Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission are described herein. In one aspect, a charging pad to transfer power wirelessly comprises a power antenna assembly configured to receive wireless power. The power antenna assembly is configured to charge the battery based on the received wireless power. The charging pad further comprises a ferrite layer assembly. The charging pad further a shielding layer defining a shape configured to receive a part of the host device and/or conform to a shape of a host device. The shielding layer can define a notch or can define a concave shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a position between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver is provided. The apparatus comprises a first ferrite block having respective portions configured to be disposed in physical contact with each of adjacent second and third ferrite blocks separated by a first gap and with each of adjacent fourth and fifth ferrite blocks separated by a second gap. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of detection loops wrapped around the first ferrite block such that none of the plurality of detection loops physically contact the second, third, fourth or fifth ferrite blocks when the respective portions of the first ferrite block are in physical contact with the second, third, fourth or fifth ferrite blocks. Each of the plurality of detection loops are wrapped around the first ferrite block in mutually perpendicular planes from one another.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wireless communication with a system of a vehicle are provided. One implementation includes an apparatus for wireless communication with a system of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a first antenna configured to receive a signal from the system of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to determine whether the first antenna is saturated by an external magnetic field. The processor is further configured to cause the at least one of the first antenna or a second antenna to transmit a frame indicating that the first antenna is saturated by the external magnetic field in response to determining that the first antenna is saturated. The frame is a periodic frame. The processor is further configured to transmit an identification frame identifying the apparatus in response to receiving a trigger signal. A wireless power transmitter is configured to reduce or discontinue wireless power transmission in response to receiving the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a condition within a wireless charging field are described. In one implementation, an apparatus comprises a wireless power receiver configured to receive wireless charging power from a wireless power charging transmitter. The apparatus further comprises a first sensor circuit that is at least partially disposed within a ground surface, the first sensor being operationally coupled to and configured to be charged or powered by the wireless power receiver. The first sensor is further configured to detect the condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wireless communication with a system of a vehicle are provided. One implementation includes an apparatus for wireless communication with a system of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a first antenna configured to receive a signal from the system of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to determine whether the first antenna is saturated by an external magnetic field. The processor is further configured to cause the at least one of the first antenna or a second antenna to transmit a frame indicating that the first antenna is saturated by the external magnetic field in response to determining that the first antenna is saturated. The frame is a periodic frame. The processor is further configured to transmit an identification frame identifying the apparatus in response to receiving a trigger signal. A wireless power transmitter is configured to reduce or discontinue wireless power transmission in response to receiving the frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for transmitting charging power wirelessly are provided. One implementation includes an apparatus for transmitting charging power wirelessly to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a transmit circuit configured to transfer wireless charging power to the vehicle via a wireless field. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to detect transmission of a wireless vehicle signal having a transmission period and indicative of operation of a vehicle communication system. The controller is configured to cause the transmit circuit to reduce a level of charging power within a first portion of the transmission period. A second, remaining portion of the transmission period is of sufficient duration for allowing identification of the wireless vehicle signal by a receiver of the wireless vehicle signal. The wireless vehicle signal comprises a plurality of pulses. At least one pulse is transmitted within the first portion.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a wireless power receiver apparatus includes a coil configured to wirelessly receive power via a magnetic field generated by a transmitter. The wireless power receiver apparatus can include a housing that includes a first volume configured to house the coil. The housing can also include a second volume configured to house electronic components. The second volume can be bound by a horizontal shielding member along a first portion of the second volume. The horizontal shielding member can define a horizontal shielding member plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the coil. The second volume can also be bounded by a vertical shielding member along a second portion of the second volume. The vertical shielding member can define a vertical shielding member plane substantially orthogonal to the plane defined by the coil.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system for selectively disabling a transmit antenna of a plurality of transmit antennas when a foreign object is detected is described. The system comprises a first transmit antenna configured to charge an electric vehicle positioned over a charging region via a first area of the charging region and also comprises a second transmit antenna configured to charge via a second area of the charging region. The system further comprises a controller circuit configured to selectively disable the first transmit antenna when a foreign object is detected in a first space that affects charging via the first area of the charging region. The controller circuit is further configured to selectively maintain activation of the second transmit antenna while the electric vehicle is positioned to receive power from the second transmit antenna via the second area when the foreign object is detected in the first space.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a position between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver is provided. The apparatus comprises a first ferrite block having respective portions configured to be disposed in physical contact with each of adjacent second and third ferrite blocks separated by a first gap and with each of adjacent fourth and fifth ferrite blocks separated by a second gap. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of detection loops wrapped around the first ferrite block such that none of the plurality of detection loops physically contact the second, third, fourth or fifth ferrite blocks when the respective portions of the first ferrite block are in physical contact with the second, third, fourth or fifth ferrite blocks. Each of the plurality of detection loops are wrapped around the first ferrite block in mutually perpendicular planes from one another.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for transmitting charging power wirelessly are provided. One implementation includes an apparatus for transmitting charging power wirelessly to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a transmit circuit configured to transfer wireless charging power to the vehicle via a wireless field. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to detect transmission of a wireless vehicle signal having a transmission period and indicative of operation of a vehicle communication system. The controller is configured to cause the transmit circuit to reduce a level of charging power within a first portion of the transmission period. A second, remaining portion of the transmission period is of sufficient duration for allowing identification of the wireless vehicle signal by a receiver of the wireless vehicle signal. The wireless vehicle signal comprises a plurality of pulses. At least one pulse is transmitted within the first portion.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system for selectively disabling a transmit antenna of a plurality of transmit antennas when a foreign object is detected is described. The system comprises a first transmit antenna configured to charge an electric vehicle positioned over a charging region via a first area of the charging region and also comprises a second transmit antenna configured to charge via a second area of the charging region. The system further comprises a controller circuit configured to selectively disable the first transmit antenna when a foreign object is detected in a first space that affects charging via the first area of the charging region. The controller circuit is further configured to selectively maintain activation of the second transmit antenna while the electric vehicle is positioned to receive power from the second transmit antenna via the second area when the foreign object is detected in the first space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a condition within a wireless charging field are described. In one implementation, an apparatus comprises a wireless power receiver configured to receive wireless charging power from a wireless power charging transmitter. The apparatus further comprises a first sensor circuit that is at least partially disposed within a ground surface, the first sensor being operationally coupled to and configured to be charged or powered by the wireless power receiver. The first sensor is further configured to detect the condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission are described herein. In one aspect, a charging pad to transfer power wirelessly comprises a power antenna assembly configured to receive wireless power. The power antenna assembly is configured to charge the battery based on the received wireless power. The charging pad further comprises a ferrite layer assembly. The charging pad further a shielding layer defining a shape configured to receive a part of the host device and/or conform to a shape of a host device. The shielding layer can define a notch or can define a concave shape.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a wireless power receiver apparatus includes a coil configured to wirelessly receive power via a magnetic field generated by a transmitter. The wireless power receiver apparatus can include a housing that includes a first volume configured to house the coil. The housing can also include a second volume configured to house electronic components. The second volume can be bound by a horizontal shielding member along a first portion of the second volume. The horizontal shielding member can define a horizontal shielding member plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the coil. The second volume can also be bounded by a vertical shielding member along a second portion of the second volume. The vertical shielding member can define a vertical shielding member plane substantially orthogonal to the plane defined by the coil.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for mounting vehicle wireless charging pads to other structures, such as a vehicle underbody or frame. In one aspect, a mounting system including a cover adapted to enclose a vehicle wireless charging pad is provided. The cover includes mounting brackets integrally formed in the cover and configured to attach the charging pad to another structure, such as a vehicle underbody or frame. In another aspect, a mounting system includes shield attachment interfaces integrally formed in a vehicle pad shield and configured to attach the shield to the vehicle pad cover. In another implementation, the shield attachment interfaces are integrally formed in the vehicle pad cover and configured to attach the vehicle pad cover to the vehicle pad shield.

