SYSTEM FOR CHARGING AND SECURING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

A charging system for charging a device within a vehicle may include a vehicle component, a securing mechanism, and a wireless charging mechanism. The securing mechanism may be configured to physically secure the device within a user's field of view such that the device is usable by the user while the device is being charged. The wireless charging mechanism may be integrated with the vehicle component and configured to charge the device. The securing mechanism may align and orient the device with respect to the charging mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/907,816, filed Nov. 22, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/909,658, filed Nov. 27, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a system for charging an electronic device within a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices, such as tablets or phones, are often used within vehicles. However, these electronic devices often must be recharged during or after use. Wireless charging can be a convenient method to recharge these devices. However, the wireless power transmission range for these wireless chargers is typically very short, which prevents the user from moving the device away from the charging area in order to be used while the device is charging. Furthermore, the wireless charging areas may not be situated or designed to allow a user to charge the device while continuing to easily view, use, or interact with the device. Additionally, the current charging apparatuses typically do not provide a mechanism to safely secure and retain the device in position in order to prevent the device from becoming a projectile object in the event of a collision, resulting in safety concerns related to the charging apparatus.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a charging system for charging a device within a vehicle may include a vehicle component, a securing mechanism, and a wireless charging mechanism. The securing mechanism may be configured to physically secure the device within a user's field of view such that the device is usable by the user while the device is being charged. The wireless charging mechanism may be integrated with the vehicle component and configured to charge the device. The securing mechanism may align and orient the device with respect to the charging mechanism.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle seat that may be disposed in the vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a charging system disposed in the vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG. 3 in a concealed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG. 3 in an exposed configuration and movable in the fore and aft directions.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG. 3 in an exposed configuration with an adjustable height.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG. 3 in an exposed configuration with a swivel mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the charging system of FIG. 3 in an exposed configuration with a back portion of the arm rest exposed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a charging system with additional power supply.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the seat of FIG. 2 in a folded position with embodiments of charging systems on the back of a head restraint.

FIG. 11 is a simplified, cross-sectional, side view of the charging system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a simplified, cross-sectional, front view of a charging system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a simplified, cross-sectional, side view of the charging system of FIG. 3 in an exposed position.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional, side views of embodiments of a charging system.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of embodiments of the charging system with a retention mechanism.

FIG. 16A is a front and back view of an embodiment of a printed circuit board with integrated transmitter coils.

FIGS. 16B and 16C are perspective views of embodiments of transmitter coils.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are front views of embodiments of the charging system with visual indicators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a charging system for use with at least one electronic device within a vehicle. The charging system may be integrated with vehicle components and may be conveniently located relative to the user to allow the user to both charge and use the device at the same time. The charging system may include a securing mechanism to hold the device while the device is being charged and/or used and a wireless charging mechanism to charge the device. The charging system may improve ergonomics and visibility by providing an improved and adjustable viewing angle for the user while the device is being charged and secured compared to previous securing and charging mechanism. When the charging system is not in use, the charging system may be folded away from a exposed position into a stowed position.

Overview of the Charging System.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 20 that may include the charging system 40. Although a four door sedan automobile is shown in FIG. 1, the charging system 40 may be used in a variety of applications, but is particularly useful within any type of vehicle, such as a two door or four door automobile, a truck, a SUV, a van, a train, a boat, an airplane, or other suitable vehicular conveyance. The vehicle 20 includes an interior passenger compartment that contains components on or in which the charging system 40 can be located.

The charging system 40 may be configured to both wirelessly charge and physically secure or dock a device 34 (e.g., a phone, laptop, or tablet) within the vehicle 20. Depending on the desired configuration, multiple devices 34 may be charged and secured by the charging system 40 (see, for example, FIGS. 15A and 17B). The charging system 40 may be positioned within the vehicle 20 to allow the user to easily view or use the device 34 while the device 34 is simultaneously being wirelessly charged and/or secured. Further, the charging system 40 may be positioned within the vehicle 20 to allow the device 34 to be easily accessible by occupants within the surrounding or neighboring vehicle seats 22, 23 (e.g., the charging system 40 may be accessible to occupants in the same row as the charging system 40 and/or in rows behind the charging system 40). The charging system 40 may therefore provide a conveniently located, designated charging area and docking station for an electronic device 34.

