PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10298037-B2
Application Number: US-201715721461-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Smart charging systems for portable electronic devices

Abstract:
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.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A charging component for an electronic device, comprising:
 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. 
 
     
     
       2. The charging component of  claim 1 , wherein the central axis intersects at least a portion of the interface surface. 
     
     
       3. The charging component of  claim 1 , further comprising a magnetic element disposed within the housing of the electronic device and proximate to the interface surface. 
     
     
       4. The charging component of  claim 3 , wherein the inductor coil is wound around at least a portion of the magnetic element and configured to generate a magnetic field through the magnetic element to define a magnetic polarity of the magnetic element. 
     
     
       5. The charging component of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors includes at least one of a movement sensor, optical sensor, or an accelerometer. 
     
     
       6. The charging component of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to change an operation of the inductor coil to disconnect the charging component from an external power source. 
     
     
       7. The charging component of  claim 6 , wherein the sensor is an accelerometer or an optical sensor. 
     
     
       8. An electronic device, comprising:
 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; wherein the charging component comprises:
 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. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the central axis intersects at least a portion of the interface surface. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising a magnetic element disposed within the housing of the electronic device and proximate to the interface surface. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the inductor coil is wound around at least a portion of the magnetic element and configured to generate a magnetic field through the magnetic element to define a magnetic polarity of the magnetic element. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more sensors includes at least one of a movement sensor, optical sensor, or an accelerometer. 
     
     
       13. A smart charging system, comprising:
 a connector comprising:
 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; 
 
 and an electronic device configured to receive power by way of the connector; the electronic device comprising
 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; wherein the charging component comprises:
 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. 
 
 
 
     
     
       14. The smart charging system of  claim 13 , wherein the inductor coil is controllable to attract the permanent magnet in the connector to the interface surface and repel the permanent magnetic in the connector from the interface surface. 
     
     
       15. The smart charging system of  claim 14 , wherein the inductor coil is configured to attract the permanent magnetic according to a force curve comprising an initial repelling force followed by a subsequent attracting force. 
     
     
       16. The smart charging system of  claim 13 , wherein the charging component further comprises a second communication contact positioned at the interface surface corresponding to the position of the first communication contact such that the first and second communication contacts couple together when the interface surface makes contact with the mating surface. 
     
     
       17. The smart charging system of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more inputs are sent from the electronic device to the haptic device through the first and second communication contacts. 
     
     
       18. The smart charging system of  claim 17 , wherein the electronic device is configured to command the haptic device to vibrate the connector upon a determination that the interface surface has made contact with the mating surface. 
     
     
       19. The smart charging system of  claim 13 , wherein the central axis intersects at least a portion of the interface surface. 
     
     
       20. The smart charging system of  claim 13 , further comprising a magnetic element disposed within the housing of the electronic device and proximate to the interface surface.

