Patent Publication Number: US-2023147889-A1

Title: Wireless charger and a method for providing the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/277,527, filed Nov. 9, 2021. U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/277527 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to wireless chargers for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wireless chargers are popular for various reasons such as convenience, safety, etc. Many wireless chargers for smart watches allow a smart watch to be charged in a flat position or in an upright position (the nightstand mode) so that a user can see the face of the smart watch when lying in bed. However, wireless chargers that support a form of the nightstand mode are generally bulky and not easy to carry around, especially for travel. Further, alignment between a wireless charging module and a smart watch is generally important for the performance of the charging module, but a smart watch with even a thin case may still affect the alignment. Therefore, a compact wireless charger with a compact charging module that can be adjusted for improved alignment is desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of a wireless charger charging an electrical device in an upright position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of a wireless charger charging an electrical device in a flat position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of a wireless charger with a charging module, wherein a charging pad of the charging module is folded up, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of a wireless charger with a charging module, wherein a charging pad of the charging module is folded down, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a bottom plan view of a wireless charger; according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a bottom plan view of a wireless charger with a power cable extended to be connected to a power adapter, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a bottom plan view of a wireless charger with a power cable partially wrapped in a cable management structure, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a table of exemplary settings for a wireless charger and the corresponding heights of the electronic devices or the electronic devices with cases, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an exploded view of a wireless charger, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  10 - 12    illustrate bottom plan views of a wireless charger, wherein a level indicator points to a respective selection of level, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  13 - 15    illustrate partial cross-sectional views of a wireless charger in 3 positions, corresponding to the levels selected, along a respective virtual line A-A in  FIGS.  10 - 12   , respectively, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of a 3-in-1 charger for wirelessly charging different types of electronic devices, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a partial bottom plan view of a 3-in-1 charger including a dial face plate for selecting levels, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  18 - 19    illustrate partial top, front, right side perspective views of a 3-in-1 charger before and after an electronic device is located over the charger in an upright position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a partial bottom rear perspective view of a 3-in-1 charger when a power cord is being coupled to the charger, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of a 3-in-1 charger and 3 charging statuses that an indicator of the charger may show, according to another embodiment; and 
         FIG.  22    illustrates a table of exemplary settings for a wireless charging module in a 3-in-1 charger and the corresponding heights of the electronic devices or the electronic devices with cases, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. 
     As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Various embodiments include a wireless charging module. The wireless charging module can be used to charge an electronic device. Examples of the electronic device can include a smart watch (e.g., an Apple Watches® Series 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and/or SE by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, United States of America (“Apple Inc.”)), or a device with similar models, for which the respective height of the center of the battery varies slightly based on the models, etc. In many embodiments, the wireless charging module can include a charging pad and a stand assembly hingedly coupled to the charging pad. The stand assembly can include a top surface. The charging pad can be configured to be folded up or down relative to the top surface to wirelessly charge an electronic device in an upright position or a flat position, respectively, while the electronic device is located over the top surface. For instance, when the charging pad is folded up relative to the top surface, the charging pad can wirelessly charge the electronic device in an upright position, when the electronic device is placed on a support surface (e.g., the top surface of a base, a table, or the floor for supporting the charging module) on the side surface of the electronic device, with the back surface of the electronic device adjacent to the top surface. When the charging pad is folded down relative to the top surface of the stand assembly, the charging pad can wirelessly charge the electronic device in a flat position, when the electronic device is placed on top of the charging pad and the top surface. In many embodiments, the stand assembly further can include an adjustable thickness and can be configured to cause a height of the charging pad to change, relative to the top surface for the wireless charging module. 