Abstract: A control knob assembly includes a housing and a knob mounted for rotary motion on the housing about a pivot axis. A cursor is mounted on the knob and spaced from the pivot axis. The cursor moves in a circular path as the knob is rotated. The assembly further includes a plurality of sensors spaced in a linear arrangement along a linear axis. Each of the sensors generates a signal upon detection of the presence of the cursor when the cursor is adjacent the sensor as the cursor moves along its circular path. The signal is representative of an angular position of the knob relative to the housing.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a switch system having a frame. The frame may have at least one feedback device is attached thereto. The feedback device provides a discernable feedback upon the receipt of a control signal. Additionally, at least one switch is connected to the frame wherein the switch causes the generation of the control signal when engaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removable seating systems of the type wherein all or part of a seat may be removed or otherwise disengaged from a secure connection location, such as but not limited to vehicle seats that me be removed or disengage for folding from a vehicle mounted seat frame assembly. The system may include coupling circuits to facilitate assess states of a switch included on the removable seat.

Abstract: Switches include electrical conductors for the transmission of switch signals. In some embodiments the conductor may include a flexible printed circuit. Alternatively, the conductor may be formed of a molded-interconnect device (MID), wherein portions of the switch include at least one electrical line/track.

Abstract: A control knob assembly includes a housing and a knob mounted for rotary motion on the housing about a pivot axis. A cursor is mounted on the knob and spaced from the pivot axis. The cursor moves in a circular path as the knob is rotated. The assembly further includes a plurality of sensors spaced in a linear arrangement along a linear axis. Each of the sensors generates a signal upon detection of the presence of the cursor when the cursor is adjacent the sensor as the cursor moves along its circular path. The signal is representative of an angular position of the knob relative to the housing.