Aspects of the Charging System.

The charging system 40 generally includes a vehicle component 21, a securing mechanism 51, and a wireless charging mechanism 60. Though not necessarily required, the charging system 40 preferably includes a charging surface 50, which provides an area 49 on which the electronic device 34 can be secured and charged. These aspects of the charging system 40 will be described in greater detail below.

Vehicle Component.

The vehicle component 21 may be any of, or any part of, various components or accessories within the vehicle 20. The vehicle component 21 could potentially be any portion or part of an inner area of the vehicle 20, including but not limited to at least a portion or part of a vehicle seat 22, 23, a head restraint 24, a center console, or an arm rest 28.

According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, vehicle component 21 can be an arm rest 28 positioned in the middle of the back row seats 23 (or the front row seats 22). The arm rest 28 can include other conventional features, such as a cup holder 32 for the occupant. The arm rest 28 may be a fixed or designated arm rest 28 or the arm rest 28 may be foldably integrated into the back of the seat back 26. In the latter instance, in order to access the charging surface 50, the arm rest 28 may be folded down (or may be permanently folded down) to expose the charging surface 50 and/or to allow a lid of the charging system 40 to be moved (e.g., folded or slide open) to then expose the charging surface 50. The charging system 40 is thus accessible to nearby occupants (e.g., occupants in vehicle seats 23).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-8, the charging system 40 may be located within multiple areas of the arm rest 28 or vehicle 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two charging systems 40 are provided in the arm rest 28 and two electronic devices 34 are being wirelessly charged and secured within two separate charging systems 40 within the arm rest 28. One device 34 is secured in a substantially upright or vertical position while the second device 34 is secured in a substantially flat or horizontal position.

According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, vehicle component 21 can be the back of the seat 22, such as on the back surface 82 of a head restraint 24, or a back surface 84 of a seat back 26. The charging system 40 may be used while the seat 22 is folded down or while the seat 22 is in an upright position. For example, the seat 22 may fold down (as shown in FIG. 10A) to allow the charging system 40 to be accessible to neighboring vehicle occupants and to allow the user to secure and charge the device 34 within the charging system 40. Alternatively or additionally, the charging system 40 may be used while the seat 22 is in an upright position and accessible to an occupant (e.g., usable by occupants behind the seat 22 in second or third row seating) behind the seat 22. The various embodiments of the charging system 40 may be used within seats 22, 23 in any row in the vehicle 20, such as the first, second or third rows. For example, a charging system 40 on the back of a front row seat 22 may be easily accessible to an occupant in a back row seat 23.

The charging area (e.g., charging surface 50) can be deployed on the vehicle component 21 (e.g., arm rest 28, back of the seat 22, or other vehicle component) in a variety of different ways. For example, the charging surface 50 may be on a stationary platform 46 and parallel to the vehicle component 21 (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5-8, and 10A-10B) or a movable platform 48 (relative to the vehicle component 21, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5-9, 10A, and 13). According to one embodiment, the charging surface 50 may always be exposed to the interior of the vehicle 20. According to another embodiment, the charging surface 50 may include a lid or may be movable to be concealed or stowed.

The charging surface 50 may be contained within a lowered or recessed storage area 80 within the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the arm rest 28, as shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 8, and 11-12) or on the surface of the vehicle component 21 (as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B). In this configuration, the charging surface 50 may optionally be on the stationary platform 46 and may optionally be covered by a lid or cushion when not in use. The charging surface 50 may be at a variety of depths within the vehicle component 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the charging surface 50 may be in a deeper cavity of the arm rest 28 than the cup holder 32. As shown in FIG. 8, the charging surfaces 50 are located at different depths within the arm rest 28.