     In a number of embodiments, the stand assembly further can include a control configured to allow a user to select one of multiple levels (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 levels) for the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly. The thickness increment between two consecutive levels of the multiple levels for the adjustable thickness can be in a range of 1-2 millimeters (mm) or any suitable increments, depending on the dimensions of the electronic devices to be charged. The adjustable thickness of the stand assembly can be implemented by any suitable mechanisms. In some embodiments, the control of the stand assembly can include at least one tab and at least one rail corresponding to the at least one tab. The adjustable thickness can be set at one of the multiple levels for the adjustable thickness when a tip of the at least one tab is received in one of multiple slots (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 slots) of the at least one rail. Each of the multiple slots can correspond to a respective level of the multiple levels. The at least one tab can be configured to be moved horizontally relative to the at least one rail to increase or decrease the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly. The horizontal movement of the at least one tab can be any suitable movement, including linear, zigzagged, curved, or circular, etc. 
     In a number of embodiments the control further can include a dial face plate for rotatably switching among the multiple levels (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 levels). In embodiments where the control includes the dial face plate, the control also can include any suitable components to adjust the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly. In several embodiments, the control further can include at least one tab and at least one rail corresponding to the at least one tab. The adjustable thickness can be set at one of the multiple levels when a tip of the at least one tab is received in a corresponding slot of multiple slots of the at least one rail. Each of the multiple slots can correspond to a respective level of the multiple levels. For example, when there are 3 levels for the adjustable thickness, there can be \3 slots on the at least one rail, each slot corresponding to a different one of the 3 levels. 
     In some embodiments, the dial face plate can be configured to be rotated to cause the at least one tab to move horizontally relative to the at least one rail to increase or decrease the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly. For instance, in an embodiment, a user can select one among 3 levels by rotating the dial face plate, which in turn causes the at least one tab to rotate along with the dial face plate on a horizontal surface, while the at least one rail with 3 slots at different heights remains relatively stationary. After the dial face plate is rotated to the level the user desires, the tip of the at least one tab can be received in the slot corresponding to the level, and the adjustable thickness thus can be set. Once the adjustable thickness is set, the height of the charging pad, relative to the support surface for the wireless charging module, is changed. 
     The wireless charging module in various embodiments further can include various components and/or features. In a number of embodiments, an angle between the charging pad and the top surface when the charging pad is folded up relative to the top surface can be any suitable angle, such as in a range of 85-90 degrees, or 80-90 degrees, etc. The charging pad additionally can include a magnet configured to attract the electronic device to align with the charging pad. In several embodiments, the charging pad can be configured to charge the electronic device via inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, or capacitive coupling, etc. In certain embodiments, a central hole of the stand assembly can be concentric with the charging pad and configured to accommodate the charging pad when the charging pad is folded down relative to the top surface. When the charging pad is folded down relative to the top surface of the stand assembly, an upper surface of the charging pad can be substantially flush with the top surface. In some embodiments, the stand assembly further can include a bottom surface coupled to the dial face plate, or the bottom surface can be included in the dial face plate. In certain embodiments, the stand assembly can include the control entirely or partially (e.g., only including the dial face plate). 
     In many embodiments, the stand assembly further can be coupled to a base for supporting the wireless charging module. The base further can include any suitable components and/or features. In a number of embodiments, the base can include an opening for accommodating the stand assembly and the charging pad. The base also can include an indented upper surface surrounding or located near the top surface of the stand assembly and configured to accommodate a side surface of the electronic device in the upright position. Moreover, the base can include a cable management structure configured to store at least a portion of a power cable for the charging pad. The cable management structure can include any suitable structure for storing the excess power cable. For example, a cable management structure can include a circular space in the base. The circular space can surround the wireless charging module. The circular space further can include an entrance on the interior wall for the power cable coupled to the charging pad to enter the circular space and an circular opening for winding the power cable in the circular space. The circular opening can include a back exit for the connector of the power cable (e.g., a USB connector or a power adapter) to leave the circular space. 
     In a number embodiments, the base further can be coupled to at least one second charging module for charging at least one second electronic device. The at least one second charging module can be similar to or different from the wireless charging module. For instance, the at least one second charging module can a wired or wireless charger for at least one second electronic device such as a smart phone, a smart watch, and/or a wireless earbuds. 
