1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to contactless charging devices, and more specifically to an adaptor for enabling a portable electronic device to be charged by a contactless charger.
2. Background Art
Contactless, or inductive, electrical connections are well known in the field of portable electrical devices. For example, portable, motorized toothbrushes typically contain a rechargeable battery which is charged by an inductive connection. Similarly, portable wireless communication devices, such as two-way RF radios, cellular phones, paging devices, and wireless communicators, commonly utilize a rechargeable battery that, in certain applications, is recharged by contactless, induction charging.
Most all contactless chargers charge batteries by induction. Current, passed through a coil, creates a magnetic flux in accordance with Ampere's law. When a second coil is placed in close proximity to such a current-driven coil, the flux couples to the second coil, thereby “inducing” a current in the second coil. Such an induction circuit is illustrated in
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Given the convenience of contactless chargers, as a user can charge a device by simply placing it upon a pad rather than inserting it into a specifically designed pocket, consumers have begun to demand contactless charging systems for their electronic devices. The problem that they face is that many of today's electronic devices were not designed to be charged by a contactless charger. Consequently, these electronic devices lack the required contactless charging elements like the pick-up coil and associated circuitry. New electronic devices, like cellular phones, can cost as much as five hundred dollars or more. As such, it is often cost prohibitive for a consumer who has a conventional electronic device, to take advantage of the convenience of contactless charging.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, contactless charging system that facilitates contactless charging of conventional electronic devices.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”This invention is an adaptor that includes a contactless charging pick-up coil and an electrical contact block capable of coupling to a receptacle on an electronic device. The pick-up coil is located in a base member that attaches to the electronic device. The contact block is located on a sliding member that slides into and out from the base member. When the base member is attached to the electronic device, the sliding member then slides into the base member, thereby engaging the contact block of the adaptor to the charging receptacle on the electronic device. In so doing, the adaptor couples a contactless pick-up coil and associated circuitry to the electronic device, thereby converting the electronic device into one capable of being charged by contactless chargers.
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The base member 101 is capable of mechanically attaching to the electronic device. Many devices today, including most popular cellular telephones, have a rechargeable battery that is covered by a battery door. For devices like these, the base member 101 may be designed to substitute for the battery door. In other devices, the base member 101 may be equipped with hooks 108 or latches to facilitate coupling to the electronic device.
Once the base member 101 has been attached to the electronic device, the sliding member 102 moves from an extended position to a retracted position, thereby engaging the contact block 106 with the charging receptacle on the electronic device. This engagement couples the pick-up coil 103 to either the rechargeable battery of the electronic device or to charging circuitry disposed within the electronic device to facilitate contactless charging. Note that the optional circuitry 104 in the base member may comprise charging circuitry for a rechargeable battery such that the adaptor 100 may charge a rechargeable battery directly. In other embodiments, the circuitry 104 may include conditioning circuitry, safety circuitry, circuits measuring the efficiency of charge and fuel gauging circuitry.
The base member 101 and sliding member 102 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including plastics and metal. One preferred method of manufacture is by way of injection molding with a high-strength plastic like polycarbonate-ABS. Injection molding allows great flexibility in designing the base member 101 and sliding member 102 form factors so as to be complimentary, and thus readily attachable, to the electronic device.
The sliding member 102 may be coupled to the base member 101 in a number of ways. In this preferred embodiment, the sliding member 102 includes extensions 107 that are inserted into apertures 109 in the base member 101. The extensions 107 may include slots 110 or snaps 111 that ensure that the sliding member 102 does not overextend out of the base member 101. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other base member 101 to sliding member 102 connection schemes may equally be employed.
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The invention may be used with a variety of devices, including cellular telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants, MP3 players, portable computers, two-way radios and electronic games. The invention allows a user to take advantage of the convenience of contactless charging without having to invest in a completely new electronic device. Additionally, the invention, being detachable, allows a user to charge the electronic device from a plurality of sources. For example, if the user desires contactless charging, the user may employ the adaptor. However, if the user is traveling and would rather use a vehicular adaptor, the user may simply remove the adaptor and connect a conventional, wired power source.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.