Description:
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. 
     A better understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments of the present invention may be gained with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary smart charging system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary smart charging system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are simplified diagrams illustrating exemplary attracting and repelling forces between a magnet and a polarity induced by inductor coil, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a graphical illustration of an exemplary force profile generated by an inductor coil during mating between a connector and a charging component, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a simplified diagram illustrating a perspective view of a connector having a magnet that forms the entire mating surface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a simplified diagram illustrating a perspective view of a connector having a magnet that forms part of the mating surface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary smart charging system including a connector and a charging component that does not include a magnetic element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified diagram illustrating a perspective view of a connector for a charging component that inserts into a cavity of a charging component, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary smart charging system including a charging component that includes both a cavity and a magnetic element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  are simplified diagrams illustrating smart charging systems having different sensors for detecting a separation event, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system with one or more haptic devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11A  is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary linear resonance actuator. 
         FIG. 11B  is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary eccentric rotating mass vibration motor. 
         FIG. 12  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary connector of a smart charging system with one or more haptic devices positioned at one or more surfaces of a connector housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13A  is a simplified diagram illustrating haptic devices as fix-fix beam haptic devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13B  is a simplified diagram illustrating haptic devices as cantilever beam haptic devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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 device  100  is a consumer electronic device that can perform one or more functions for a user. For instance, electronic device  100  can be a smart phone, wearable device, smart watch, tablet, personal computer, and the like. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary portable electronic device  100  and an exemplary power supplying apparatus  118  for coupling with device  100  to charge device  100 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Device  100  includes a computing system  102  coupled to a memory bank  104 . Computing system  102  can execute instructions stored in memory bank  104  for performing a plurality of functions for operating device  100 . Computing system  102  can 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 system  102  can also be coupled to a user interface system  106 , a communication system  108 , and a sensor system  110  for enabling electronic device  100  to perform one or more functions. For instance, user interface system  106  can 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 system  108  can include wireless telecommunication components, Bluetooth components, and/or wireless fidelity (WiFi) components for enabling device  100  to make phone calls, interact with wireless accessories, and access the Internet. Sensor system  110  can 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 device  100  also includes a battery  112  for discharging stored energy to power the electrical components of device  100 . To replenish the energy discharged to power the electrical components, electronic device  100  includes a charging component  114  for coupling with power supplying apparatus  118 . Power supplying apparatus  118  can include a power source  122 , such as an electrical outlet coupled to the utility grid or an external energy storage device (such as a portable battery), and a connector  120  for interfacing with charging component  114 . 
     According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, charging component  114  can be configured to dynamically attract and repel connector  120  using electromagnetic forces to perform several functions. For instance, charging component  114  can dynamically attract and repel connector  120  to minimize damage from jolting events by repelling connector  120  before physical damage can occur. Additionally, it can dynamically attract and repel connector  120  to provide tactile feedback for indicating a mating event by exerting a force profile on connector  120  that is representative of a physical mating connection without succumbing to the shortcomings of a physical mating connection. Furthermore, charging component  114  can ease disconnection of connector  120  when it is determined that a user intends to disconnect connector  120  from portable electronic device  100 , such as when a desired amount of charge has been stored in battery  112 . In some embodiments, connector  120  includes a magnetic component that enables charging component  114  to interact with it. Thus, charging component  114  and connector  120  can operate as a system for charging portable electronic device  100 . Accordingly, charging component  114  and connector  120  can form a smart charging system  101 . Further details and embodiments of smart charging system  101  will 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. 