     Many embodiments include a method for providing a wireless charging module. The method can include providing a charging pad for the wireless charging module. The method further can include hingedly coupling a stand assembly to the charging pad. In a number of embodiments, the stand assembly can include a top surface. The charging pad can be configured to be folded up or down relative to the top surface to wirelessly charging an electronic device in an upright position or a flat position, respectively, while the electronic device is located over (e.g., lying on or adjacent to) the top surface. The stand assembly also can include an adjustable thickness and can be configured to cause a height of the charging pad to change, relative to a support surface for the wireless charging module. 
     In some embodiments, the method further can include providing a control for the stand assembly. The control can be configured to allow a user to select one of multiple levels for the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly. There can be a thickness increment between two consecutive levels of the multiple levels for the adjustable thickness, and the thickness increment can be relatively insignificant, such as in a range of 1-2 or 1-3 mm, etc. The thickness increment between the first and the second levels can be similar to or different form the thickness increment between the second and the third level. In several embodiments, providing the control can be part of providing the stand assembly. 
     In a number of embodiments, the method further can include providing at least one tab and at least one rail corresponding to the at least one tab for the control. The adjustable thickness of the stand assembly can be set at one of the multiple levels for the adjustable thickness when a tip of the at least one tab is received in one of multiple slots of the at least one rail. Each of the multiple slots can correspond to a respective level of the multiple levels. In certain embodiments, the at least one tab can be configured to be moved horizontally (e.g., in a linear, curved, or circular movement) relative to the at least one rail to increase or decrease the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly. 
     In many embodiments, the method additionally can include providing a dial face plate for the control. The dial face plate can be configured to allow the user to rotatably switch among the multiple levels. The method further can include providing at least one tab and at least one rail corresponding to the at least one tab for the control. The adjustable thickness can be set at one of the multiple levels when a tip of the at least one tab is received in a corresponding slot of multiple slots of the at least one rail. Each of the multiple slots can correspond to a respective level of the multiple levels. In some embodiments, the dial face plate can be configured to be rotated to cause the at least one tab to move horizontally relative to the at least one rail to increase or decrease the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly. 
     In a number of embodiments, the angle between the charging pad and the top surface of the stand assembly when the charging pad is folded up relative to the top surface can be any suitable angle in a range of 80-90 or 85-90 degrees, etc. The charging pad further can include a magnet configured to attract the electronic device to align with the charging pad. The charging pad can be configured to charge the electronic device via any suitable wireless power transfer methods, such as inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, or capacitive coupling. In several embodiments, the stand assembly further can include a central hole which is concentric with the charging pad and configured to accommodate the charging pad when the charging pad is folded down relative to the top surface. When the charging pad is folded down relative to the top surface, an upper surface of the charging pad can be substantially flush with the support surface. 
     In several embodiments, the method further can include coupling a base to the stand assembly for supporting the wireless charging module. The base can include an opening for accommodating the stand assembly and the charging pad. The base further can include an indented upper surface surrounding or located near the support surface of the stand assembly and configured to accommodate a side surface of the electronic device in the upright position. The base also can include a cable management structure configured to store at least a portion of a power cable for the charging pad. Moreover, the base can be coupled to at least one second charging module (wired or wireless) for charging at least one second electronic device (e.g., a smart phone, a wireless earbuds, a wireless speaker, a computer, etc.). 
     In many embodiments, a charger for wirelessly charging an electronic device can include a charging module, a base pad, and a control. The charger further can have various modes, such as a flat mode when the electronic device being charged is in a flat position and a night stand mode when the electronic device is charged in an upright position. In some embodiments, the charger can be adjustable to charge electronic devices of different dimensions based on a setting chosen by a user via the control. For example, when the charger is configured to charge Apple Watches® Series 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and/or SE by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, United States of America (“Apple Inc.”), the control can be used to choose among settings predetermined based on which series the device is and/or whether a case is used with the Apple Watch® watch face, etc. 
