PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9450446-B2
Application Number: US-201414263949-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Connector-free magnetic charger/winder

Abstract:
A method and apparatus for charging an electronic device include rotating a magnetically attractable element, or element, within the electronic device. Rotating a magnet external to the electronic device simultaneously rotates the element. Rotating the element causes an electrically generating device, such as a generator, to create an electric charge in the electronic device. The electric charge may be used to power the electrically generating device, or the electric charge may be transmitted to an internal power supply in order to charge another component or components. In another embodiment, the external magnet may wind a spring inside a device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A non-contact method for providing power to a component disposed in an electronic device having a housing, at least a portion of the housing is formed of a non-magnetic material, the non-contact method comprising:
 magnetically coupling a rotating magnetic field with a charge generator positioned within the housing causing the charge generator to rotate in accordance with the rotating magnetic field, wherein at least some of the rotating magnetic field passes through the non-magnetic portion of the housing; 
 generating an amount of charge by the charge generator in accordance with the rotating magnetic field; and 
 passing at least some of the amount of charge from the charge generator to the component. 
 
     
     
       2. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the charge generator is coupled to an internal drive mechanism. 
     
     
       3. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the rotating magnetic field is provided by a rotating magnetic element. 
     
     
       4. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the rotating magnetic field is associated with an external drive mechanism free of contact with the charge generator. 
     
     
       5. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the internal drive mechanism remains magnetically coupled to the external drive mechanism during rotation of the external drive mechanism. 
     
     
       6. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the internal drive mechanism comprises a ferrous material that is magnetically attracted to the external drive mechanism. 
     
     
       7. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the internal drive mechanism is capable of an oscillatory rotation, the oscillatory rotation comprising a first rotation and a second rotation opposite the first rotation. 
     
     
       8. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the charge generator creates a first charge based upon the first rotation and a second charge based upon the second rotation, the second charge opposite the first charge. 
     
     
       9. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the component is a battery. 
     
     
       10. The non-contact method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the housing is free of apertures. 
     
     
       11. A portable electronic device having an enclosure defining an internal cavity, the portable electronic device comprising:
 a charge generator disposed within the internal cavity; and 
 a magnetically attractable member disposed within the internal cavity and rotatably coupled to the charge generator, the magnetically attractable member configured to rotate in response to an externally applied rotating magnetic field, 
 wherein the charge generator creates electrical energy based upon a rotation of the magnetically attractable member. 
 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the magnetically attractable member is a vibrational head of a vibrational motor within the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein rotation of the magnetically attractable member mirrors rotation of the externally applied rotating magnetic field. 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the charge generator comprises a shaft and an element, and wherein the element is a magnet magnetically coupled with the magnetically attractable member. 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device according to  claim 11 , wherein the electrical energy created within the charge generator is proportional to a rotational speed of the externally applied rotating magnetic field. 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the magnetically attractable member and the charge generator are both free of contact with a device that supplies the externally applied rotating magnetic field. 
     
