PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10873204-B2
Application Number: US-201816058858-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Inductive coupling assembly for an electronic device

Abstract:
An inductive coupling assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The system may include an electronic device having an enclosure, and an internal inductive charging assembly positioned within the enclosure. The internal inductive charging assembly may include a receive inductive coil positioned within the enclosure. The system may also include a charger in electrical communication with the internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic device. The charger may include a transmit inductive coil aligned with the receive inductive coil. The transmit inductive coil may be configured to be in electrical communication with the receive inductive coil. Additionally, the system can include an inductive coupling assembly positioned between the electronic device and the charger. The inductive coupling assembly may include a field-directing component configured to be in electrical communication with the transmit inductive coil, and/or the receive inductive coil of the internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system comprising:
 a first electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure; and 
 an internal inductive charging assembly positioned within the enclosure, and comprising a receive inductive coil; 
 
 a second electronic device comprising a transmit inductive coil configured to be aligned with and in electrical communication with the receive inductive coil; and 
 a third electronic device positioned between the receive inductive coil and the transmit inductive coil, the third electronic device comprising:
 a body having a bottom wall and sidewalls extending from the bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving the first electronic device; and 
 a flux-transfer component positioned within the bottom wall and formed of a material having high permeability to an inductive field, the flux-transfer component being configured to, when the first electronic device is positioned in the cavity, relay inductive power from the transmit inductive coil to the receive inductive coil. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first electronic device further includes a first alignment component; 
 the second electronic device further includes a second alignment component; and 
 the third electronic device further includes a third alignment component configured to draw the second alignment component into alignment with the first alignment component. 
 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flux-transfer component is formed of ferrite. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flux-transfer component is a solid structure in the shape of a ring having a single loop. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flux-transfer component is a solid structure that extends from a bottom surface of the bottom wall to a top surface of the bottom wall. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the flux-transfer component includes a rectangular structure. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the rectangular structure laterally extends from an inner diameter of the receive inductive coil to an outer diameter of the receive inductive coil. 
     
     
       8. A protective case comprising:
 a body having a bottom wall and sidewalls extending from the bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving an electronic device having a receive inductive coil; and 
 an inductive coupling assembly positioned at least partially within the bottom wall, the inductive coupling assembly comprising: 
 a flux-transfer component positioned within the bottom wall and formed of a material having high permeability to an inductive field, the flux-transfer component being configured to, when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, relay inductive power from a transmit inductive coil to the receive inductive coil. 
 
     
     
       9. The protective case of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the flux-transfer component is configured to be in electrical communication with the receive inductive coil; and 
 the transmit inductive coil is housed within an external charger. 
 
     
     
       10. The protective case of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the body comprises a recess formed adjacent to the inductive coupling assembly; and 
 the recess is configured to receive the external charger for the electronic device and align a transmit inductive coil of the charger with the flux-transfer component of the inductive coupling assembly. 
 
     
     
       11. The protective case of  claim 9 , further comprising a battery positioned within the body. 
     
     
       12. The protective case of  claim 11 , wherein the battery is in electrical communication with the electronic device. 
     
     
       13. The protective case of  claim 9 , wherein the flux-transfer component is a solid structure that extends from a bottom surface of the bottom wall to a top surface of the bottom wall. 
     
     
       14. A system comprising:
 a first electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure; and 
 an internal inductive charging assembly positioned within the enclosure, and comprising a receive inductive coil; and 
 
 a second electronic device comprising:
 a body having a bottom wall and sidewalls extending from the bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving the first electronic device; and 
 