A movable surface or platform 48 also may be provided to support the charging surface 50. A connection mechanism 44 may be attached to the movable platform 48 and the vehicle component 21 to allow the movable platform 48 (and, thereby, the charging surface 50) to be movable relative to a vehicle component 21. The connection mechanism 44 may be a conventional structure or mechanism that allows one component to move relative to another component. The movable platform 48 may optionally also function as a lid to the stationary platform 46, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5-8, and 10A.

Accordingly, the movable platform 48 may be pivoted relative to the vehicle component 21 to allow the charging system 40 to be exposed and used (e.g., the exposed position) or to allow the charging system 40 to be stowable or folded away (e.g., the stowage position) when the charging system 40 is not in use. As shown in FIG. 4, the charging surface 50 may be stowed away when not in use. For example, the movable platform 48 may be folded or flipped into a stowed configuration to conceal the charging surface 50 of the charging system 40, as shown by the arrows. The back of the charging surface 50 may be used as an arm rest 28 while the movable platform 48 is in the stowed configuration. Alternatively, when the charging system 40 is not in use, the charging surface 50 may be used for storage.

The connection mechanism 44 may also allow the position and angle of the movable platform 48 to be adjustable according to a desired viewing angle and reach distance of the use while the device 34 is secured and being charged. Accordingly, the movable platform 48 may allow the device 34 to be at a comfortable viewing angle for the user to interact with, use, and view the device 34 while the device 34 is being secured and charged.

The movable platform 48 (and, thereby, the charging surface 50) may be movable and physically adjusted in a variety of directions to obtain the proper viewing angle according to the preferred viewing angle to display the device 34 to the user(s) or for stowage. For example, the movable platform 48 may be adjustable in one or all of four different directions, while continuing to secure and charge the device 34. The viewing angle or tilt (as shown in FIG. 3), the fore and aft direction (as shown in FIG. 5), the height (as shown in FIG. 6), and the swivel angle (as shown in FIG. 7) of the movable platform 48 may be adjusted. According to one embodiment, the connection mechanism 44 may allow the movable platform 48 to be pivotable about the y-axis, pivotable about the x-axis, translatable along the x-axis, and/or translatable along the z-axis, as described further herein.

FIGS. 3, 10A, and 13 depict how the viewing angle or tilt of the movable platform 48 of the charging system 40 may be adjusted about the y-axis, as shown by the arrows. As shown in FIG. 13, the tilt of the movable platform 48 may be adjusted about a pivot point 42. FIGS. 4 and 11 depicts how the movable platform 48 can pivot or fold about the y-axis to completely expose or stow at least one charging surface 50. The charging surface 50 is shown at about 90° relative to the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the arm rest 28 in FIG. 3 or the head restraint 24 in FIG. 10A), but may be tilted, pivoted, or folded in either direction to a variety of angles with respect to the vehicle component 21 in order to provide an adjustable viewing angle and/or to allow the charging surface 50 to be stowed. Detents within the movable platform 48 and/or vehicle component 21 may hold the movable platform 48 at a particular angle.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the connection mechanism 44 may allow the movable platform 48 to be moved and adjusted approximately along the x-axis (i.e., in the fore and aft direction) to extend and expose the charging surface 50 (or to retract and stow the charging surface) from the arm rest 28. The movable platform 48 may be moved in the fore/aft direction with two different x-axis movement mechanisms: with the vehicle component 21 or without the vehicle component 21. Both x-axis movement mechanisms may adjust the viewing angle and reach distance of the device 34 relative to the occupant(s).

The x-axis movement mechanisms may allow certain portions of the charging system 40 be more extended, depending on the desired configuration. To fully extend or completely retract the movable platform 48, both x-axis movement mechanisms may be implemented congruently to move the movable platform 48. Both, either, or neither x-axis movement mechanism may be included in the movable platform 48.