     
       17. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a battery disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the battery receives and stores the electrical energy. 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the enclosure comprises a non-magnetic portion allowing the externally applied magnet field to pass through the non-magnetic portion.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to driving an element using magnets. In particular, the present embodiments relate to using a magnetic field to drive an element without physically contacting the driven element. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices (phones, audio devices, laptops, calculators, etc.) and some mechanical devices (watches, windup toys, etc.) require cyclical charging or winding. Winding a mechanical device generally requires winding a dial on an outer peripheral portion of the mechanical device. The dial is connected to a rotor shaft which may, for example, wind a spring. Winding is generally done by a user manually exerting a rotational force on the dial. This may be an inefficient method and also may be an unnecessary use of the user&#39;s energy. 
     Charging an electronic device generally requires connecting the electronic device to an external power source in order to draw current into, for example, a component of the electronic device. A port electrically connected to the component may receive a jack that is electrically connected to the external power source. This may require additional space and/or several components in the electronic device associated with charging. This may also limit the ability to reduce the overall footprint of the device, particularly in a portable electronic device where it may be desirable to create a relatively small device. In addition, the enclosure may include an aperture in which the port is disposed. The aperture allows ingress of dust, liquid, or other contaminants to penetrate the electronic device and cause damage. It may also prevent creating a waterproof device. 
     Therefore, it may be desirable to charge or wind a component without direct contact between two structures. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a non-contact method for charging a component in an electronic device having a housing at least a portion of the housing is formed of a non-magnetic material is described. The method may include magnetically coupling an internal drive mechanism and an external drive mechanism. The internal drive mechanism may be connected to a charge generator. The method may also include causing the internal drive mechanism to rotate. The method may also include generating an amount of charge in the charge generator in accordance with the rotation of the internal drive mechanism. The method may also include passing at least some of the amount of charge to a charge storage device. 
     In another aspect, a portable electronic device having an enclosure is described. The portable electronic device may include a rotating member within the enclosure of the portable electronic device; the rotating member may include an element attracted to a rotating magnetic element external to the enclosure. The portable electronic device may also include a charge generator within the enclosure that receives a portion of the rotating member. The charge generator is capable of creating electrical energy. 
     In another aspect, a method of winding a coil element within an enclosure, the coil element magnetically attracted to a magnet outside the enclosure, is described. The method may include rotating the magnet, the rotating the magnet causes the coil element to wind from a first configuration having a first length to a second configuration having a second length, the second length less than the first length. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of an isometric view of a first member proximate to a device having a second member; 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  show a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , further showing first magnet having magnet flux lines; 
         FIG. 5  shows cross sectional of another embodiment of a first member proximate to a device having a second member, the second member being a magnet; 
         FIGS. 6-9  show embodiments of an external magnet and an internal element; 
         FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of an isometric view of another embodiment of a first member proximate to a device having a second member, the first member being an electromagnet; 
         FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of a portable electronic device having an internal vibrational motor being actuated by an external magnet; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate embodiments of a device having an internal energy generating component; 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  show an embodiment of a timepiece having an spring being actuated by an external magnet; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an embodiment of a clutch assembly configured to limit torque to a component in an electronic device; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a flow chart showing a method for non-contact charging of an electronic device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     This disclosure presents a method of charging or winding a device using a rotational magnetic field. In particular, a component within the device may be rotated by a magnetic field generated externally with respect to the device. The device may include a rotor coupled to an electric generator. The rotational magnetic field causes the rotor to rotate within the electric generator allowing the electric generator to create electrical energy which may be stored by an internal power supply or transmitted to another component within the device. In another device, a rotational magnetic field may also rotate a spring disposed within the device. The spring may be a torsion spring and the device may be a timepiece. Rotating the torsional spring corresponds to actuating components within the timepiece so the timepiece may monitor time. 
     The rotational magnetic field may be associated with a charging or winding station external to the device. The winding or charging station may be configured to spin a “master” rotor. The master rotor is an external drive mechanism magnetically coupled with a “slave” rotor, that is, the rotor within the device. The slave rotor is associated with an internal drive mechanism configured to wind or charge the device. 
