments, haptic device1008can be positioned in connector1004instead of charging component1002. In such embodiments, a computing system of the portable electronic device can command haptic device1008to vibrate by sending electrical signals to haptic device1006through communication contacts1010and1012. When mated, communication contacts1010and1012enable connector1004to communicate with the portable electronic device through charging component1002so that the computing system can instruct haptic device1008to vibrate when a successful mating has been made between connector1004and charging component1002. In additional or alternative instances, both charging component1002and connector1004can include their own haptic devices, e.g., devices1006and1008, respectively, as shown inFIG. 10.

As mentioned herein, haptic device1006/1008can be any electromechanical device configured to move, shake, and/or vibrate. For instance, haptic device1006/1008can be a linear resonance actuator (LRA) that can oscillate a mass back and forth to create vibration.FIG. 11Ais a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary LRA1100. In some embodiments, LRA1100can include a mass1102suspended in an enclosure1104by a pair of springs1106aand1106b. Mass1102can be a magnetic structure that can be influenced by a magnetic field to move back and forth in the left and right directions to generate a vibrating force. In some embodiments, mass1102can move toward the left at a first speed and toward the right at a second speed. The first and second speeds can be the same to generate a stationary vibrating force. However, the first and second speeds can be different in some embodiments to generate a non-stationary vibrating force. For example, the second speed can be faster than the first speed to generate a non-stationary vibrating force that is stronger toward the right direction than the left direction, so that when LRA1100is vibrating, it feels as though LRA1100is shifting to the right.

In other instances, haptic device1106/1108can be an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor (ERM) that can rotate an unbalanced mass in a circular motion to create a force that translates to vibrations, as shown inFIG. 11B.FIG. 11Bis a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary ERM1101. ERM1101can include a motor1112that can spin a central axis1110. A mass1108can be attached to central axis1110and thus rotate around central axis1110to generate a vibrational force.

In addition to using LRA and ERM components as haptic devices, other forms of actuators can be used. For instance, piezoelectric actuators can be used to form a haptic device1106/1008.FIG. 12is a simplified diagram of an exemplary connector1200of a smart charging system with one or more haptic devices1202and1204positioned at one or more surfaces of a connector housing1206, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Haptic devices1202and1204can be positioned at the outer surfaces of connector housing1206so that a user can touch haptic devices1202and1204. For instance, haptic devices1202and1204can be positioned at the top and bottom outer surfaces, or the side surfaces, of connector housing1206.

In some embodiments, haptic devices1202and1204can be formed of piezoelectric actuators, which are actuators that can change dimensions when an electric potential is applied across it. The piezoelectric actuators can be mounted on a deflector that can accentuate the degree of deflection when the piezoelectric actuator is activated so that a user can feel a stronger vibration, as shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIG. 13Ais a simplified diagram illustrating haptic devices1202and1204as fix-fix beam haptic devices, where each haptic device includes a first base1208a, a second base1208b, and a beam1210extending between first and second bases1208aand1208b. A piezoelectric actuator1212can be mounted on an underside of beam1210so that when piezoelectric actuator1212activates, it can expand and contract and cause beam1210to oscillate between a flat, resting position and a deflecting position1214. In deflecting position1214, beam1210can extend outward and press against a user's finger. By oscillating between the resting position and deflecting position1214, the resulting effect can feel like a vibration. Haptic device1204can be identical to haptic device1202, but just arranged as a mirror images of each other so that when positioned in deflecting position1215, beam1211is bent outward.

In addition to fix-fix beam haptic devices, haptic devices1202and1204can be configured as cantilever beam haptic devices in some embodiments.FIG. 13Bis a simplified diagram illustrating haptic devices1202and1204as cantilever beam haptic devices, where each haptic device includes a base1216coupled to one end of a beam1218. A piezoelectric actuator1220can be mounted on an underside of beam1218so that when piezoelectric actuator1220activates, it can expand and contract and cause beam1218to oscillate between a flat, resting position and a deflecting position1222to generate a vibrating sensation on a user's fingers. Haptic device1204can be identical to haptic device1202, but just arranged as a mirror images of each other so that when positioned in deflecting position1223, beam1219is bent outward.

Using haptic devices in smart charging systems helps provide additional feedback to a user to indicate whether a successful connection has been made between a connector and a charging component. For instance, the haptic devices can generate a vibration when the computing system determines that a successful connection has been made. The computing system can determine that a successful connection is made when power is able to flow between the connector and the charging component.