2  is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary smart charging system  200 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Smart charging system  200  can include a charging component  202  and a connector  204  that can mate with charging component  202  to charge an electronic device. Connector  204  can be coupled to a cable  209  that can route power from an external power source to connector contact  218 . In some embodiments, connector  204  can include a permanent magnet  216 . Permanent magnet  216  can be positioned adjacent to mating surface  222  so that it can interact with external magnetic forces to move connector  204  toward or away from charging component  202 , as will be discussed further herein. Permanent magnet  216  can be any suitable permanent that has a strong magnetic field, such as a neodymium magnet. 
     Charging component  202  can be a part of a portable electronic device that interfaces with connector  204  to receive power. Charging component  202  can include an interface surface  220  (shown as a bold line) that makes contact with a mating surface  222  of connector  204 . Interface surface  220  can be part of an external surface of a housing  210  of the portable electronic device that makes physical contact with connector  204  when connector  204  is mated with charging component  202 . Charging component  202  can also include a device contact  214  that makes contact with connector contact  218  when connector  204  is mated with charging component  202 . When mated, device contact  214  can receive power from an external power source (e.g., power source  122  in  FIG. 1 ) through connector contact  218  and device contact  214 . 
     According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, charging component  202  can include an inductor coil  206  wound about a magnetic element  208 . Inductor coil  206  can be a strand of conductive wire wound about a central axis  212 , which can be positioned perpendicular to at least a portion of interface surface  220 . Central axis  212  can even intersect at least a portion of interface surface  220  in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, inductor coil  206  can generate a magnetic field that defines a magnetic polarity of magnetic element  208  to attract or repel magnet  216  in connector  204 , as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate exemplary attracting and repelling forces between magnet  216  and a polarity induced by inductor coil  206 . Specifically,  FIG. 3A  is a simplified diagram illustrating an attracting force between permanent magnet  216  and magnetic element  208  whose polarity is influenced by inductor coil  206 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and  FIG. 3B  is a simplified diagram illustrating a repelling force between permanent magnet  216  and magnetic element  208 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the polarity of magnet  216  is oriented such that its end closest to magnetic element  208  is 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 magnet  216  is reversed. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , to induce an attracting force, a current  308  can flow through inductor coil  206  in a clockwise direction to induce a magnetic field  302  propagating from a first end  304  of magnetic element  208  to a second end  306  opposite of first end  304 . This magnetic field  302  can induce a corresponding magnetic polarity in magnetic element  208 , thereby turning magnetic element  208  into a magnet where first end  304  is an acting north pole and second end  306  is an acting south pole. Accordingly, second end  306  attracts magnet  216  toward magnetic element  208 , which can result in a mating between connector  204  and charging component  202  discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3B  on the other hand, to induce a repelling force, a current  312  can flow through inductor coil  206  in a counter-clockwise direction to induce a magnetic field  310  propagating from second end  306  to first end  304 . This magnetic field  310  can induce a corresponding magnetic polarity in magnetic element  208 , thereby turning magnetic element  208  into a magnet where first end  304  is an acting south pole and second end  306  is an acting north pole. Thus, second end  306  repels magnetic  216  away from magnetic element  208 , which can result in a separation between connector  204  and charging component  202  discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the attracting and repelling forces generated by inductor coil  206  can be varied according to a force profile that includes both attracting and repelling forces for mating connector  204  with charging component  202 . The force profile can be experienced by a user&#39;s hand when the user intentionally moves connector  204  toward charging component  202  during mating. In some embodiments, the force profile is configured so that mating connector  204  with charging component  202  feels 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 connector  204  feel when it is mated with charging component  202 . An exemplary force profile is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  is a graphical illustration of an exemplary magnetic force profile  400  generated 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 surface  402  for a charging component. Thus, traversing along the x-axis towards the right from an initial distance  404  represents the movement of a connector toward interface surface  402  from initial distance  404 . Initial distance  404  may be a distance at which an inductor coil begins to initiate force profile  400 . 