According to one x-axis movement mechanism, the movable platform 48 may be adjusted forward (e.g. by sliding or moving) in a horizontal direction with respect to the vehicle component 21 (e.g. the seat back 26, the head restraint 24, and/or arm rest 28). In this manner, the vehicle component 21 does not necessarily move with the charging system 40. According to one embodiment, the movable platform 48 may move out from the end of the vehicle component 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the movable platform 48 may move closer or farther from the base of the arm rest 28, as depicted by the arrows. As the movable platform 48 moves or slides in the fore and aft direction with respect to the vehicle component 21, additional rear components may be exposed. For example, FIG. 5 shows the charging system 40 moved forward (with respect to the vehicle component 21 and compared to FIG. 3), exposing an additional storage area or an additional charging surface 50 within a rear component 58 of the arm rest 28 to provide an additional charging system 40.

According to another x-axis movement mechanism, the movable platform 48 may be moved in the fore and aft direction (i.e. in the x-direction) congruently with the vehicle component 21. Moving the vehicle component 21 also moves the charging system 40 and the relative position of the charging system 40 and the vehicle component 21 may be maintained during this movement. Moving the vehicle component 21 forward (with the movable platform 48) may increase the length of the arm rest 28.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the connection mechanism 44 may allow the movable platform 48 to be moved and adjusted approximately along the z-axis (i.e., in the vertical direction, as shown by the arrows) to extend the charging surface 50 from the arm rest 28 and thus adjusting the height of the charging surface 50. Changing the height of the charging system 40 may allow the device 34 to be within, or closer to, the line of sight of the user.

As shown in FIG. 7, the connection mechanism 44 may allow the movable platform 48 to be moved and adjusted about the y-axis (as shown by the arrows) to change the angle of the charging surface 50. The charging system 40 may be swiveled, rotated, or pivoted from side to side to face the users or occupants on either side of the arm rest 28, as shown by the arrows, using conventional structure (e.g., the connection mechanism 44) that allows for such swiveling.

As shown in FIG. 8, an additional charging surface 50 of an additional charging system 40 may be provided towards the base of the arm rest 28. A lid 29 of the arm rest 28 may be lifted up or opened (as shown by the arrows) to reveal or expose the additional charging surface 50 within the arm rest 28. While the lid 29 is closed, it may be used as an arm rest 28, as shown in FIGS. 3-7. Alternatively, the various charging surfaces 50 within the arm rest 28 may be used as storage areas or bins.

While the embodiments have been primarily discussed in regard to providing the charging system 40 as part of components associated with the rear seats 23, it is understood that they similarly could be used in connection with the front seats 22.

Securing Mechanism.

The securing mechanism 51 may be used to physically secure, protect, and properly orient and align the device 34, using a variety of configurations and mechanisms. The securing mechanism 51 can be configured to physically secure the electronic device 34 within a user's field of view such that the electronic device 34 is viewable and/or usable by the user while it is being charged. The securing mechanism 51 can be configured to align and orient the electronic device 34 with respect to the charging mechanism 60. Safely securing and protecting the device 34 can prevent it from becoming a projectile object in the event of a collision, while allowing the user to charge the device 34, view the device 34, and/or use the device 34 hands-free.

The securing mechanism 51 may use a variety of different mechanisms to hold the device 34. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A-15B, the securing mechanism 51 may include a grip mat or surface 52 and/or a retention mechanism 54, which may be used in conjunction with each other or separately from each other.

The grip surface 52 may be an outermost layer of the charging surface 50 designed to secure the device 34 and prevent the device 34 from moving or slipping. The grip surface 52 may be configured to maintain and secure the device 34 in position against a range of forces exerted during vehicle usage. Accordingly, the grip surface 52 may prevent the device 34 from moving or slipping along the charging surface 50 (i.e. the grip surface 52 may secure the device 34 with respect to the height and width of the charging surface 50). For example, in FIG. 3, the leftmost, upright grip surface 52 on the movable platform 48 may prevent the device 34 from moving along the y- and z-directions (relative to the charging surface 50), whereas the rightmost, horizontal grip surface 52 on the stationary platform 46 may prevent the device 34 from moving along the x- and y-directions (relative to the charging surface 50).