     In a number of embodiments, the charging module can be configured to charge a device using any suitable techniques. For example, the power can be transferred from the charging module to the device by magnetic fields via inductive coupling or resonant inductive coupling or by electric fields via capacitive coupling. The charging module can be coupled to a power source (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of a computer, or an electrical outlet on the wall, etc.) via a cable (e.g., a USB cable or a power cable) and/or an electric power adapter. The cable can be detachably or fixedly coupled to the charging module. 
     In some embodiments, the charging module can include a charging pad and a stand. The charging pad can be pivotally coupled to the stand and be folded up or vertically in the nightstand mode to support and charge the device in an upright position. The charging module further can include any suitable components or structures to pivotally couple the charging pad to the stand (e.g., a puck or a pivot spring and a pivot pin). Further, when the control is used to switch or change settings of the charger, the charging module can be raised according to the settings. The charging pad in the nightstand mode can be raised to align with devices of different heights or sizes to charge the devices more efficiently. The control can raise the charging module in any suitable way. For example, the control of the adjustable wireless charger can include one or more tabs that slide along one or more corresponding rails of the stand of the charging module. The one or more rails of the stand can have different heights at different sections so that as the control moves, the one or more tabs move to a higher or lower section of the one or more rails and raise or lower the stand, and the charging pad attached to the stand as well. The one or more rails of the stand also can include one or more locking mechanisms (e.g., one or more slots) configured to receive the one or more tabs to prevent the control and the tabs from accidentally moving. 
     In several embodiments, the base pad of the wireless charger can be configured to support and/or enclose the charging module and the control. The base pad can include an upper surface configured to accommodate the device being charged. For example, the upper surface of the base pad can be flush with the charging module in the flat mode, and/or be indented around the charging module so that the wristband of an Apple Watch® being charged in the nightstand mode can sit stably on the indented upper surface. In addition, the control of the adjustable wireless charger can be coupled to the base pad in any suitable location. In embodiments where the control contacts the stand of the charging module to raise or lower the stand when the setting changes, the control can be located at the bottom of the charger underneath the charging module. 
     In a few embodiments, the base pad further can include a cable management structure configured to store excess cable so that the power cable would not tangle. The cable management structure can be hidden at the bottom and/or the side(s) of the base pad to make the charger more aesthetically pleasing. In a number of embodiments, the cable management structure can be a circular recessed groove or a groove that extends along a peripheral of the sides or bottom of the base pad. In some embodiments, the control can be any suitable control mechanisms, such as a switch, a control knob, a slider control, and so forth. Further, the charger can be portable. The charger can include a single charging module or multiple charging modules for similar or different devices, such as cell phones, earbuds, and/or smart watches. Each of the multiple charging modules of a charger can be identical, similar, or different from the charging module described above. For example, when a charger includes more than one charging module, one of the more than one charging module can have a flat mode and a nightstand mode while each of the other charging modules can have one or more of a flat mode, a nightstand mode, and/or any suitable modes for the corresponding devices. 
       FIGS.  1 - 8    of this instant application illustrate various views of a portable charger  100  in different configurations for wirelessly charging electronic devices of various dimensions, e.g., Apple Watch® Series 6, 7, 8, or SE.  FIGS.  1 - 4    show a top, front, right side of portable charger  100  in two different configurations, and  FIGS.  5 - 8    show a bottom of portable charger  100 . Charger  100  can include a charging module  110 , a base or pad stand  120 , and a control  130 . In some embodiments, charger  100  can have a nightstand mode (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  1  &amp;  3   ), when an electronic device (e.g., watch  200 ) charged by charger  100  is held in an upright position, and a flat mode (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  2  and  4   ), when the electronic device (e.g., watch  200 ) is lying flat on charger  100 . Charger  100  can be used to display and charge an Apple Watch®, in either orientation - while lying flat or while upright in the nightstand mode. Charger  100  can include a modern minimalist design that brings a stylish accent to any space. From desktop to hotel nightstand, charger  100  can be compact enough to take anywhere. 