 a flux-transfer component embedded within the bottom wall and formed of a material having high permeability to an inductive field, the flux-transfer component being configured to, when the first electronic device is positioned in the cavity, relay inductive power from a transmit inductive coil of a third electronic device to the receive inductive coil. 
 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , wherein the flux-transfer component is molded within the bottom wall of the body. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 14 , wherein the internal inductive charging assembly is configured to electrically communicate with an external charger positioned adjacent the body of the second electronic device. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the charger is configured to be in electrical communication with the flux-transfer component. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the first electronic device includes a battery positioned within the enclosure; and 
 the battery is in electrical communication with the receive inductive coil. 
 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the second electronic device includes a second electronic device battery operatively coupled to the battery of the first electronic device. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 14 , wherein the flux-transfer component is a solid structure that extends from a bottom surface of the bottom wall to a top surface of the bottom wall.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/861,764 with is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/056,789, filed Sep. 29, 2014 and titled “Inductive Charging Systems for Electronic Devices,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly to inductive coupling assemblies positioned within an enclosure of the electronic device and inductive coupling assemblies positioned in a protective case positioned around at least a portion of the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many electronic devices include one or more rechargeable batteries that require external power to recharge. Often, these devices may be charged using the same or similar connection type; for example, via universal serial bus (“USB”) or other electrical connections. Electrical connection types may vary, and multiple devices often require separate power supplies with different power outputs. These separate power supplies are burdensome to use, store, and transport from place to place. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a system that includes an electronic device comprising an enclosure and an internal inductive charging assembly positioned within the enclosure. The internal inductive charging assembly comprises a receive inductive coil positioned within the enclosure. The system also comprises a charger in electrical communication with the internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic device. The charger comprises a transmit inductive coil aligned with the receive inductive coil. The transmit inductive coil is configured to be in electrical communication with the receive inductive coil of the electronic device. Additionally, the system comprises an inductive coupling assembly positioned between the electronic device and the charger. The inductive coupling assembly comprises a field-directing component configured to be in electrical communication with at least one of the transmit inductive coil of the charger, or the receive inductive coil of the internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic device. 
     An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device comprises an enclosure and an internal inductive charging assembly positioned within the enclosure. The internal inductive charging assembly comprises a receive inductive coil positioned within the enclosure. The electronic device also comprises an inductive coupling assembly embedded within the enclosure, adjacent the internal inductive charging assembly. The inductive coupling assembly embedded within the enclosure comprises an alignment component, and a field-directing component surrounding the alignment component. The field-directing component is aligned with the receive inductive coil of the internal inductive coupling assembly. 
     A protective case coupled to an electronic device is disclosed. The protective case comprises a body and an inductive coupling assembly positioned at least partially within the body. The inductive coupling assembly comprises an alignment component and a field-directing component surrounding the alignment component. The field-directing component is operatively configured to be aligned with and in electrical communication with a receive inductive coil of the electronic device. 
    
    
     