     The slave rotor may be made from a partially ferrous material such as iron, nickel, or steel (including 304 and 400 series stainless steel). The slave rotor may also be a magnet. In all embodiments, it is important that a magnetic circuit be closed at least momentarily such that the master rotor may rotate the slave. In some embodiments, the master rotor may be a non-ferrous conductive metal wrapped in a conductive wire. A current passing through the conductive wire may create eddy current forces that are used to couple the master rotor to the slave rotor. 
     For purposes of clarity, the term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length or major axis of a component. For example, a master shaft may rotate around a longitudinal axis the master shaft. Also, the term “plunge” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers winding a spring such that the spring contracts (or coils). For example, rotating a spring at one end while holding the other end stationary may cause the spring to contract. Also, the phrase “same direction” refers to the slave rotor (which may include a magnet, spring, or ferrous element) mirroring the rotational movement of the master rotor (which may include a magnet). 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Some Figures may include enlarged structures to show detail and as a result, some Figures illustrate structures that are not in proportion to other structures. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a device  100  having enclosure  120  which includes side wall  121  and back plate  122 . Device  100  could be any device previously described. Also, device  100  may include a display (not shown) configured to display visual content from device  100 . 
     First member  101  is external with respect to the enclosure  120  and second member  111  is disposed within the enclosure. First member  101  includes first shaft  103  and first magnet  105  attached to first shaft  103 . First shaft  103  may be coupled to any rotary device (not shown) configured to rotate first shaft  103  around longitudinal axis  180  of first shaft  103 . Because first shaft  103  is an external shaft associated with driving an internal shaft or element within device  100 , first shaft  103  corresponds to a “master” rotor as previously discussed. Also, first shaft  103  is generally cylindrical, but could take the shape of any device generally known to rotate with a rotary device. First shaft  103  may be made from a metallic material that may or may not be attracted to magnets. Also, first shaft  103  may be made of any rigid material configured receive a torque and transmit the torque to first magnet  105 . First member  101  may create a rotational magnetic field when rotated about longitudinal axis  180 . In other embodiments, first shaft  103  may also be a magnet configured to couple to a shaft or magnetically attractive element within a device. Accordingly, first member  101  may only include first shaft  103 . 
     A magnet includes two (magnetic) polarities commonly referred to as a “north pole” and a “south pole.” In  FIG. 1 , first magnet  105  includes at least a first pole  107  and a second pole  109 . First pole  107  and second pole  109  are of different polarities. For example, first pole  107  could be a north pole and second pole  109  could be a south pole. First magnet  105  also includes a magnetic field (discussed later). In some embodiments, first magnet  105  includes an array of polarity patterns having two or more “north poles” and two or more “south poles” on the top surface of first magnet  105  and on the bottom surface of first magnet  105 . This may create several magnetic flux lines (discussed later) extending from the north poles to south poles on first magnet  105  in order to achieve a desired magnetic field. 
     First magnet  105  is generally configured to create magnetic attraction of at least one component within device  100 . Also, in some embodiments, first magnet  105  is a three-, four-, or five-sided structure. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first magnet is generally rounded structure. Also, in some embodiments, the size of first magnet  105  is larger to increase the magnet field induced by first magnet  105 . In other embodiments, the size of first magnet  105  is smaller to reduce the magnetic field such that other components in the device are not magnetically attracted to first magnet  105 . In some embodiments, first magnet  105  is an electromagnetic (discussed later). In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first magnet  105  is a permanent magnet. Also, it should be understood that first magnet  105  rotates with first shaft  103 . 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates second member  111  includes second shaft  113  and element  115  attached to second shaft  113 . Second shaft  113  may be of a similar structure and material as previously described for first shaft  103 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , element  115  is a metal having sufficient ferrous material, or a combination of ferrous materials, to be magnetically attracted to first magnet  105  when element  115  is within a certain distance of first magnet  105 . “Magnetically attracted,” in this instance, refers to element  115  having a ferrous material with the opposite polarity as that of first magnet  105 . In other embodiments (discussed later), element  115  is a magnet. Also, element  115  may have a similar shape as that of any structure previously described for first magnet  105 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show cross sectional views of device  100  and first member  101  illustrating the relationship required for first member  101  actuate second member  111 . Back plate  122  has been removed for clarity. Magnetic flux lines  130  represent a closed magnetic circuit which, when element  115  is within magnetic flux lines  130 , allows second member  111  to magnetically couple with first member  101 .  FIG. 2  shows first member  101  positioned a distance from device  100  such that element  115  (made from a ferrous material, discussed below) is not within magnetic flux lines  130  of first magnet  105 . Accordingly, second member  111  is not actuated by the rotational magnetic field of first member  101 . 
