One of the problems associated with many of the electronic devices so common in today's world is the necessity for the cords and cables associated with the various electronic devices. Rechargeable cordless devices are a common alternative. These devices still require charging and the associated cords and cables to accommodate this charging.
Technology has been developed to address these limitations by providing an inductively coupled power circuit. This circuit dynamically seeks resonance and optimizes power transfer from a primary coil to a secondary device with a secondary coil. This power transfer can occur under multiple, varying load conditions. By using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to match the needs of the secondary devices being supplied with power. The circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously.
Intelligent, inductively coupled power circuits have been developed to transfer power from a source to a device without the need for a wired connection. Primary coils inductively couple power to secondary coils integrated into devices such as laptop computers, PDAs, cell phones, and power tools. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate this inductive coupling technology into consoles and apparatuses for charging, supporting, and securing portable computers.
In one embodiment, primary coils are integrated into a console. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into the console in any position, number, and combination. The inductively coupled console may be installed in furniture seating.
In another embodiment, primary coils are integrated into a vehicle console. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into the vehicle console in any position, number, and combination. The vehicle console may be configured to receive and hold devices containing secondary coils, such as a PDA, cell phone, and rechargeable flashlight. The vehicle console could be installed between seats, in the front dashboard control unit, or elsewhere in a vehicle.
In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for charging, supporting, and securing a portable computer is provided. One or more primary coils are integrated into one or more surfaces. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into the surface in any position, number, and combination. The apparatus includes means of securing the portable computer to the surface and means of attaching the surface to the interior of a vehicle.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
Embodiments of the present invention are described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways.
As noted in the background section, technology has been developed that provides an intelligent, inductively coupled power circuit. This circuit dynamically seeks resonance and optimizes power transfer from a primary coil to a secondary coil in a secondary device. The circuit allows the primary coil to determine and provide the power needs of the secondary device. By using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to match the needs of the secondary devices being supplied with power. The circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously. Examples of the circuit and the operation of the circuit are contained in the following U.S. patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,436,299; 6,673,250; 6,731,071; 6,806,649; 6,812,645; 6,831,417; 6,917,163; 6,975,198; 7,116,200; 7,118,240; 7,126,450; and 7,132,918.
Inductively coupled power circuits may be used to power and recharge cordless devices, including cell phones, PDAs, flashlights, laptop computers, and power tools. Each cordless device could have a secondary coil. The primary coil required to create the inductively coupled power circuit could be integrated into a console, vehicle console, or apparatus for securing, supporting, and charging a portable computer. An inductively coupled console could be configured to receive and hold devices containing secondary coils. Alternatively, embodiments of an inductively coupled console may include a substantially flat surface with integrated primary coils that is integrated into furniture seating. Consoles may generally be installed near any type of seating or in an office or room environment. In a vehicle, an inductively coupled console may be installed between seats, as a center console in the front dashboard control unit, or anywhere else in the vehicle.
Primary coils may be low, medium, or high power. Low power primary coils provide up to about approximately 20 watts of power. Medium power primary coils provide between about approximately 20 and 100 watts of power. High power primary coils provide greater than about approximately 100 watts of power. Any number and combination of primary coils may be integrated into an inductively coupled console or surface of an apparatus for charging, securing, and supporting a portable computer.
With continued reference to
With continued reference to
To facilitate proper placement, an outline of each charging area, along with logos, pictures, or other indicia, is preferably provided on the console surface. The outline may be illuminated, for example with LEDs. An indicator light may be located in the console surface for each primary coil location. More specifically, an indicator light may be embedded below the console surface and covered with a material that allows the light to pass through, such as Plexiglas. The indicator light may turn on when a device containing a secondary coil is placed over a respective primary coil and is charging.
An inductively coupled console installed in seating furniture could contain one or more depressions or compartments in which devices containing secondary coils rest or are secured, rather than a substantially flat surface on which devices rest. Such depressions or compartments could be concealed by an armrest or center armrest. For example, an armrest of a chair could open via a hinge or other mechanism to reveal an inductively coupled console that may have compartments for devices containing secondary coils.
Referring again to
It should be appreciated that other means for securing and supporting a portable computer, such as different mounts or a friction fit are contemplated. Means for attaching a laptop and mount to a vehicle or other structure are also contemplated. Such means include mounting brackets and support arms, which could be bolted, screwed, or otherwise attached to the vehicle or structure.
Referring again to
If an apparatus for charging, securing, and supporting a portable computer is installed in a vehicle, the primary coils may be powered through the vehicle's battery or engine. If an apparatus is installed on or in a structure with access to an electrical outlet, for example an office building lobby wall or podium, the apparatus may be powered through a battery or a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet.
The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional applications 61/031,132, filed Feb. 25, 2008, and 61/142,557, filed Jan. 5, 2009, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61031132 | Feb 2008 | US | |
61142557 | Jan 2009 | US |