       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. 1A  shows an exploded view of an electronic device and a protective case, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a front view of the electronic device and the protective case of  FIG. 1A , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 1C  shows a back view of the electronic device and the protective case of  FIG. 1A , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top view of a charger for the electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a back view of the electronic device and the protective case of  FIG. 1A  and the charger of  FIG. 2 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device, the protective case and the charger, taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device, a protective case including an inductive coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. The inductive coupling assembly positioned in the protective case includes a magnet and an inductive repeater coil. 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device, a protective case including an inductive coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 , according to additional embodiments. The inductive coupling assembly positioned in the protective case includes a magnet material and an inductive repeater coil. 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device, a protective case including an inductive coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 , according to further embodiments. The inductive coupling assembly positioned in the protective case includes a magnet and a flux transfer component. 
         FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device, a protective case including an inductive coupling assembly positioned therein, and the charger, taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 , according to another embodiment. The inductive coupling assembly positioned in the protective case includes a magnet material and a flux transfer component. 
         FIG. 9  shows a back view of an electronic device and a protective case, according to further embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device, the protective case, and the charger, taken along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a back view of an electronic device and a protective case, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device, an inductive coupling assembly, a protective case, and a charger, taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 , according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows a system diagram of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1A-1C , according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to inductive coupling assemblies formed or positioned within an enclosure of the electronic device and inductive coupling assemblies positioned in a protective case positioned around a portion of the electronic device. 
     As discussed herein, electronic devices include an inductive coupling assembly. The user may place the device on an inductive charging surface in order for the battery to be recharged. However, in order to produce the most efficient and/or effective charge between the device and the inductive charging surface, the transmitting component of the inductive charging surface should be aligned with the receiving component in the electronic device. Where the alignment between the inductive charging components is off, the efficiency in the inductive coupling to the electronic device may be substantially reduced. 
     Additionally, as the distance between the transmitting component of the inductive charging surface and the receiving component in the electronic device increases, the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the transmitted power decreases. As a result, it may be beneficial to place the electronic device directly on the inductive charging surface. Where an intermediate layer or component, such as a cover or auxiliary case, is positioned between the electronic device and the charging surface, the efficiency of charging the electronic device may be reduced. 
     In a particular embodiment, an enclosure for an electronic device or, alternatively, an auxiliary protective case surrounding the electronic device, includes an inductive coupling assembly to improve inductive coupling for wirelessly charging a battery of the electronic device. The inductive coupling assembly may be formed directly in the enclosure of the electronic device or may be positioned in a back portion of the protective case, in alignment with an internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic device. The inductive coupling assembly positioned in the enclosure or the protective case acts as an intermediate inductive coupling assembly, which may redirect or repeat the inductive power supplied from a separate charger to the internal charging assembly of the electronic device. The inductive coupling assembly may reduce or minimize the amount of power that is lost between the charger and the internal inductive charging assembly. Additionally, the effect of a gap or distance between the charger and the internal inductive charging assembly may be reduced or minimized. When wirelessly charging the electronic device, the intermediate inductive coupling assembly may redirect or repeat the inductive power supplied from the charger to the device. This function of the inductive coupling assembly may improve the efficiency of power transmission between the charger and the electronic device, which may result in faster charging times and reduce wasted power. 
     In some implementations, the inductive coupling assembly includes an alignment component and a field-directing component surrounding the alignment component. The alignment component may be used to align or locate the charger with respect to the electronic device. The inductive coupling assembly aids in the power transmission as a result of the field-directing component redirecting or repeating the inductive field from a transmit inductive coil of a charger to a receive inductive coil of the electronic device. Additionally, the inductive coupling assembly aids in power transmission where the field-directing component provides an intermediate inductive field transmitter or repeater between the transmit inductive coil of the charger and the receive inductive coil of the electronic device. The intermediate inductive field transmitter or repeater strengthens, increases, and/or improves the power transmitted through components such as a case or an enclosure of the electronic device prior to the power reaching the receive inductive coil of the electronic device. The alignment component also aids in power transmission by aligning the field-directing component with the transmit inductive coil of the charger and the receive inductive coil of the electronic device, respectively. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-13 . 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. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  show one example of an electronic device. The electronic device  100  includes a battery ( 510  of  FIG. 13 ) for supplying power to the device  100  and an internal inductive charging assembly  120  positioned within the electronic device  100  ( FIG. 1C ). The internal inductive charging assembly  120  is configured to interact with a charger or charging source to recharge the battery of the electronic device  100 . To improve charging efficiency and/or decrease charging time (e.g., duration of time to achieve a full battery or “100%” battery life) for the electronic device  100 , the internal inductive charging assembly  120  discussed herein includes an alignment component, such as a magnet  124 , and a power receive inductive coil  122 . 