     At initial distance  404 , force profile  400  induced 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 peak  406  where force profile  400  stops the increase in repelling force and begins a drastic decrease in repelling force and into a drastic increase in attracting force. Peak  406  can 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 peak  410 , 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 profile  400  between initial distance  404  and peak  406  is less dramatic than the slope of force profile  400  between peak  406  and  410 . Larger slopes of force profile  400  between peak  406  and  410  can result in a feeling on the connector that mimics a clicking action of a mechanical connection. Accordingly, force profile  400  can allow an electromagnetic connection to feel more mechanical in nature, thereby enhancing user experience and feedback. 
     With reference back to  FIG. 2 , the polarity of magnetic element  208  can be influenced by inductor coil  206  to attract or repel connector  204 . Thus, magnetic element  208  can be a structure formed of any suitable material whose magnetic polarity can be influenced by an external magnetic field. For instance, magnetic element  208  can 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 to  FIGS. 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 coil  206  may need to be constantly turned on even though connector  204  has already mated with charging component  202 . 
     In some embodiments, instead of being formed of iron, magnetic element  208  can be formed of a highly coercive magnet that can maintain a magnetic polarity even when inductor coil  206  is turned off. For instance, magnetic element  208  can 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 element  208  is formed as a coercive magnet, it can still change in polarity as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . However, unlike some conductive structures (e.g., iron structures discussed herein), coercive magnets can maintain their magnetic polarity even after inductor coil  206  stops generating the magnetic field. Thus inductor coil  206  can be turned off after connector  204  has mated with charging component  202 . Using a highly coercive magnet as magnetic element  208  can help reduce power consumption as power is not constantly needed for generating an attracting force once connector  204  has mated with charging component  202 . In some embodiments, magnetic element  208  can amplify the magnetic field at interface surface  220 , thereby creating a stronger attracting or repelling force. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , magnet  216  can be positioned within a connector housing  211 . Connector housing  211  can be formed of a non-conductive material that can protect the inner components of connector  204 , such as one or more internal wires coupled with connector contact  218 . Although  FIG. 2  illustrates that mating surface  222  is formed by connector housing  211 , embodiments are not so limited. Some embodiments can have magnet  216  form part of mating surface  222 , as shown in  FIGS. 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. 5A  is a simplified diagram of a connector  500  having a magnet  502  that forms the entire mating surface  222  (save for connector contacts  218 ), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Connector  500  can 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. Magnet  502  can be configured to perform the same functions and serve the same purpose as magnet  216  in  FIG. 3 . As can be seen from  FIG. 5A , a vast majority of mating surface  222  can be formed of magnet  502 , thereby allowing the entire mating surface  222  to be influenced by magnetic element  208 . In some embodiments, however, mating surface  222  does not have to be substantially formed of magnet  502  in order to be influenced by magnetic element  208 . For instance, a part of mating surface  222  can be formed of a magnet as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 5B  is a simplified diagram of a connector  501  having a magnet  504  that forms part of mating surface  222 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Magnet  504  can be configured to perform the same functions and serve the same purpose as magnet  216  in  FIG. 3 . Unlike magnet  502 , magnet  504  can be formed as an annular structure that forms part of mating surface  222 . In some embodiments, mating surface  222  can include a central portion formed by connector housing  211  and an outer portion surrounding connector housing  211  formed by magnet  502 . 
     B. Charging Components without Magnetic Elements 
     As discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 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. 6  illustrates an exemplary smart charging system  600  including a connector  604  and a charging component  602  that does not include a magnetic element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to charging system  200 , connector  604  can include a magnet  616 , and charging component  602  can be a part of housing  610  and can include inductor coil  606 . Thus, magnet  616  and inductor coil  606  can be configured to have the same function and purpose as magnet  216  and inductor coil  206  in  FIG. 2 . 
     Unlike  FIG. 2 , however, charging component  602  may not include a magnetic element. Instead, charging component  602  can include a cavity  608  within which at least a portion of connector housing  611  can insert so that magnet  616  can be directly influenced by an operation of inductor coil  606 . Inductor coil  606  can generate a magnetic field (as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) that induces an attracting or repelling force on magnet  616  when connector  604  is brought close to charging component  602 , such as when a portion of connector housing  611  is inserted into cavity  608  of charging component  602 . Cavity  608  can act as an alignment mechanism for coupling connector contact  618  with device contact  614 . Furthermore, cavity  608  can confine connector  604  when mated with charging component  602  to prevent connector  604  from sliding against interface surface  620  and disconnecting connector contact  618  from device contact  614 . 