The grip surface 52 may be any type of coating or layer with a high coefficient of friction to prevent the device 34 from moving. For example, the grip surface 52 may be a variety of different materials or anti-slip coatings with high friction properties including, but not limited to, rubber and texturized thermal plastic urethane (TPU). Alternatively or additionally, the grip surface 52 may use a vacuum-based adhesive method in which molding is applied to urethane to create small suction cups with an extremely high friction coating surface. The grip surface 52 may additionally include indicators to signal or show if the device 34 is properly oriented, as described further herein.

The retention mechanism 54 may be configured to prevent the device 34 from moving (as well as to orient and secure the device 34) along the x-, y-, and z-directions relative to the charging surface 50 while under against a range of forces exerted during vehicle usage. The retention mechanism 54 may be any type or combination of mechanisms to secure the device 34 to the charging system 40 and to properly align the device 34 to the charging system 40 (e.g., to align the embedded transmitter coils 66 of the wireless charging mechanism 60 to the receiver coils of the device 34). Depending on the type of retention mechanism 54 used, the device 34 may be automatically centered or aligned with respect to the charging system 40. The retention mechanism 54 may also function as a safety mechanism by safely securing and retaining the device 34 in position as the vehicle 20 moves or in the event of a collision. Accordingly, the retention mechanism 54 may prevent the device 34 from becoming a projectile object within the vehicle 20.

The retention mechanism 54 may be configured to apply a force against the device 34 in a direction toward the charging surface 50 (e.g., along the x-direction) to fully secure the device 34 and to prevent the device 34 from moving perpendicularly to the charging surface 50. The retention mechanism 54 may include, but is not limited to, one or more plastic housings, clips, straps, bungee cords, tethers, recessed cavities, spring-loaded arms or apertures, magnets, clamps, mechanical locking mechanisms, lips, or combinations thereof Multiple retention mechanism 54 may be located within the charging system 40 to secure, align, and charge multiple devices 34 to one or more charging mechanism 60. The retention mechanism 54 may be located along or extend over any or all sides, edges, and/or corners of the device 34.

According to one embodiment, for example, in the upright charging surface 50 in FIG. 3, the retention mechanism 54 is a lip that may prevent the device 34 from moving and hold the device 34 in position along the x-direction. The retention mechanism 54 may additionally secure the device 34 in the y- and/or z-directions with respect to the upright charging surface 50 in FIG. 3.

According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, the retention mechanism 54 is a hook that may overlap a portion of a front surface of the device 34. The hook may overlap at least one edge or corner of the device 34. Further, the retention mechanism 54 may be at least partially flexible in order to bend or flex over the device 34.

An alternative retention mechanism 54 is shown in FIGS. 15A-15B. The retention mechanism 54 may include clips, armatures, clamp members, or movable stops 55 that are movable along the charging surface 50 to press the device 34 against a fixed stop 56 (e.g., a lip, as shown in FIG. 15A) or another movable stop (as shown in FIG. 15B). The movable stops 55 may be movable along the charging surface 50 to accommodate and hold a variety of differently sized devices 34. For example, the movable stops 55 may slide along the charging surface 50 or within the charging surface 50 (e.g., a channel 53). The movable stops 55 may extend out of the charging system 40 at an angle, such as 45°. The movable stops 55 may be secured around or over the sides, edges, and/or corners of the device 34.

According to one embodiment, the movable stop 55 may be spring-loaded or frictionally fit to press and hold the device 34 in position. The springs may be located within channels or guides leading up to the movable stops 55 (the movable stops 55 may move along the channels). Instead of pressing the device 34 against the fixed stop 56, additional movable stops may be provided at the other side (e.g., the top) of the charging surface 50, so as to hold each device between a set of movable stops 55, as shown in FIG. 15B.