     In a number of embodiments, charging module  110  can include a charging pad  111  and a stand assembly  112  hingedly coupled to charging pad  111 . Charging pad  111  can be folded up or vertically in the nightstand mode (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  1  and  3   ) and pushed back down in the flat mode (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  2 - 4   ), relative to the top surface of the stand assembly  112 . Further, charging pad  111  can include any suitable charging components and/or be designed to perform specifically for certain devices. For example, charging pad  111  can be a MagSafe charger or a MagSafe-compatible charger, and can be configured to charge Apple Watch® Series 7 or 8 up to 33% faster than other devices (e.g., charging Apple Watch® Series 7 from zero to 80% in 45 minutes). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , charging pad  111  can be circular, and stand assembly  112  can be a ring with a central hole that is substantially concentric with and configured to accommodate charging pad  111  in the flat mode. Accordingly, charging pad  111  can lay in the central hole of stand assembly  112  in the flat mode, and be substantially flush with stand assembly  112  and/or base  120  (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  2  and  4   ) in the flat mode. In similar or different embodiments, charging pad  110  and/or stand  120  can include any suitable shapes, dimensions, and/or configurations. Charger  110  further can be connected to a cable  150  (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  6 - 7   ). Cable  150  can be any suitable cable (e.g., a 1.2 meter (4 feet) USB-C cable) to be coupled to a power source, directly or via a power adapter  500  (e.g., an Apple® 200 W USB-C power adapter, Model A2305). 
     In some embodiments, base  120  can include an indented upper surface  121  circumscribing or otherwise surrounding charging pad  111  and stand assembly  112 . Indented upper surface  121  can be configured to allow the electronic device, such as watch  200 , to rest stably on indented upper surface  121  when charging pad  111  is charging the device in the nightstand mode (see, e.g.,  FIG.  1   ). Base  120  further can include a cable management structure  140  at the bottom surface (see, e.g.,  FIG.  5   ). As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 7   , cable management structure  140  can include a circular recessed groove surrounding charging module  110  so that cable  150  can wrap under charger  100  using the intuitive and convenient cable management structure  140 . In some embodiments, cable  150  can have a length of 1.2 meters and be a USB-C cable. Charger  100  with cable  150  and cable management structure  140  can allow a user to charge a watch while keeping the surface supporting charger  100  and the space surrounding charger  100  clutter-free. 
     Further, control  130  of charger  100  can be configured to control the height of charging module  110  to enable alignment for a device (e.g., Apple Watch®) with or without a case (around the watch face of the Apple Watch®). Control  130  can include any suitable control mechanisms, such as a selector switch, a rotary knob/plate control, etc. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , control  130  can include a dial located at the bottom of charger  100  and configured to allow a user to rotate a dial face plate  131  of control  130  to switch among multiple options  133  (e.g., Options A, B, and C). In some embodiments, the indications of the options (see, e.g., Options A, B, and C in  FIG.  8   ) can be displayed (e.g., printed, etched, etc.) on a stage  132  of control  130 , and an indication of selection (e.g., a triangular symbol in  FIGS.  5  and  8   ) can be displayed on dial face plate  131 . 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIG.  8    shows a table of exemplary settings (e.g., Options A, B, and C) for a charger (e.g., charger  100 ) and the corresponding heights of the devices (e.g., watch  200 ) and/or the devices with cases (e.g., watch  200  and a case  210 ). In the first of four rows in  FIG.  8   , a bottom view of the charger is shown in the left-hand column, and in the next three rows in  FIG.  8   , a side view of the charger is shown in the left-hand column. In this embodiment, charger  100  can include 3 options, each corresponding to a different setting of charging module  110 . For example, to charge a smaller watch  200 , such as an Apple Watch® with a height of 38 mm, 40 mm, or 41 mm (e.g., Apple Watch® Series 3 (38 mm) or Series 5 (40 