     In some embodiments, connector housing  611  can include a flange  613  that rests on interface surface  620  when connector  604  is mated with charging component  602 . Flange  613  can help spread out and minimize the force exerted against connector contact  218  and mating surface  622  when connector  604  is mated with charging component  602 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , interface surface  620  (shown in bold lines) can include surfaces within cavity  608  as well as portions just outside cavity  608  that make contact with connector  604  during mating. Similar to central axis  212  of inductor coil  206  in  FIG. 2 , central axis  612  of inductor coil  606  can be perpendicular to at least a portion of interface surface  620 . For instance, central axis  612  can be perpendicular to a portion  624  of interface surface  620  positioned at the inner-base of cavity  608  closest to device contact  614 . In some embodiments, central axis  612  intersects portion  624  and can be positioned within cavity  608  so that inductor coil  606  winds around cavity  608 . By positioning inductor coil  606  around cavity  608 , magnetic fields generated by inductor coil  606  can propagate through cavity  608  and thus exert a magnetic force against magnet  616  when at least a portion of magnet  616  is positioned in cavity  608 . Accordingly, inductor coil  606  can dynamically attract and repel connector  604  according to a force profile (e.g., force profile  400  in  FIG. 4 ) to mate connector  604  with charging component  602  so that power transfer can occur between connector contact  618  and device contact  614 . Additionally, inductor coil  606  can repel connector  604  to separate connector  604  from charging component  602  and prevent damage to connector  604  during a jolting event. 
       FIG. 7  is a simplified diagram illustrating a perspective view of connector  604 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, flange  613  can extend radially outward past edges of a protruding portion  702  of connector housing  611 . Protruding portion  702  can be the portion of connector housing  611  that inserts into cavity  608  of charging component  602 . When mated, connector contacts  618  can make contact with device contact  614  to 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 in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary smart charging system  800  including a charging component  802  that includes both a cavity  804  and a magnetic element  808 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Having both cavity  804  and magnetic element  808  results 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 element  808  can be a highly coercive magnet that can be induced with a magnet field generated by inductor  806 , as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . When polarized, magnetic element  808  can amplify a magnetic force generated by inductor coil  806  that attracts and repels magnet  616  (and connector  604 ) toward and away from charging component  802 . Cavity  804  can act as an alignment mechanism for coupling connector contact  618  with device contact  614 , and can confine connector  604  when mated with charging component  802  to prevent connector  604  from sliding against interface surface  820  and disconnecting connector contact  618  from device contact  614 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , inductor coil  806  and magnetic element  808  can be positioned beside cavity  804  such that a central axis  810  of inductor coil  806  is perpendicular to and intersects interface surface  820 . 
     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 to  FIGS. 9A-9C . 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  are 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 in  FIGS. 9A-9C  are based upon the smart charging system discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 . Thus, electrical components in  FIGS. 9A-9C  that are similar to the electrical components in  FIG. 2 , have the same functions and purposes as those corresponding components in  FIG. 2 . Details of those functions and purposes can be referenced from the disclosures regarding  FIG. 2  and are not discussed here for ease of discussion. 
       FIG. 9A  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system  900  with one or more movement sensors, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, charging component  902  can include a movement sensor  906  that is embedded within charging component  902 . Movement sensor  906  can be configured to detect the degree and intensity at which charging component  902  is moving. As an example, movement sensor  906  can be an accelerometer that can detect a sudden increase in velocity experienced by charging component  902 . When charging component  902  is suddenly moved (e.g., kicked or has impacted a hard surface), movement sensor  906  can detect the intensity of change in the form of a measured movement intensity value. 
     A computing system (e.g., computing system  102  in  FIG. 1 ) of the portable electronic device of which charging component  902  is a part can receive the measurements from movement sensor  906  and 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 coil  911  to repel magnet  913  and thus separate connector  904  from charging component  902  to minimize damage to connector  904  and/or charging component  902  by 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 component  902  for performing the comparing and the inducing of current through inductor coil  911  because the processor performs calculations regarding the operation of charging component  902 . 