If multiple charging mechanisms 60 are used, multiple retention mechanisms 54 may be positioned with the charging mechanisms 60.

According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10B, the retention mechanism 54 may be straps that may be wrapped around a portion of the device 34 to secure the device 34. As yet another alternative (not shown), a magnet or clip, may be directly attached to the device 34 to attach the device 34 to the retention mechanism 54 or the device 34 may be directly attached to the retention mechanism 54. Alternatively, the charging surface 50 may be within a cavity and the walls of the cavity may secure the device 34 in position.

Wireless Charging Mechanism.

The wireless charging mechanism 60 is integrated with the vehicle component 21 and configured to charge the electronic device 34. The charging mechanism 60 may be sized according to the anticipated size of the device(s) 34 to be charged. Depending on the configuration of the charging mechanism 60 (and the securing mechanism 51), multiple devices 34 may be secured and charged simultaneously. For example, multiple charging mechanisms 60 (such as the transmitter coils 66) may be provided for each device 34 and sized accordingly, or the charging mechanism 60 may be capable of charging multiple devices 34 simultaneously.

A preferred embodiment of the wireless charging mechanism 60, as shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, may include known circuitry and structure that induce wireless charging, such as electronic drive circuitry (e.g. a printed circuit board (PCB) 68), transmitter coils 66, and/or a power source (or access to a power source). Within the charging mechanism 60, the coils 66 may be connected to the circuit board 68 through a variety of mechanisms. For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the coils 66 may be integrated directly into the circuit board 68. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16B, the coils 66 may be soldered with a wire to the top of the circuit board 68. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16C, the coils 66 may be remotely oriented and separate from the circuit board 68. The coils 66 may be connected to the circuit board 68 through a soldered connection with a wire. Preferably, the securing mechanism 51 may align the receiver coils of the device 34 to the embedded transmitter coils 66 within the charging surface 50. It may be preferable to align the device 34 within 40 mm of the center of the charging mechanism 60 for efficient charging. Additional electronic components, such as a DC to DC converter or filters, may be provided to ensure proper functionality of the charging mechanism 60.

The charging mechanism 60 may be connected to the vehicle 20 through a variety of different means to supply power to the charging mechanism 60. For example, the charging mechanism 60 may access the 12V DC power supply provided by the vehicle or vehicle battery through a harness that runs through the seat 22, 23 from the vehicle or vehicle battery. Alternatively, a separate battery may be used to power the charging mechanism 60. Preferably, the charging mechanism 60 will be capable of being disconnected, decoupled, or removed from the vehicle 20. For example, wire connections for the power and ground may be used. A DC connector plug and receptor may be integrated with the charging mechanism 60 (such as within the housing) and vehicle 20 (such as within the vehicle seat 22, 23 seat back 26, or arm rest 28) to allow the charging mechanism 60 to be removed.

Other Features of the Charging System.

The charging system 40 may include additional components or layers. For example, FIGS. 14A and 14B depict a cross-sectional views of basic configurations of the different layers or components of the charging system 40 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the charging system 40 may additionally include a thermal mitigation layer 62, and/or a ferrite layer 64. The thermal mitigation layer 62 may be located in front of the ferrite layer 64 (FIG. 14A) or behind the ferrite layer 64 (FIG. 14B).

The thermal mitigation layer 62 may be used to maintain a proper temperature of the charging system 40 by passively or actively (e.g. with a fan) cooling the charging system 40. The charging system 40 may allow the local environment to cool the electronics, may additionally integrate a fan to increase the air flow, and/or may have a perforated housing to allow airflow to reach and cool the electronics. By allowing air to flow across the electronics and by increasing the surface area, the heat may be dissipated. The thermal mitigation layer 62 may have a low profile and may be made out of a variety of materials, including metal.

