Make Micro USB Induction Charger - difficulty? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: THATguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 11:02:23 pm
content: Just curious how difficult it is to change a micro usb plug into an induction connection?I've read that many people write their Thesis on Induction Charging. So perhaps it is extremely complex.I don't mind making microscopic coils, even using such elements as Iridium so the coils can withstand the heat.It will still be a plug so they will still connect flush, with a distance of 2-4mm between.[Some of you may question why I'd even bother; dust/corrosion etc]My concern is the close proximity of the 5 or so coils & receiving coils.NOTE: To be clear I want data transfer also, hence the need for 5 or so inductors and receivers. So I guess it will need to be two way, and the charging might be VERY slow.I just made a little design picture, and I see that I'll need more grounding wires. I suppose this may complicate things in my receiving device?

author: Buriedcode
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 12:35:11 am
content: I don't mean to burst your bubble, but transferring data, even over very short distances, wirelessly would be pretty complex, especially since the data lines are half-duplex (bidirectional). For very close proximity, light would probably be easier, although it would still require encoding/decoding at both ends to provide the differential signals USB uses. As for power transfer, I imagine you would need larger coils than that and I'm not sure why you have four coils... a single coil can transfer power. To just replace a copper connection with 'something wireless', for the data lines is a massive headache especially given the datarate of USB. If it was straightforward, something like it would exist already.In order for wireless charging to have any sort of practical efficiency, then from what I've seen of similar products, the coils either have to be one inside the other (remember those tooth brushes?) or require careful control - with commercial devices often having communication over the inductive link to allow the the system to change system parameters on the fly, such as mobile phone charging mats.Is it 'doable' with todays technology? I'm fairy sure, yes. Will it be small, cheap, and practical enough to sell? Nope. Also, because I'm assuming you're holding the cable ends together, with no air gap, it adds nothing to existing ideas like Apples 'Magsafe 2' magnetic connector, which is just for power (and perhaps data?) but is still just electrical contacts, albeit held together by magnets. The lofty goal that has been around for a while now is 'true' wireless charging at distances > a few feet, but that's a whole other ball game.With all that said, ambitious idea's like this whilst perhaps quickly lead to disappointment are also an excellent 'target' for research: whilst googling for how such an idea could work, you could learn lots about the USB protocol, inductive charging techniques, and how current tech works. I have learned a great deal by starting with what I thought was a 'great' idea, and reading up about every aspect, quickly abandoning the idea, but still continuing research out of curiosity.

author: THATguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 02:11:00 am
content: Happy to have my bubble burst. Truth is what I'm after.Yeah I figured I might need to just get rid of the port/cable and go with a traditional large coil - then figure out some kind of data transfer around that system.Seems as if it is not worth all the trouble, and some kind of Light wifi coupled with photovoltaic charging is the way to go.I'm already developing a high efficiency solar panel.