mm)), a user can rotate control  130  to choose Option A (e.g., Level 1). Option A can be a default option where charging module  110  (including charging pad  111  and a top surface of stand assembly  112 ) is not raised above a top surface of base  120  when charging module  110  is in the nightstand mode. When the user chooses Option B (e.g., Level 2), charging module  110  (including charging pad  111  and the top surface of stand assembly  112 ) can be raised above the top surface of base  120  when charging module  110  is the nightstand mode, so that charging pad  111  is in an intermediate position and is better aligned with a bigger watch  200 , or a smaller watch  200  in case  210 , such as Apple Watch® Series 7 (42 mm) or Apple Watch® SE (38 mm) in a case. If the user wants to charge an even bigger watch  200  in case  210  (e.g., Apple Watch® Series 7 (42 mm) in a case), the user can choose Option C (e.g., Level 3) so that charging module  110  (including charging pad  111  and the top surface of stand assembly  112 ) can be raised further above the top surface of base  120  when charging module  110  is the nightstand mode, so that charging pad  111  is in its highest position and is configured to better align with the bigger watch  200  in case  210 . When charging module  110  is in the flat mode and when the setting for stand assembly  112  is in Option B or C, charging module  110  (including a top surface of stand assembly  112 ) also is raised above the top surface of base  120  compared to when the setting for stand assembly  112  is in Option A. 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIG.  9    illustrates an exploded view of a charger  900 , according to an embodiment. Charger  900  can be similar or identical to charger  100  in  FIGS.  1 - 8   . Some or all of the components of charger  900  can be similar or identical to some or all of the components of charger  100 . Charger  900  can include: (a) M2.2 x 8.5 mm pan head screws  901 , (b) a cable assembly  902 , (c) a top housing over-mold  903 , (d) a bottom housing over-mold  904 , (e) a cable cover  905 , (f) an adjustment dial  906 , (g) an adjustment island (donut)  907 , (h) a cable mounting clip  908 , (i) an exterior PC label  909 , (j) a pivot pin  910 , hinge clips  911 , (k) assemblies  912  of corner weights and adhesive pads, (1) M1.6 x 4 mm pan head screws  913 , (m) a serial label  914 , (n) a pivot spring  915 , and/or (o) compression springs  916 . In some embodiments, cable assembly  902  of charger  900  can be similar or identical to an assembly of charging pad  111  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ) and cable  150  ( FIGS.  6 - 7   ), and adjustment island  907  can be similar or identical to stand assembly  112  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ) or part of stand assembly  112  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ). Cable assembly  902  and adjustment island  907  can be pivotally coupled together via pivot spring  915  and pivot pin  910 . Adjustment dial  906  can be similar or identical to dial face plate  131  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ), and cable cover  905  and exterior PC label  909  can be similar or identical to stage  132  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ). In a few embodiments, top housing over-mold  903 , bottom housing over-mold  904 , and/or assemblies  912  can be similar or identical to base  120  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ). 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIGS.  10 - 12    illustrate bottom plan views of a wireless charger  1000  with an adjustment dial  1031  (e.g., dial face plate  131  ( FIGS.  5 - 7   )), wherein a level indicator (e.g., a triangular indicator on adjustment dial  1031 ) on adjustment dial  1031  points to a respective selection of level, according to an embodiment, and  FIGS.  13 - 15    illustrate partial cross-sectional views of charger  1000  in 3 positions, corresponding to the options  1033  selected, along a respective virtual line A-A in  FIGS.  10 - 12   . Charger  1000  can be similar or identical to charger  100  ( FIGS.  1 - 8   ) or charger  900  ( FIG.  9   ). As shown in  FIGS.  10  and  13   , when Level 1 (see, e.g., Option A ( FIGS.  5  or  8   )) is chosen, the tip of a tab  10311  of adjustment dial  1031  (e.g., dial face plate  131  ( FIGS.  5 - 7   ) or adjustment dial  906  ( FIG.  9   )) can be received in one of multiple slots  10122  on a rail  10123  of adjustment island  10121  (e.g., adjustment island  907  ( FIG.  9   )) of a stand assembly  1012   (e.g., stand