     However, as shown in  FIG. 3 , when first member  101  is positioned within a distance from device  100  such that element  115  is within magnetic flux lines  130  of first magnet  105 , second member  111  is within the rotational magnetic field of first member  101 . Second member  111  may now rotate in the same direction as first member  101 . Further, element  115  rotates in the same direction (and approximately the same angular velocity) as first magnet  105 . In other words, element  115  mirrors the rotational movement of first magnet  105 . It should be understood that second shaft  113  also moves rotationally with element  115 . Because second shaft  113  is associated with being driven an external shaft (such as first shaft  113 ), second shaft  113  corresponds to a “slave” rotor as previously discussed. Second shaft  113  may be coupled to an internal component in the device  100  configured to generate electrical energy. For example, second shaft  113  may be disposed inside a generator (not shown) such that when second shaft  113  rotates, electrical energy may be produced (discussed later). Second shaft  113  could also be coupled to a vibrational motor (or, “vibe” motor) such that when second shaft  113  rotates, electrical energy may be produced and stored within the vibrational motor. 
     Some magnetic flux lines  130  in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are removed to show other details.  FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of first magnet  105  having magnetic flux lines  130  generally extending around the entire circumference of first magnet  105 . Generally, the distance that magnetic flux lines extend away from a magnet is proportional to the size and strength of the magnet. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , side wall  121  and back plate  122  are generally made from magnetically neutral materials. In other words, side wall  121  and back plate  122  do not substantially affect magnetic flux lines between first magnet  105  and element  115 , thereby allowing magnetic flux lines  130  to pass through side wall  121 . For example, side wall  121  and back plate  122  could be made of a polymeric material, plastic, or a combination thereof. As shown in  FIG. 3 , side wall  121  has a thickness  140 . Also, a first surface of first magnet  105  is separated by distance  141  from a first surface of side wall  121  and a first surface of element  115  is separated by a distance  142  from a second surface of side wall  121 . Distance  141 , thickness  140  of side wall  121 , and/or distance  142  may generally be of any dimension such that element  115  is within the magnetic flux lines  130  of first magnet  105  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) when a user desires to mechanically rotate element  115  using first magnet  105 . It should be understood that first magnet  105  is capable of mechanically actuating element  115  without any physical contact between first magnet  105  and element  115 , and without first magnet or element  115  contacting side wall  121 . Also, reference to components within a device in this detailed description implies the components are sufficient small enough to fit within the device. For example, an electrically generating component has a dimension smaller than the height of a side wall of a device. 
     Also,  FIGS. 1-3  show first magnet  105  and element  115  having substantially the same shape and size. In some embodiments, first magnet  105  is larger than element. In other embodiments, first member  105  is smaller than element  115 . Also, in some embodiments, first magnet  105  and element  115  do not have the same shape. 
     In some embodiments, it may be desirable to dispose a component further away from a side wall of a device in order to, for example, to position the component toward a central portion within the device. As such, the magnetic flux lines  130  of first magnet  105  previously described may be insufficient to form an attractive force of sufficient strength to magnetically attract element  115 . In this case, it may be desirable for element  115  to be a magnet. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , device  200  includes second member  211  which includes second shaft  213  attached to element  215 . In this embodiment, element  215  is a second magnet. As shown in  FIG. 4 , magnetic flux lines  230  are resultant magnetic flux lines of first magnet  105  and element  215 . This allows element  215  to be magnetically attracted to first magnet  105  at a greater distance that the previous embodiment. For example, a first surface of first magnet  105  is separated by a distance  241  from a first surface of side wall  221  having thickness  240 , and a first surface of element  215  is separated by a distance  242  from a second surface of side wall  221 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , distance  241 , thickness  240 , and distance  242  may each be greater than distance  141 , thickness  140 , and distance  142  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Nonetheless, first shaft  103  of first member  101  is still capable of mechanically rotating second shaft  213  of second member  211  in a similar manner described in the previous embodiment. 
     In other embodiments, first member  101  may only include first shaft  103  and second member  211  may only include second shaft  213 , where first shaft  103  and second shaft  213  are both magnets. In this manner, first member  101  and second member  211  may both be smaller in size, yet first shaft  103  may still mechanically drive second shaft  213  through combined magnetic field lines. 