Accordingly to one embodiment, the thermal mitigation layer 62 may include heat sinks to dissipate or remove the heat produced by charging system 40. The heat sinks may be located behind the transmitter coils 66, as well as behind the ferrite layer 64 and the circuit board 68.

The ferrite layer 64 may be used to improve efficiency by providing magnetic shielding from the seat structure and preventing any metallic losses within the seat frame. The ferrite layer 64 may prevent the magnetic field lines generated by the transmitter coils 66, heat, and power from moving to, coupling with, or transferring into the surrounding metal, such as the seat frame or the surrounding electronics. The ferrite layer 64 may, therefore, surround the coils 66 and/or charging system 40 on every side except for the designated charging side 86 (i.e. the side with the charging surface 50) to secure and charge the device 34, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14B. Optionally, the ferrite layer 64 may be a Faraday cage.

In order to further maintain or cool the charging system 40, the ferrite layer 64 may be perforated to allow airflow to move through the ferrite layer 64 to enhance the cooling of the charging system 40. The ferrite layer 64 may be attached to the heat sink to allow conductive heat transfer to the heat sink, which may be subsequently cooled by convention cooling with airflow.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation techniques, additional shielding, additional filtering techniques (to block high frequency noise), and improved grounding may further reduce any EMI interference with other electronic system within the vehicle 20. The charging system 40 may be grounded using the vehicle ground. Peripheral electronics may be used to prevent the charging mechanism 60 electronics from coupling with outside electronics or metal.

The charging system 40 may also include power outlets 70 within the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the arm rest 28 in FIG. 9) to allow for wired charging of devices that do not support wirelessly charging, while continuing to secure and provide physical support for the device. The power outlets 70 may include USB ports 72 and/or a cigarette lighter 74 (e.g. a 12 V cigarette lighter port, which may function as a 110 VAC outlet). The USB coils may be separately integrated into the housing of the charging system 40.

The power outlets 70 may be conveniently located anywhere within the system and/or may be visible to the user. For example, the power outlets 70 may be located near where the device 34 is being secured or stored (e.g., integrated near the charging surface 50). FIG. 9 shows the power outlets 70 within the back or base of the vehicle component 21 (e.g., the arm rest 28). Alternatively or additionally, the power outlets 70 may be located within, near, or below the charging surface 50, on the grip surface 52, or along the length of the vehicle component 21.

Various indicators 88 also may be used with the charging system 40. For example, visual indicators, haptic feedback, or audible indicators may be used to indicate the current status of the charging system 40 or the device 34. The indictors may signal a variety of different charging scenarios to the user, including but not limited to the start or stop of charging (e.g., when the charging has begun or finished/ended), the status of the charging (e.g., how full the battery is), when the device 34 is fully charged or the battery is full, and/or if the device 34 is properly or improperly aligned, placed, or oriented with the charging mechanism 60. Accordingly, the indicators 88 may allow the user to know the status of the charging without directly checking the device 34.

The visual indicator may also be used to indicate or denote where one or more of the charging regions 89 of the charging mechanism are located on the charging surface 50 or the grip surface 52 and may also be shaped to indicate the proper orientation or position of the electronic device 34 with respect to the charging system 40 (and, more specifically, to the electric coils of the charging mechanism 60). Alternatively or additionally, other visual indicators, such as arrows or text, may be used to indicate how to properly orient the device 34 with respect to the charging system 40.

Accordingly to embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the visual indicators 57 may be provided on the charging surface 50 to indicate charging regions within the charging system 40. The visual indicator 57 may be in the form of an outline, a shaded area, or a lighted area within or around the effective charging region(s) or wireless power transmission.

The visual indicators may include various forms of lighting, including a vinyl coating or pattern, LED lighting (such as LED perimeter lighting), a light pipe (such as a fiber optic cable lit by LEDs to allow for radial light diffusion from the light pipe), or side lite clear or tinted acrylic with an etched pattern overlay to allow light to shine through. The visual indicators may be any color or multiple colors according to the desired style.