assembly  112  ( FIGS.  1 - 4   )). The slot corresponding to Level 1 can be close to the shorter end of rail  10123  on the right, and adjustment island  10121  can be in its default, non-raised position. When Level 2 is chosen, as shown in the middle of  FIGS.  11  and  14   , adjustment dial  1031  can be rotated, moving tab  10311  along rail  10123  toward the taller end until tab  10311  is received in a middle slot of slots  10122  on rail  10123 , and adjustment island  10121  can then be raised. When adjustment dial  1031  is rotated to choose Level 3, as shown in  FIGS.  12  and  15   , tab  10311  can move to a slot further closer to the taller end of rail  10123 , and adjustment island  10121  can be raised to even higher. 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIGS.  16 - 21    illustrate a 3-in-1 charger  1600  for wirelessly charging different types of electric devices, according to another embodiment.  FIGS.  16 ,  18 - 19 , and  21    show at least a portion of a top surface of 3-in-1 charger  1600 , and  FIGS.  17  and  20    show portions of a bottom surface of 3-in-1 charger  1600 . Charger  1600  can include charging modules  1610 ,  1620 , and  1630 , a base or pad stand  1640 , and a control  1650 . Charger  1600  can charge one or more of: (a) a watch  1700  (e.g., Apple Watch® Series 7 or 8) by charging module  1610 , (b) earbuds case  1800  (e.g., Apple® Airpods Pro) by charging module  1620 , and/or (c) a smart phone  1900  (e.g., iPhone® 12, 13, or 14) by charging module  1630 . In many embodiments, charger  1600  can include charging module  1610  for Apple Watch® Series 7 or 8, charging module  1620  for AirPods® (2 nd  or 3 rd  generation), and charging module  1630  with MagSafe® technology for iPhone® 12, 13, or 14 to charge Apple® devices by Apple Inc. faster. An exemplary charging module  1610  can provide 33% faster charging for Apple Watch® Series 7 (e.g., charging from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes). Charging module  1610  with official MagSafe® technology can simplify iPhone® 13 and iPhone® 14 model charging experience with seamless alignment and a faster charge up to 15W. In some embodiments, charger  1600  can be compatible with official MagSafe® cases. For example, charger  1600  can have a dimension of 21 mm (0.835 inch) x 86 mm (3.4 inch) x 236 mm (9.3 inch). 
     In many embodiments, charging module  1610  can include a charging pad  1611  and a stand  1612  pivotally coupled to charging pad  1611  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  18   ). Charging module  1610  further can include a flat mode and a nightstand mode. Charging pad  1611  can lay flat in the flat mode and charge watch  1700  lying on charging pad  1611  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  16   ). Charging pad  1611  also can be folded up or vertically in the nightstand mode and charge watch  1700  in an upright position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  19   ). In some embodiments, charging module  1610  can be similar or identical, entirely or partially, to charging module  110  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ) or cable assembly  902  ( FIG.  9   ) plus adjustment island  907  ( FIG.  9   ). Charging pad  1611  can be similar or identical to charging pad  111  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ) or cable assembly  902  ( FIG.  9   ). Stand assembly  1612  can be similar or identical to stand assembly  112  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ) and/or adjustment island  907  ( FIG.  9   ). 
     In a number of embodiments, control  1650  can be configured to raise charging module  1610  to charge watch  1700  with different heights (e.g., Apple Watch® Series 3 (38 mm), Series 7 (42 mm), etc.) according to the user’s choice of options (e.g., 3 options as shown in  FIG.  13   ). Control  1650  further can be located at the bottom of charger  1600 , underneath charging module  1610 . Control  1650  can control the height of charging module  1610  with any suitable structures, in any suitable way (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  10 - 12   ). Control  1650  can control the height of charging module  1610  by adjusting an adjustable thickness of stand assembly  1612  (e.g., stand assembly  112  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ) or  1012  ( FIGS.  13 - 15   )). In some embodiments, control  1650  can be similar or identical to control  130  ( FIGS.  1 - 7   ), adjustment dial  906  ( FIG.  9   ) and adjustment island  907  ( FIG.  9   ), and/or adjustment dial  1031  ( FIGS.  10 - 15   ). 