     As discussed herein, the electronic device  100  can utilize and/or interact with an inductive coupling assembly (see,  FIGS. 5-12 ) positioned within the enclosure  102  of the electronic device  100 , or alternatively, within a protective case  200  surrounding the electronic device  100 . The inductive coupling assembly can includes an alignment component and a field-directing component surrounding the alignment component. As discussed herein, the inductive coupling assembly redirects the power or inductive field supplied from a charger to the electronic device  100 . By redirecting or repeating the power or inductive field supplied by the charger, minimal amounts of power or inductive field may be lost due to “leakage” as the power travels from the charger to the electronic device  100 . As a result, the efficiency of charging the electronic device  100  may be improved and/or the charging time is decreased. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , electronic device  100  is implemented as a mobile telephone. However, it is understood that other embodiments can implement electronic device  100  differently, such as, for example, as a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. 
     Electronic device  100  includes an enclosure  102  at least partially surrounding a display  104  and one or more buttons  106  or input devices formed or positioned on a front surface  108  of electronic device  100 . (Reference herein to a “button” generally is intended to encompass any suitable form of input element, including switches, toggles, sliders, touch screens, and the like.) Enclosure  102  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the electronic device  100  and may at least partially surround display  104 . Enclosure  102  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, enclosure  102  can be formed of a single piece operably connected to display  104 . Additionally, enclosure  102  may be formed from a variety of material including, but not limited to: reinforced glass, plastic, metal, artificially grown corundum, and any combination of material. Enclosure  102  may also include an opaque frame  110  substantially surrounding and/or outlining display  104 . Frame  110  of enclosure  102  may surround display  104  to indicate the interactive display  104  of electronic device  100 . Frame  110  may not be a distinct component but rather may be a darkened or painted portion of a cover glass covering and protecting display  104 , which may visually aid a user to identify the area of electronic device  100  that includes interactive display  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , electronic device  100  may be positioned within a protective case  200 . A body  202  of protective case  200  may be coupled to and/or substantially surround electronic device  100  such that the majority of enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  is positioned within protective case  200 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , body  202  of protective case  200  may substantially surround the majority of enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  except for display  104  and other portions of electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. The illustrated size of protective case  200  may vary between embodiments. Body  202  of protective case  200  can form an additional or auxiliary protective case to enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  to protect electronic device  100  and its components (e.g., display  104 , button  106 , and other components). 
     Body  202  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, body  202  of protective case  200  can be formed of a single piece capable of being coupled to electronic device  100 . Body  202  may be coupled to electronic device  100  using any suitable technique including, but not limited to, a compression fit, retention fit, snap fit of two-piece enclosure that joins together to hold the device and so on. Additionally, in some embodiments body  202  of protective case  200  may be formed from a substantially flexible and/or resilient material that may protect electronic device  100  from damage and/or exposure to contaminants. In a non-limiting example, body  202  may be formed from a polymer rubber. Body  202  may be semi-rigid or rigid in other embodiments, or may be rigid in certain regions and flexible in others. 
     Body  202  may have a front opening  204  formed therein to expose display  104  and button  106  of electronic device  100 , although this is not required and some bodies may enclose one or both of display and button. As shown in  FIG. 1B , front opening  204  may be larger than display  104  but smaller than enclosure  102  of electronic device  100 . Front opening  204  may be larger than display  104 , and the area including button  106  may ensure that display  104  and button  106  are not obstructed or blocked from a user of electronic device  100 . Additionally, by including front opening  204  of body  202  being smaller than enclosure  102 , electronic device  100  may be coupled to and/or remain within body  202  of protective case  200  during use of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 1C  shows a back view of electronic device  100  and protective case  200 . Electronic device  100  may include an internal inductive charging assembly  120  (shown in phantom). Internal inductive charging assembly  120  may be positioned within enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  and may be positioned substantially adjacent and/or parallel to back wall  118  of electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. As discussed below in detail, internal inductive charging assembly  120  is in electrical communication with a battery (see,  FIG. 13 ) of electronic device  100  and is configured to receive power from a charger (see,  FIG. 2 ) for charging the battery of electronic device  100 . Additionally as discussed herein, the charger provides power through enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  such that internal inductive charging assembly  120  inductively charges the battery of electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , internal inductive charging assembly  120  may include at least one receive inductive coil  122  (shown in phantom) positioned within enclosure  102 . Receive inductive coil  122  may be positioned within the enclosure  102  and may not be exposed outside of enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  although, in some embodiments, at least a portion of receive inductive coil  122  may be externally accessible or exposed. Receive inductive coil  122  may receive power from a distinct source or device and, in certain circumstances and embodiments, may also transmit power. 
     As discussed herein, receive inductive coil  122  may be in electrical communication with a transmit inductive coil of a charger for electronic device  100  for receiving power when suitably aligned and the charger is active. The phantom circle representing receive inductive coil  122  in  FIG. 1C  is one example of a sample location where receive inductive coil  122  may be positioned within electronic device  100 . 
     In a non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 1C , receive inductive coil  122  may be formed from a wire or other suitable conductive element that may be configured to form a plurality of concentric loops or converging, spiraling circles. The wire forming receive inductive coil  122  may be formed from any suitable conductive material including, but not limited to, metals, conductive polymers, conductive composites and the like. However, it is understood that inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100  may be formed from any suitable material and may be configured in a variety of geometries to allow the transfer of power to electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. Further, the size, shape, spacing and/or location of receive inductive coil  122  and constituent loops may vary between embodiments. 
     Internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100  may also include at least one alignment magnet  124  positioned adjacent to receive inductive coil  122 , although this is not required. As shown in  FIG. 1C , an alignment magnet  124  may be positioned within the center of receive inductive coil  122 , such that the wires of receive inductive coil  122  substantially surround alignment magnet  124  of electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, receive inductive coil  122  and alignment magnet  124  may also be substantially aligned in a common plane. Alignment magnets  124  of electronic device  100  may be utilized to align receive inductive coil  122  with a charger of electronic device  100  for transmitting power between receive inductive coil  122  and the charger, as discussed herein. Alignment magnets  124  may be formed from any suitable material that may include magnetic properties. 