     Although magnets and (internal) elements previously shown are generally circular, magnets and elements described may include a variety of shapes. For example,  FIGS. 6-9  illustrate various embodiments that may be either a magnet (external to a device) or an element (within the device). Each structure shown in  FIGS. 6-9  is configured to receive a rotatable shaft similar to those previously described.  FIG. 6  shows an isometric side view of an embodiment of structure  191  having a triangular shape on a surface. The triangular shape may, for example, be partially received by a component having a corresponding triangular shape thereby allowing structure to be partially nested within the component and create additional space within a device.  FIG. 7  shows an isometric side view of an embodiment of structure  193  having a narrow, cylindrical body which may also be partially nested in a component having a corresponding cylindrical shape.  FIG. 8  shows an isometric side view of an embodiment of structure  193  having a concave surface on one end. The concave shape may, for example, allow additional space for other components within a device. The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6-8  may be made from any material previously described for a magnet or an element. Also, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6-8  generally include a circular bottom surface. In some embodiments, structure  191 , structure  192 , and/or structure  193  may include a bottom surface having a three-, four-, or five-sided surface. 
       FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of an embodiment of structure  194  having an asymmetric shape. Structure  194  is generally associated with a vibrational motor and may be made from a relatively dense metal. When rotated, the eccentric mass of structure  194  may cause the body of the vibrational motor to experience movement, thereby creating a vibrational effect in, for example, an electronic device. 
     It may also be desirable to vary the attractive field of an element external to a device, thereby allowing the element to selectively attract certain components within the device.  FIG. 10  illustrates electromagnetic member  301 , or simply member  301 , configured to mechanically actuate second member  311  within device  300  by using an attractive field. Member  301  is configured to rotate around longitudinal axis  180  in a manner similar to that of first shaft  103  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Member  301  may include coil element  303  connected to power source  310 . Coil element  303  generally includes several coils made from an electrically conductive material (for example, copper). In other embodiments, coil element  303  may include several additional coils. Also, in some embodiments, an exterior portion of coil element  303  may be covered with an insulating material configured to prevent current from dissipating from coil element  303 . Power source  310  is configured to generate current through coil element  303 . 
     Within enclosure  320 , device  300  includes second member  311  having element  315  connected to shaft  313 . Element  315  is generally a magnetically attractable structure, and may be substantially similar to element  115  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or element  215  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Also, element  315  may have a substantially similar shape and size as that of any element previously described for element  115 . Also, shaft  313  may be of any shape and size previously described for second shaft  113 . In some embodiments, second member  311  includes only a shaft  313  that includes a sufficient amount of ferrous material (or materials) to be attracted to member  301 . When current passes through coil element  303 , an electromagnetic field  330  may form. Side wall  321  is made from a material that does not substantially interfere with electromagnetic field  330 . When first member  301  traverses in a direction toward second member  311  such that element  315  is within electromagnetic field  330 , resultant electromagnetic forces, such as eddy currents (not shown), may form between electromagnetic field  330  and element  315  thereby giving electromagnetic field  330  magnetically attractive properties. As a result, member  301  rotating around longitudinal axis  280  of coil element  303  may mechanically actuate second shaft  313  of second member  311  in a substantially rotational manner around longitudinal axis  280 . It should be understood that second shaft  313  may perform similar functions as that of second shaft  113  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or second shaft  213  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In another embodiment not shown, electromagnet  301  may be in a stationary position. “Stationary” in this instance refers to no rotational movement. However, when electromagnet traverses in a direction toward element  315  such that element  315  is within electromagnetic field  330 , eddy currents may nonetheless form between electromagnetic field  330  and element  315 . Further, eddy currents may create a rotational magnetic field capable of rotationally driving element. 
     Some devices may be used in environments containing dust or other contaminants. As such, it may be useful to fully enclose the device to prevent or limit ingress of dust or other contaminants. Further, a fully enclosed device may be capable of being submerged under a liquid substance such as water. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , device  400  includes enclosure  420  having a side wall  421  connected to back plate  422 . Side wall  421  and back plate  422  may be made of any material described in previous embodiments having a side wall and a back plate. A display (not shown) is coupled to side wall  421 . Also, side wall  421  and back plate  422  do not include any apertures thereby reducing the probability of ingress. In order to charge certain components in an electronic device, first magnet  105 , described previously, may be rotated by rotary device  102  which may include an internal motor (not shown). In some embodiments, rotary device  102  may be configured to rotate a shaft within a range of angular velocities. 