     In several embodiments, charger  1600  further can include a power cable  1660  fixedly or removably coupled to base  1640 . As shown in  FIG.  20   , base  1640  can receive power cable  1660  in a socket at the bottom of base  1640  to prevent power cable  1660  from accidentally falling out. Further, as shown in  FIG.  21   , charger  1600  further can include an indicator  1670  (e.g., an LED light of various colors, multiple LED lights, or a display for symbols, etc.) configured to indicate the charging status of one or more of watch  1700 , earbuds  1800  (e.g., Airpods® PRO), or smart phone  1900  and/or whether such devices are properly placed or aligned over their respective charging locations. 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIG.  21    illustrates another table of exemplary settings (e.g., Options A, B, and C) for a charging module of a charger (e.g., charging module  1610  of charger  1600  ( FIGS.  16 - 21   )) and the corresponding heights of the devices (e.g., watch  1700 ) or the devices with cases (e.g., watch  1700  and case  1710 ). In the first of four rows in  FIG.  21   , a bottom view of charger  1600  is shown in the left-hand column, and in the next three rows in  FIG.  21   , a side view of the charger is shown in the left-hand column. In this embodiment, charging module  1610  can include 3 options, each corresponding to a different setting. 
     For example, to charge a smaller watch  1700  (e.g., Apple Watch® Series 3 (38 mm), Series 5 (40 mm), Series 7 or 8 (41 mm)), a user can rotate control  1650  ( FIGS.  16 - 20   ) to choose Option A (e.g., Level 1), which can be a default option where charging module  1610  (including charging pad  1611  ( FIGS.  16 - 20   ) and a top surface of stand assembly  1612  ( FIGS.  16 - 20   )) is not raised above a top surface of base  1640  ( FIGS.  16 - 20   ) when charging module  1610  is in the nightstand mode. When the user chooses Option B (e.g., Level 2), charging module  1610  (including charging pad  1611  and the top surface of stand assembly  1612 ) can be raised above a top surface of base  1640  when charging module  1610  is in the nightstand mode, so that charging module  1610  is in an intermediate position and is better aligned with a bigger watch  1700 , or a smaller watch  1700  in case  1710 , such as an Apple Watch® Series 3 (42 mm) or an Apple Watch® SE 38 mm in a case. If the user wants to charge an even bigger watch  1700  in case  1710  (e.g., Apple Watch® Series 7 (42 mm) in a case), then the user can choose Option C (e.g., Level 3) to raise charging module  1610  (including charging pad  1611  and the top surface of stand assembly  1612 ) further above a top surface of base  1640  when charging module  1610  is in the nightstand mode, so that charging module  1610  is in its highest position and is better aligned with bigger watch  1700  in case  1710 . Further, when charging module  1610  is in the flat mode and when the setting for stand assembly  1612  is in Option B or C, charging module  1610  (including the top surface of stand assembly  1612 ) also is raised above the top surface of base  1640  compared to when the setting for stand assembly  1612  is in Option A. 
     Although the charger and/or its components (e.g., the charging module, etc.) have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. For example, the charger can include one or more charging modules for charging various electric devices. The one or more charging modules can be arranged in any suitable arrangements and be implemented using any suitable charging technologies. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, a charger can include at least one first charging module configured to wirelessly charge electronic devices, and a second charging module to charge electronic devices via a cable, while the first, the second, and/or a third charging modules of the charger can transmit electric power both with wire and wirelessly. Moreover, a charging module can include any suitable charging pad and/or any suitable stand assembly, and a control for controlling the adjustable thickness of the stand assembly can include any suitable components. For example, the charging pad can include various wireless charging technologies and/or be of different dimensions and/or shapes. The control can include a switch, a lever, one or more springs, and/or the stand assembly. Further, the stand assembly can be implemented in any other suitable ways and/or include the entire or part of the control. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. 
     Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim. 
     Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.