     Although  FIG. 9A  illustrates charging component  902  as having movement sensor  906 , embodiments are not so limited. In some instances, a movement sensor  908  can be positioned in connector  904  instead of charging component  902 . In such embodiments, the portable electronic device can receive the measured intensity value from movement sensor  908  through an electrical connection between two communication contacts: a connector communication contact  910  and a device communication contact  912 . Communication contacts  910  and  912  can be exposed contacts that couple to one another when connector  904  is mated with charging component  902 . When mated, communication contacts  910  and  912  enable connector  904  to communicate with the portable electronic device through charging component  902  so that the computing system can cause inductor coil  911  to separate connector  904  from charging component  902  before or during a jolting event. In additional or alternative instances, both charging component  902  and connector  904  can include their own movement sensors, e.g., sensors  906  and  908 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 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. 9B  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system  920  with one or more optical sensors, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, charging component  902  can include an optical sensor  922  that is positioned at an interface surface  914  of charging component  902 . Optical sensor  922  can be configured to detect a slight separation of connector  904  from charging component  902 . As an example, optical sensor  922  can detect an intensity of light. When connector  904  is mated with charging component  902 , optical sensor  922  may not detect any light. However, when there is a slight separation of connector  904  from charging component  902 , then optical sensor  922  may 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 coil  911  to repel magnet  913  and thus separate connector  904  from charging component  902 . 
     Although  FIG. 9B  illustrates charging component  902  as having optical sensor  922 , embodiments are not so limited. In some instances, optical sensor  922  can be positioned in connector  904  instead. In such embodiments, the portable electronic device can receive the measured intensity value from optical sensor  906  through an electrical connection between connector communication contact  910  and device communication contact  912 . In additional or alternative instances, both charging component  902  and connector  904  can include their own optical sensors, e.g., sensors  922  and  924 , respectively.  FIG. 9B  illustrates optical sensors  922  and  924  as being positioned near the bottom of charging component  902  and connector  904 , respectively; however, embodiments are not so limited. Optical sensors  922  and  924  can 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. 9C  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system  930  with one or more capacitive sensors, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, connector  904  can include a first capacitive sensor  932  and a second capacitive sensor  934 . First and second capacitive sensors  932  and  934  can be positioned at surfaces of connector  904  where a user&#39;s finger may make contact with connector  904  when the user intends to disconnect connector  904  from charging component  902 . As an example, first capacitive sensor  932  can be positioned at a top surface of connector  904 , and second capacitive sensor  934  can be positioned at a bottom surface of connector  904  opposite of the top surface; or first and second sensors  932  and  934  can be position on opposite lateral sides of connector  904 . 
     Capacitive sensors  932  and  934  can be configured to detect and measure anything that is conductive or has a dielectric different from air. As an example, capacitive sensors  932  and  934  can measure a capacitive value when a user&#39;s finger approaches one of or both capacitive sensors  932  and  934 . The portable electronic device can receive the measured capacitive values from capacitive sensors  932  and  934  through the electrical connection between connector communication contact  910  and device communication contact  912 , 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 connector  904  and thus intends to separate connector  904  from charging component  902 ), then the computing system can induce a current through inductor coil  911  to repel magnet  913 , thereby separating connector  904  from charging component  902 . If only one sensor measures a capacitor value greater than the threshold capacitor value, the computing system may not cause a repelling of connector  904  because it may not be a clear indication that a user intends to disconnect connector  904  from charging component  902 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the computing system can cause an attracting and repelling of connector  904  for 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 component  902  to repel connector  904  when the battery is fully charged. Charging a battery after it is fully charged can detrimentally affect its energy storage performance. Thus, charging component  902  can be configured to repel connector  904  when the battery has fully charged so that the battery is no longer receiving charge. In some embodiments, charging component  902  can also be configured to re-attract connector  904  after 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 component  902  can 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. 10  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary smart charging system  1000  with one or more haptic devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Smart charging system  1000  is based upon the smart charging system discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 . Thus, electrical components in  FIG. 10  that are similar to the electrical components in  FIG. 2 , have the same functions and purposes as those corresponding components in  FIG. 2 . Details of those functions and purposes can be referenced from the disclosures regarding  FIG. 2  and are not discussed here for ease of discussion. 