     In  FIG. 11 , first magnet  105  is rotated near device  400  in order to charge a component  450 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , component  450  is a vibrational motor. Component  450  includes a vibrational head  452  having a similar shape to structure  194  shown in  FIG. 9 . Vibrational head  452  may be made from any ferrous material, or a combination of ferrous materials, previously described. Once vibrational head  452  is within the magnetic flux lines (not shown) of first magnet  105 , vibrational head  452  may be configured to rotate when first magnet  105  is rotating. In particular, vibrational head  452  mirrors the rotational movement of first magnet  105 . It should also be noted that device  400  does not include any buttons or ports proximate to enclosure  420 . A port associated with charging a traditional device may be replaced by charging means described herein. Also, device  400  may be controlled by a controls displayed from a touchscreen display (not shown). However, in other embodiments, a button and/or a port may be engaged with enclosure  420 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate alternate embodiments of device  500  having an electrical energy generating component configured to create electrical energy for another internal component. The enclosure of device  500  could be substantially similar to that of the device shown in  FIG. 11 . Also, side wall  521  and back plate  522  may be made of any material described in previous embodiments having a side wall and a back plate. 
     In  FIG. 12 , generator  550  includes element  555  attached to shaft  513 . Element  555  and shaft  513  may be made from any materials previously described for element  115  and shaft  113 , respectively. Also, in other embodiments, shaft  513  may be a magnet and element  555  may not be included. Element  555  is configured to mirror the rotational movement of first magnet  105  when first magnet  105  and first shaft  103  are rotated by rotary device  102 , and further when element  555  is within the magnetic flux lines (not shown) of first magnet  105 . Shaft  513  is configured to rotate within generator  550  such that generator  550  may produce electrical energy. Generator  550  is configured to create direct current (“DC”) that may be stored in an internal power supply  560  (for example, a battery) coupled to generator  550  via a conductive element  570  (such as a wire). Internal power supply  560  may be electrically connected to one or several components in device  500  requiring electrical energy. 
     In some embodiments, it may be more efficient, or even necessary, to create electrical energy as an alternating current (“AC”). In the embodiment shown in,  FIG. 13 , generator  551  is an AC generator disposed within device  500 . Rotary device  1002  having first shaft  1003  attached to first magnet  1005 . Rotary device  1002  is configured to rotate shaft  1003  in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. For example, the first direction could be a clockwise rotation and the second direction could be a counter-clockwise rotation. Accordingly, first magnet  1005  may also rotate in a similar manner as that of first shaft  1003 . Further, rotary device  1002  may oscillate between the first direction and the second direction in a rapid manner. 
     Generator  551  includes shaft  513  and element  555 , both of which are configured to rotate in the same direction an approximately the same angular velocity as first magnet  1005 . Oscillation of rotary device  1002  corresponds to oscillation of shaft  513  within generator  551 . In order to create AC, generator  551  is configured to create a positive charge, Q+, when shaft  513  is rotated in the first direction, and a negative charge, Q−, when shaft  513  is rotated in the second direction. In other embodiments, generator  551  creates a negative charge in the first direction, and a positive charge in the second direction. AC may pass from generator  551  to rectifier  557  via first conductive element  571 . Rectifier  557  is configured to convert AC to DC. DC may be passed from rectifier  557  to internal power supply  560  via second conductive element  572 . 
     The electrical charge created may be proportional to the rotational speed or angular velocity of the shaft. For example, increasing power a rotary device  102  or rotary device  1002  corresponds to increasing rotational speed of the shafts of the respective rotary devices. In turn, the electrical charge produced within generator  550  or generator  551  may also increase. It may be useful, therefore, to increase or decrease rotary device  102  or rotary device  1002  in order to achieve a desired electrical charge. For example, rapid charging of an internal power supply may be useful to reduce charging time. Also, some devices may include additional components which may then require additional charging time. For example, a tablet computing device may require additional charging time as compared a mobile device. By rotating a generator in the tablet computing device at a higher speed, the tablet computing device may be able to charge (or recharge) in the same amount of time as the mobile device. 
     While an external rotating magnet may produce electrical energy as described, an external rotating magnet may also rotate other components configured to generate mechanical energy. Further, an external rotating magnet may be able to plunge a component in a direction away from the magnet. For example,  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate rotary device  102  rotating first shaft  103  and first magnet  105  configured to wind a spring  615  in a timepiece  600 . Timepiece  600 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , is a watch. Spring  615  is generally made of any ferrous material, or combination of ferrous materials, previously described. For purposes of clarity, several components have been removed from timepiece  600  in  FIGS. 13 and 14 .  FIG. 13  shows spring  615  within the magnetic flux lines (not shown) of first magnet  105 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , when first magnet  105  is rotated, spring  615  mirrors the rotational movement of first magnet  105 . In addition, spring  615  is configured to wind, and when doing so, spring  615  winds in a direction away from first magnet  105 . This winding action may be similar to winding a traditional timepiece using a dial located near an outer surface of a timepiece. However, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , timepiece  600  is free of external rotating components that require apertures to couple with internal components, thereby reducing the probability of ingress. It should be noted that wall  621  and back plate  622  may be made of any material described in previous embodiments having a side wall and a back plate. 
     In some embodiments, a spring or other component within a device may have a similar polarity to that of an external magnet. When the magnetic flux lines approach the spring, the spring may magnetically repel the external magnet. This is another method of actuating an internal component using an external magnet. However, as described, there is no need for rotational movement of the external magnet or the spring. 