     In some embodiments, the alignment magnet  124  may be an electromagnet and thus only emit a magnetic field when powered. This may be useful to prevent unwanted magnetic interference or adhesion during non-charging operation, but facilitate alignment while charging or shortly before charging. In some embodiments, the alignment magnet  124  may be powered when an inductive charger is sensed in near proximity. As one non-limiting example, a trickle current induced in the receive inductive coil  122  or a suitable electronic circuit by the presence of an inductive charge may initiate power to the alignment magnet. In other embodiments, periodic polling may take place by the electronic device  100  to determine if an inductive charger is near; a response to the polling indicating the presence of an inductive charger may initiate power to the alignment magnet. 
     Electronic device  100  may also include a battery (see,  FIG. 13 ) positioned within enclosure  102 . The battery may be positioned within enclosure  102  and may be in electrical communication with receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, receive inductive coil  122  may be in electrical communication with the battery to transmit power to the battery to increase the charge of the battery. The battery may be utilized to power electronic device  100  and/or provide a power source for inductively transmitting power from receive inductive coil  122  to another device or coil. 
     Electronic device  100  may have a camera  112  positioned on back wall  118 . That is, camera  112  may be positioned on back wall  118 , opposite front surface  108  having display  104  of electronic device  100 . Camera  112  may include any suitable camera device and/or system that may take photos and/or videos using electronic device  100 . 
     Body  202  of protective case  200  may cover almost all of back wall  118  of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , a back portion  206  of body  202  may be positioned adjacent to, coupled to and/or may substantially cover, back wall  118  of electronic device  100 . A back opening  208  may be formed through back portion  206  of body  202  to expose and/or prevent obstruction of camera  112  of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a top view of a charger  300  for electronic device  100  (such as is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C ). Charger  300  is configured to receive electric power from a wall outlet or other power source and provide the power to electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. In some embodiments, charger  300  has a contact plate  302  that contacts enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  and/or body  202  of protective case  200  when charging electronic device  100 . Contact plate  302  may also house and/or protect a plurality of internal components of charger  300 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a transmit inductive coil  304  (shown in phantom) may be positioned or housed within contact plate  302 . Thus, it is not necessary that contact plate  302  is itself directly electrically conductive as power may be inductively transferred through the plate between receive inductive coil  122  and transmit inductive coil  304 . 
     Transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300  may be configured and/or formed from substantially similar material as receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . However, transmit inductive coil  304  may provide a distinct function. For example, transmit inductive coil  304  may be a transmit coil that may transmit or provide power to receive inductive coil  122 , as discussed herein. The power transmitted by transmit inductive coil  304  may be provided or supplied by power cord  306  in electrical communication with transmit inductive coil  304 , where power cord  306  is configured to interact and/or receive power from a wall outlet or other power source. 
     Charger  300  may also include at least one alignment magnet  308  (shown in phantom) positioned adjacent to transmit inductive coil  304 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , an alignment magnet  308  may be positioned within the center of transmit inductive coil  304 , such that the wires of transmit inductive coil  304  substantially surround alignment magnet  308  of charger  300 . Transmit inductive coil  304  and alignment magnet  308  may also be substantially aligned along a common surface of contact plate  302 . Alignment magnets  308  of charger  300  may be utilized to align transmit inductive coil  304  with electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 1A-1C ) for transmitting power between transmit inductive coil  304  and electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 1A-1C ), as discussed herein. As the surface of electronic device  100  comes near the surface of charger  300 , the alignment magnets  308  in charger  300  and alignment magnet  124  in electronic device  100  (or case) may move the device  100  (or case) with respect to charger  300 , or vice versa. The magnetic field between alignment magnets  124 ,  308  is strongest when the two are directly opposite one another, and the magnetic field may operate to locate the device and charger accordingly. This may likewise align the coils  122 ,  304  with respect to one another in such a fashion that inductive power transfer is enhanced or maximized. Alignment magnets  308  may be formed from any suitable material. 
       FIG. 3  shows a back view of charger  300  positioned on protective case  200 . Charger  300  may be positioned on back portion  206  of protective case  200  to provide power to electronic device  100 , and charge the battery (not shown) of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , contact plate  302  of charger  300  may contact back portion  206  of protective case  200  adjacent to back wall  118  of enclosure  102  when providing power to electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, charger  300  may be in electrical communication with internal inductive charging assembly  120  (see,  FIG. 1C ) of electronic device  100  to provide power through protective case  200  to electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a side cross-sectional view of charger  300  positioned on back portion  206  of protective case  200  for providing power to electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , contact plate  302  may be positioned on back portion  206  of protective case  200 , adjacent to back wall  118  of enclosure  102  of electronic device  100 . Contact plate  302  may also be coupled to protective case  200  and/or electronic device  100  as a result of the magnetic attraction between alignment magnet  124  of electronic device  100  and alignment magnet  308  of charger  300 . The magnetic attraction formed between alignment magnet  124  of electronic device  100  and alignment magnet  308  of charger  300  may pass through protective case  200  and may couple contact plate  302  of charger  300  to protective case  200  and/or electronic device  100 . 
     In addition to coupling charger  300  to protective case  200  and/or electronic device  100 , alignment magnet  124  of electronic device  100  may be substantially aligned with (or may facilitate substantial alignment with) alignment magnet  308  of charger  300  when contact plate  302  contacts back portion  206  of protective case  200 . As a result, receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100  may be in substantial alignment with transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300 . By aligning receive inductive coil  122  and transmit inductive coil  304  using alignment magnets  124 ,  308 , power may be more effectively transmitted from transmit inductive coil  304 , through protective case  200  and enclosure  102 , to receive inductive coil  122 , for charging the battery (not shown) of electronic device  100 . 
