Abstract: Cable structures with multi-material extruded strain reliefs and systems and methods for making the same are provided. In some embodiments, a cable structure may include at least two materials simultaneously extruded through a die and about a conductor. A relationship between the two materials may be changed during the simultaneous extrusion for varying the stiffness of the cable structure, which may thereby provide a strain relief region to the cable structure. One of the two materials may be stiffer than another of the two materials, and the ratio of the amount or thickness of one of the two materials with respect to the amount or thickness of the other of the two materials may be varied during the extrusion process to vary the stiffness of the cable structure along its length for providing the strain relief region.

Abstract: A transmitter device for an inductive energy transfer system can include a DC-to-AC converter operably connected to a transmitter coil, a first capacitor connected between the transmitter coil and one output terminal of the DC-to-AC converter, and a second capacitor connected between the transmitter coil and another output terminal of the DC-to-AC converter. One or more capacitive shields can be positioned between the transmitter coil and an interface surface of the transmitter device. A receiver device can include a touch sensing device, an AC-to-DC converter operably connected to a receiver coil, a first capacitor connected between the receiver coil and one output terminal of the AC-to-DC converter, and a second capacitor connected between the receiver coil and another output terminal of the AC-to-DC converter. One or more capacitive shields can be positioned between the receiver coil and an interface surface of the receiver device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically aligning a power-transmitting inductor with a power-receiving inductor. One embodiment includes a method of applying a direct current pulse to a transmit coil of a power-transmitting inductor to attract the power-receiving inductor into alignment along an alignment axis.

Abstract: An inductor coil for an inductive energy transfer system includes multiple layers of a single wire having windings that are interlaced within at least two of the multiple layers such that both an input end and an output end of the wire enter and exit the coil on a same side of the coil. The input end and the output end of the wire may abut one another at the location where the input and output wires enter and exit the inductor coil. The wire can include one or more bundles of strands and the strands in each bundle are twisted around an axis extending along a length of the wire, and when there are at least two bundles, the bundles may be twisted around the axis. At least one edge of the inductor coil can be formed into a variety of shapes, such as in a curved shape.

Abstract: A first component is coupled to a second component by one or more joints. Magnetic force between at least a first magnetic and second magnetic unit preloads the joint by placing the joint in compression. The first and second magnetic units may be respectively coupled to the first and second components. The magnetic force acts as a retentive force between coupled components and/or the joint and operates to resist one or more tensile and/or other opposing forces. In some cases, the first magnetic unit may be a shield, such as a direct current shield, that protects one or more components from a magnetic field of the second magnetic unit.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an electromagnetic induction-power transfer system. The system may include a charging apparatus including a housing that defines an interface surface. An accessory or induction-power consuming apparatus may be positioned proximate to the interface surface. The housing of the charging apparatus may include a power source and a power-transferring coil coupled to the power source and positioned below the interface surface. A thermal mass may be positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the interface surface. The housing may include a thermal path that is configured to conduct heat from the interface surface to the thermal mass.

Abstract: A system for inductive power transmission includes at least one interface surface and a plurality of triangular coil elements positioned underneath the interface surface such that at least one edge of the respective triangular coil element is adjacent to an edge of at least one other of the triangular coil elements. Each of the triangular coil elements may be operable to inductively transmit power to at least one coil of at least one electronic device and/or inductively receive power from the coil of the electronic device. Each triangular coil element may be operable to detect the proximity of one or more inductive coils of one or more electronic devices and inductively transmit power upon such detection at different frequencies, power levels, and/or other inductive power transmission characteristics.

Abstract: A first electronic device connects with an second electronic device. The first electronic device may include a first connection surface and an inductive power transfer receiving coil and a first magnetic element positioned adjacent to the first connection surface. The second electronic device may similarly include a second connection surface and an inductive power transfer transmitting coil and second magnetic element positioned adjacent to the second connection surface. In the aligned position, alignment between the electronic devices may be maintained by magnetic elements and the inductive power coils may be configured to exchange power. The magnetic elements and/or the inductive power coils may include a shield that is configured to minimize or reduce eddy currents caused in the magnetic elements by the inductive power coils.

Abstract: A first and second electronic device each including a connection surface and a magnetic element. The first and second devices may be in contact along the respective connection surfaces. The magnetic elements may be configured to align the first and second devices by moving either or both of the first and second devices relative to each other to achieve an aligned position. The magnetic element may also be operative to resist disconnection of first and second electronic devices when in the aligned position.