     In additional to rotational or plunging movement, an element having magnetically attractable properties as previously described and disposed with a device may traverse laterally in a direction in response to a magnetic field created by an external magnet external. For example, an external magnet may be able to move along a side wall of a device without rotational movement. In response to the movement of the external magnet, an element within magnetic flux lines of an external magnet may mirror the movement of the external magnet to the extent the element does not come into contact with other components within the device. This lateral movement of the component may be useful to calibrate another component or to restore a displaced component. 
     Also, some embodiments described could be used for clocking applications. For example, a magnet external to a device could be rotated at regularly occurring pulses with a resultant rotation an element or component inside the device at the same regularly occurring pulses. This application could be used to monitor time without using a regular timekeeping device (such as a watch). 
     A rotary tool used to rotationally drive an external magnet may be capable of doing so in a range of torques. Accordingly, the external magnet may be driven at various speeds. Some speeds may be undesirable for certain internal components of a device. For example, a generator in a device that is driven at a substantially high speed may produce more electrical energy than is required. This may leave some components vulnerable to additional, unwanted charge that may cause damage to the components. Also, a mechanical device such as a spring may receive unnecessary torque that could lead to breaking the spring and/or a component coupled to the spring. In order to prevent this issue,  FIG. 16  illustrates a cross section of a clutch assembly  700  configured to couple with an internal shaft of a device as well as a component configured to receive a torque (for example, a generator). Clutch assembly  700  is configured to limit torque received from rotational movement from an external magnet. Clutch assembly  700  could be used in at least some embodiments previously described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , clutch assembly  700  includes receiving end  710  configured to receive second shaft  213  coupled to element  215  having magnetically attractable properties as previously described. Second shaft  213  may be secured to clutch assembly  700  by fastening member  720  and a tightening member  730  through friction pad  740 . An inner surface of friction pad  740  engages an outer surface of second shaft  213 . An outer surface of friction pad  740  further engages several ring elements  745  coupled to pins  747 , both of which are configured to rotate with friction pad  740 . Pins  747  engage housing member  749  and coupling end  750 , both of which are configured to rotate with friction pad  740 . In some embodiments, coupling end  750  is configured to engage a component inside the device. In other embodiments, coupling end  750  engages, and subsequently rotates, a shaft. 
     Friction pad  740  is configured to limit the amount of torque transmitted from second shaft  213  to coupling end  750 . For example, if second shaft  213  rotates above a predetermined angular velocity (corresponding to a predetermined torque), friction pad  740  will “slip” during rotation until second shaft  213  rotates at or below the predetermined angular velocity. In other words, friction pad  740  will rotate at a lower angular velocity than that of second shaft  213 . Accordingly, coupling end  750  will rotate at an angular velocity less than that of second shaft  213  (or conversely, at an angular velocity substantially similar to that of friction pad  740 ). In other embodiments, friction pad  740  may be configured to release from second shaft  213  when second shaft  213  is rotated above the predetermined angular velocity. Accordingly, coupling end  750  ceases to rotate until second shaft  213  rotates at or below the predetermined angular velocity where friction pad  740  may re-engage with second shaft  213 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a flow chart  1000  for a non-contact method for providing power to a component disposed in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing, at least part of which is formed by non-magnetic material. In a first step  1001 , a rotating magnetic field is magnetically coupled with a charge generator positioned within the housing. The rotating magnetic field originates externally with respect to the electronic device, and at least some of the rotating magnetic field passes through the non-magnetic portion of the housing. In another step  1004 , an amount of charge by the charge generator is generated in accordance with the coupled rotating magnetic field (that is, the rotating magnetic field and the charge generator coupled to the rotating magnetic field). As stated earlier, the amount of charge generated is proportional to the rotational speed of a rotor shaft disposed partially within the charge generator. In another step  1006 , at least some of the amount of charge is passed to the component from the charge generator. 
     The embodiments shown in the foregoing illustrations may components capable of rotation in, for example, a clockwise direction. In other embodiments, the rotational direction may be counter-clockwise in order to achieve a desired effect. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140428
Publication Date: 20160920
Grant Date: 20160920
Priority Date: 20140428
Inventors: BAKER JOHN J.
ROTHKOPF FLETCHER R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J7/32", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02B40/90", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C5/005", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C5/005", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K49/108", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02B40/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K49/108", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02B40/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54335685