     An inductive coupling assembly  400  (see,  FIGS. 5-12 ) can also be positioned between the internal inductive charging assembly  120  (e.g., receive inductive coil  122 , alignment magnet  124 ) of electronic device  100  and charger  300 . In non-limiting examples discussed in detail below, inductive coupling assembly  400  may be positioned within protective case  200  (see,  FIG. 5-8 ) or within enclosure  102  of electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 12 ). Additionally as discussed herein, inductive coupling assembly  400  is positioned between the internal inductive charging assembly of electronic device  100  and charger  300  to redirect or repeat the inductive field from transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300  to receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . 
       FIGS. 5-8  show cross-sectional side views of additional, non-limiting examples of protective case  200  having an inductive coupling assembly  400 . That is,  FIGS. 5-8  show additional, non-limiting examples of protective case  200  having an inductive coupling assembly  400  formed or positioned within body  202 . It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , inductive coupling assembly  400  may include an alignment component  402   a ,  402   b , and a field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  surrounding alignment component  402   a ,  402   b . As shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  and field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  may be positioned within body  202  of protective case  200 , such that alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  and field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  are positioned between charger  300  and internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100  during a charging event. As shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  and field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  may be positioned within back portion  206  of body  202 , adjacent back wall  118  of electronic device  100 . Inductive coupling assembly  400 , and specifically alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  and field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  may be positioned within body  202  of protective case  200  using any suitable manufacturing method. In a non-limiting example, the material forming body  202  of protective case  200  may be injection molded on and/or around alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  and field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  and subsequently cured to form protective case  200  including inductive coupling assembly  400 . 
     When charger  300  is positioned on protective case  200  to charge electronic device  100 , inductive coupling assembly  400  may be substantially aligned and/or in electrical communication with the various components in electronic device  100  and charger  300 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically coupled to alignment magnet  124  of internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100  and alignment magnet  308  of charger  300 . This magnetic attraction and/or coupling between alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  and alignment magnets  124  and  308  may also aid in coupling charger  300  to protective case  200  and/or electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. Alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  may be formed from any of a number of materials and may be formed from multiple materials. 
     In addition to being magnetically attracted and/or magnetically coupled, alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  may be substantially aligned with alignment magnet  124  of electronic device  100  and alignment magnet  308  of charger  300 . As a result of the alignment between alignment component  402   a ,  402   b  and alignment magnets  124 ,  308 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  may be in alignment with receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100  and transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300 , respectively. As similarly discussed herein, by aligning receive inductive coil  122 , transmit inductive coil  304  and field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b , power may be more effectively transmitted from transmit inductive coil  304  to receive inductive coil  122 , using field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b . Similar to alignment component  402   a ,  402   b , field-directing component  404   a ,  404   b  may be formed from a variety of materials. 
     In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5 , alignment component  402   a  may be formed from a magnet. Where alignment component  402   a  is formed from a magnet, alignment component  402   a  and alignment magnets  124 ,  308  may each produce a magnetic field that may magnetically attract an adjacent component. As such, alignment component  402   a  and alignment magnets  124 ,  308  may all be coupled together based on the distinct magnetic fields produced by each component. 
     Additionally as shown in the non-limiting example of  FIG. 5 , field-directing component  404   a  may be formed as a repeater inductive coil. The repeater inductive coil forming field-directing component  404   a  may be configured and/or formed from similar material as receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . Where field-directing component  404   a  is formed as a repeater inductive coil, field-directing component  404   a  may receive the transmitted power from transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300  and may repeat the transmission to receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . In the non-limiting example, transmit inductive coil  304  may pulse and provide an inductive power transmission to the repeater inductive coil forming field-directing component  404   a  when charging the battery of electronic device  100 . The repeater inductive coil forming field-directing component  404   a  may receive the inductive power transmission from transmit inductive coil  304  and may produce a distinct pulse to provide an inductive power transmission to receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . Receive inductive coil  122  may receive the inductive power transmission from repeater inductive coil forming field-directing component  404   a , and may subsequently provide the power to electronic device  100  for charging the battery. 
     In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6 , alignment component  402   b  may be formed from a magnetic material or a material having magnetic properties, such as a ferrite material. Where alignment component  402   b  is formed from a magnetic material such as a ferrite material, alignment magnets  124 ,  308  may each produce a magnetic field, and alignment component  402   b  may not. However, as a result of the magnetic properties of the magnetic material forming alignment component  402   b  and the positioning of alignment component  402   b  within protective case  200 , alignment component  402   b  may be magnetically coupled to alignment magnet  124  of electronic device  100  and alignment magnets  308  of charger  300 . Alignment component  402   b  may be magnetically coupled to alignment magnets  124 ,  308  as a result of the respective magnetic fields generated by alignment magnets  124 ,  308 , and the magnetic properties of alignment component  402   b.    
     Field-directing component  404   a , as shown in  FIG. 6 , may be formed as a repeater inductive coil, similar to that of the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5 . Field-directing component  404   a  of inductive coupling assembly  400 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , may be formed from the same material and/or function substantially similar to field-directing component  404   a  shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 5 . Redundant explanation of the component is omitted herein for clarity. 