     In some embodiments, charging component  1002  can include a haptic device  1006  that is embedded within charging component  1002 . Haptic device  1006  can be any electromechanical device configured to move, shake, and/or vibrate and, as a result, cause charging component  1002  to move, shake, and/or vibrate in a corresponding manner. In some embodiments, haptic device  1008  can be positioned in connector  1004  instead of charging component  1002 . In such embodiments, a computing system of the portable electronic device can command haptic device  1008  to vibrate by sending electrical signals to haptic device  1006  through communication contacts  1010  and  1012 . When mated, communication contacts  1010  and  1012  enable connector  1004  to communicate with the portable electronic device through charging component  1002  so that the computing system can instruct haptic device  1008  to vibrate when a successful mating has been made between connector  1004  and charging component  1002 . In additional or alternative instances, both charging component  1002  and connector  1004  can include their own haptic devices, e.g., devices  1006  and  1008 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     As mentioned herein, haptic device  1006 / 1008  can be any electromechanical device configured to move, shake, and/or vibrate. For instance, haptic device  1006 / 1008  can be a linear resonance actuator (LRA) that can oscillate a mass back and forth to create vibration.  FIG. 11A  is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary LRA  1100 . In some embodiments, LRA  1100  can include a mass  1102  suspended in an enclosure  1104  by a pair of springs  1106   a  and  1106   b . Mass  1102  can 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, mass  1102  can 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 LRA  1100  is vibrating, it feels as though LRA  1100  is shifting to the right. 
     In other instances, haptic device  1106 / 1108  can 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 in  FIG. 11B .  FIG. 11B  is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary ERM  1101 . ERM  1101  can include a motor  1112  that can spin a central axis  1110 . A mass  1108  can be attached to central axis  1110  and thus rotate around central axis  1110  to 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 device  1106 / 1008 .  FIG. 12  is a simplified diagram of an exemplary connector  1200  of a smart charging system with one or more haptic devices  1202  and  1204  positioned at one or more surfaces of a connector housing  1206 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Haptic devices  1202  and  1204  can be positioned at the outer surfaces of connector housing  1206  so that a user can touch haptic devices  1202  and  1204 . For instance, haptic devices  1202  and  1204  can be positioned at the top and bottom outer surfaces, or the side surfaces, of connector housing  1206 . 
     In some embodiments, haptic devices  1202  and  1204  can 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 in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . 
       FIG. 13A  is a simplified diagram illustrating haptic devices  1202  and  1204  as fix-fix beam haptic devices, where each haptic device includes a first base  1208   a , a second base  1208   b , and a beam  1210  extending between first and second bases  1208   a  and  1208   b . A piezoelectric actuator  1212  can be mounted on an underside of beam  1210  so that when piezoelectric actuator  1212  activates, it can expand and contract and cause beam  1210  to oscillate between a flat, resting position and a deflecting position  1214 . In deflecting position  1214 , beam  1210  can extend outward and press against a user&#39;s finger. By oscillating between the resting position and deflecting position  1214 , the resulting effect can feel like a vibration. Haptic device  1204  can be identical to haptic device  1202 , but just arranged as a mirror images of each other so that when positioned in deflecting position  1215 , beam  1211  is bent outward. 
     In addition to fix-fix beam haptic devices, haptic devices  1202  and  1204  can be configured as cantilever beam haptic devices in some embodiments.  FIG. 13B  is a simplified diagram illustrating haptic devices  1202  and  1204  as cantilever beam haptic devices, where each haptic device includes a base  1216  coupled to one end of a beam  1218 . A piezoelectric actuator  1220  can be mounted on an underside of beam  1218  so that when piezoelectric actuator  1220  activates, it can expand and contract and cause beam  1218  to oscillate between a flat, resting position and a deflecting position  1222  to generate a vibrating sensation on a user&#39;s fingers. Haptic device  1204  can be identical to haptic device  1202 , but just arranged as a mirror images of each other so that when positioned in deflecting position  1223 , beam  1219  is 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. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170929
Publication Date: 20190521
Grant Date: 20190521
Priority Date: 20170929
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
GAO, ZHENG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01M10/4257", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0045", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/4257", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0045", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0045", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2007/0098", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02E60/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 65897976