     In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7 , alignment component  402   a  of inductive coupling assembly  400  may be formed from a magnet. Alignment component  402   a , formed from a magnet in the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7 , may be substantially similar to the alignment component  402   a  shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 7 , field-directing component  404   b  may be formed as a flux-transfer component. The flux-transfer component forming field-directing component  404   b  may be formed from a material having high permeability to an inductive field, such as a ferrite material. Where field-directing component  404   b  is formed from a flux-transfer component, the inductive power transmission provided by transmit inductive coil  304  may be relayed or passed to receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100  through field-directing component  404   b . As a result of field-directing component  404   b  being formed from a material having a high permeability to an inductive field (e.g., ferrite material), field-directing component  404   b  may act as a conduit for directing inductive power from the transmit inductive coil  304  to the receive inductive coil  122 . Dissimilar to the repeater inductive coil (see,  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), when field-directing component  404   b  is a flux-transfer component, field-directing component  404   b  may not produce a distinct inductive field. Rather, field-directing component  404   b  may aid in transmitting the inductive field generated by transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300  to receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts the alignment component  402   b  formed from a magnetic material or a material having magnetic properties, and the field-directing component  404   b  formed as a flux-transfer component. The alignment component  402   b  in the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 8  may be substantially similar to the alignment component  402   b  shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 5 . Additionally, the field-directing component  404   b  in the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 8  may be substantially similar to the field-directing component  404   b  shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 7 . It is understood that each of the alignment component  402   b  and the field-directing component  404   b  shown in  FIG. 8  may be formed from the same material and/or may function in a substantially similar fashion as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 9  shows a back view of another non-limiting example of protective case  200 . In the non-limiting example, back portion  206  of body  202  may include a recess  210 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , recess  210  may be formed within back portion  206  of body  202  in alignment with inductive coupling assembly  400  positioned within body  202  of protective case  200 . As discussed herein, recess  210  may receive charger  300  when charging electronic device  100  positioned within protective case  200 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the non-limiting example embodiment of protective case  200  shown in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , recess  210  may be formed partially through back portion  206  of body  202 , adjacent to inductive coupling assembly  400 . Additionally, recess  210  may be formed in alignment with internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , and with reference to  FIG. 9 , recess  210  formed in body  202  may have a diameter that may be larger than the diameter of inductive coupling assembly  400  and internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100 . The diameter of recess  210  may also be substantially the same size as the diameter of contact plate  302  of charger  300 . Recess  210  may include such a diameter to allow contact plate  302  of charger  300  to be positioned within recess  210  of protective case  200  and aligned with inductive coupling assembly  400  and internal inductive charging assembly  120 , respectively. The diameter of recess  210  may also secure contact plate  302  to protective case  200  by a compression or retention fit when charger  300  is utilized to charge the battery of electronic device  100  through inductive coupling assembly  400  and internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100 . In another non-limiting example recess  210  may include a releasable feature for releasably coupling contact plate  302  to protective case  200  within recess  210 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a back view of an additional non-limiting example of protective case  200 . As shown in the example embodiment, protective case  200  may also include a case battery  212 . Case battery  212  may be formed or positioned within body  202 , as similarly discussed herein with respect to inductive coupling assembly  400 . In a non-limiting example, case battery  212  may be positioned into back portion  206  of body  202 , such that case battery  212  may not be exposed when positioned within protective case  200 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , field-directing component  404   a  may be in electrical communication with case battery  212  of protective case  200 . Field-directing component  404   a  may be in electrical communication with case battery  212  to provide power to and/or increase a charge in case battery  212  of protective case  200 . Case battery  212  of protective case  200  may be distinct and separate from the battery (not shown) of electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , case battery  212  may also be in electrical communication within electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example, case battery  212  may be in electrical communication with a charging connector  218  positioned or formed, at least partially, in body  202 . Charging connector  218  may be any suitable component which may be in electrical communication with electronic device  100  for providing power from case battery  212  to the battery (not shown) of electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example, charging connector  218  of protective case  200  may be a port charger positioned within and in electrical communication with a lightning opening (not shown) formed in or positioned on the electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , when electronic device  100  is positioned within body  202  of protective case  200 , electronic device  100  may be coupled to and electrically connected to charging connector  218  of protective case  200 . 
     When charging electronic device  100  using charger  300 , as discussed herein, inductive coupling assembly  400  may “leak,” or redirect a portion of the power transmitted from transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300  to case battery  212 . The inductive coupling assembly  400  may provide the remainder of the power transmitted from transmit inductive coil  304  to internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100  for charging the battery (not shown) of electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. By leaking or redirecting a portion of the power to case battery  212  of protective case  200 , case battery  212  may provide an auxiliary or back-up battery for electronic device  100 . As such, when the battery of electronic device  100  is low on charge and cannot be charged using charger  300 , the power in case battery  212  may be depleted to increase charge of the battery of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a side cross-sectional view of another non-limiting example of inductive coupling assembly  400 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , inductive coupling assembly  400  may be positioned within enclosure  102  of electronic device  100 . Inductive coupling assembly  400  may be positioned within enclosure  102 , between back wall  118  and an interior surface  126  of enclosure  102 . Inductive coupling assembly  400  may be positioned within enclosure  102  in a substantially similar manner as discussed herein with respect to protective case  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12  and discussed herein, inductive coupling assembly  400  may be positioned adjacent and/or substantially aligned with internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100 . That is, alignment component  402   a  may be aligned with and magnetically coupled to alignment magnet  124  of electronic device  100 . Additionally, as a result of the alignment between alignment component  402   a  and alignment magnet  124 , field-directing component  404   a  may be aligned with and in electrical communication with receive inductive coil  122  of internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100 . 
     Electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 12  may also be covered and/or positioned within protective case  200 . When charging electronic device  100 , body  202  of protective case  200  may be positioned between inductive coupling assembly  400  and charger  300 , as discussed herein. Similar to  FIGS. 5-8 , inductive coupling assembly  400  may aid in the alignment of charger  300  and internal inductive charging assembly  120  of electronic device  100  and/or may aid in power transmission from transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300  and receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100 . Alignment component  402   a  may be magnetically coupled to and/or attracted to alignment magnets  124 ,  308 , which may aid in coupling charger  300  to protective case  200  and/or electronic device  100  when transmitting power to charge the battery (not shown) of electronic device  100 . Additionally, alignment component  402   a  may be aligned with alignment magnets  124 ,  308 , which may in turn, align transmit inductive coil  304  of charger  300  with receive inductive coil  122  of electronic device  100  and field-directing component  404   a  of inductive coupling assembly  400 . The inclusion of inductive coupling assembly  400  in enclosure  102  may aid in the power transmission as a result of field-directing component  404   a  redirecting (or repeating) the inductive field from transmit inductive coil  304  to receive inductive coil  122 . Additionally, inductive coupling assembly  400  may aid in power transmission by providing an intermediate inductive field transmitter (or repeater) between transmit inductive coil  304  and receive inductive coil  122 . The intermediate inductive field transmitter (or repeater) may strengthen, increase and/or improve the power transmitted through protective case  200 , prior to the power reaching receive inductive coil  122 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 12 , inductive coupling assembly  400  may include alignment component  402   a  formed as a magnet and field-directing component  404   a  formed as a repeater inductive coil. However, alignment component  402   a  and field-directing component  404   a  of inductive coupling assembly  400 , positioned within enclosure  102  of electronic device  100 , may be formed from a plurality of materials, as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 5-8 . In another non-limiting example (not shown), alignment component  402   a  may be formed from a magnetic material or a material having magnetic properties, such as a ferrite material, and field-directing component  404   a  may be formed as a flux-transfer component. The flux-transfer component forming field-directing component  404   a  may be formed from a material having high permeability to an inductive field, such as a ferrite material. In further non-limiting examples, alignment component  402   a  and field-directing component  404   a  may be formed from any combination of materials discussed herein. 
       FIG. 13  depicts an example electronic device having a battery and an internal inductive charging assembly. The schematic representation depicted in  FIG. 13  may correspond to components of the portable electronic devices described above, including electronic device  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1A-12 . However,  FIG. 13  may also more generally represent other types of devices that are configured to use an inductive charging assembly. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , electronic device  100  includes a processing unit  502  operatively connected to computer memory  504  and computer-readable media  506 . Processing unit  502  may be operatively connected to memory  504  and computer-readable media  506  components via an electronic bus or bridge. Processing unit  502  may include one or more computer processors or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. Processing unit  502  may include the central processing unit (CPU) of the device. Additionally or alternatively, processing unit  502  may include other processors within the device including application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. 
     Memory  504  may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. Memory  504  is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. Computer-readable media  506  also includes a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media including, for example, a hard-drive storage device, solid state storage device, portable magnetic storage device, or other similar device. Computer-readable media  506  may also be configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. 
     In this example, processing unit  502  is operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on memory  504  and/or computer-readable media  506 . The computer-readable instructions may adapt processing unit  502  to charge the battery using the inductive charging assembly, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-12 . The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a computer-program product, software application, or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , electronic device  100  also includes a display  508 . Display  508  may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, light emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. If display  508  is an LCD, the display may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If display  508  is an OLED or LED type display, the brightness of the display may be controlled by controlling the electrical signal that is provided to display elements. 
     Electronic device  100  can also include a battery  510 . Battery  510  is configured to power the various components of the electronic device including for example, processing unit  502  and display  508 . Battery  510  is operatively connected with the various components of the electronic device  100 , including inductive charging assembly  512  via an electronic bus or bridge and is configured to receive power from inductive charging assembly  512 . 
     The inductive charging assembly  512  is configured to be in electrical communication with a charger (not shown) of electronic device  100 . Specifically, inductive charging assembly  512  may be in electrical communication with a charger to receive power for the charger, and for charging battery  510  of electronic device  100 . The inductive charging assembly  512  includes an alignment component and a power receive inductive coil for receiving power and/or inductive field transmitted by a power transmit inductive coil of the charger. Additionally, inductive charging assembly  512  is configured to be in electrical communication with an inductive coupling assembly, as discussed herein, for improving charge efficiency and/or charge time for battery  510 . 
     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 targeted 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: 20180808
Publication Date: 20201222
Grant Date: 20201222
Priority Date: 20140929
Inventors: GRAHAM, Christopher S.
Kamei, Ibuki
RASMUSSEN, Timothy J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J50/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/005", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/005", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54291620