The charging system 40 also or alternatively may include haptic feedback and/or audible indicators. Haptic feedback may include vibrations and may be integrated into the base of the charging surface 50. A vibrating DC motor may be used to provide haptic feedback in order to indicate different charging scenarios to the user (as described previously). The DC motors used to provide haptic feedback may be housed either in surrounding case of the charging system 40, within the vehicle component 21, or within the seat 22, 23 or seat back 26. The haptic feedback may also include a raised, bumped, or rough surface extending in or out from the charging surface 50 to indicate where the charging region (e.g., the area of the charging surface that is able to most efficiently charge the device 34) is located. Audible indicators may include beeping or buzzing.

Additionally, packaging optimization techniques may be used to improve occupant comfort, reduce weight, and diminish negative impacts on the vehicle interior styling and presentation. Seat packing optimization includes analyzing and optimizing certain criteria, such as the seat thickness, support, safety, material stack-up, and production feasibility. This criteria is analyzed with respect to the various layers of the seat, such as the seat frame structure (safety), the seat suspension (support and comfort for the occupant during vertical loading or vibration (i.e. jounce) when driving), cushion and backrest foam thickness, shape, and density (support and comfort for the occupant), occupant detection systems (safety), heater mats (thermal comfort), cooling systems including 3D mesh materials to allow airflow (thermal comfort), trim or seat covering materials, and stitching or sew lines (aesthetics and comfort). These seat layers are specific to the vehicle package (as specified by OEM) and the vehicle seat system. The charging system 40 is integrated into and optimized with the seat 22, 23 without interfering with these layers.

For example, unnecessary mass and materials, such as plastics, may be minimized or eliminated, thereby allowing for more foam within the seat 22, 23 or the arm rest 28. The foam/trim combination 30 of the arm rest 28, as shown in FIG. 12, may provide comfort to the occupant. By using a pressure map for the resulting force from the occupant, it may be determined where foam may be eliminated or where more foam may be used or needed. A finite element analysis may be used to determine the necessary structure within the seat 22, 23 or the arm rest 28 in order to maintain the strength and integrity of the vehicle components while decreasing the overall mass.

With the wireless charging system 40, the efficiency or effective power transferred may be improved by reducing the distance between the charging system 40 and the device 34. For example, the packaging, such as the thickness of the charging surface 50 or the grip surface 52, may be reduced to decrease the distance and improve the efficiency.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.

The embodiments disclosed herein allow an electronic device to be wirelessly charged and physically secured within a vehicle. Besides those embodiments depicted in the figures and described in the above description, other embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated. For example, any single feature of one embodiment of the present invention may be used in any other embodiment of the present invention.

Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in the art would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art from the present invention within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging system for charging a device within a vehicle comprising:

a vehicle component;

a securing mechanism configured to physically secure the device within a user's field of view such that the device is usable by the user while the device is being charged; and

a wireless charging mechanism integrated with the vehicle component and configured to charge the device,

wherein the securing mechanism aligns and orients the device with respect to the charging mechanism.

2. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a charging surface configured to provide an area for the device to be secured and charged.

3. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the charging surface is on a movable platform, and a connection mechanism is connected to the movable platform and is configured to enable the movable platform to be at least one of stowable when the charging system is not in use and adjustable according to a desired viewing angle and reach distance of the user while the device is secured and being charged.

4. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the charging surface is on a movable platform, and a connection mechanism is connected to the movable platform and is configured to cause the movable platform to be at least one of pivotable about the y-axis, pivotable about the x-axis, translatable along the x-axis, and translatable along the z-axis.

5. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the charging surface is within a recessed storage area within the vehicle component.

6. The charging system of claim 2, wherein the securing mechanism includes at least one of a grip surface configured to maintain the device in position against a range of forces exerted during vehicle usage and a retention mechanism configured to prevent the device from moving relative to the charging surface.

7. The charging system of claim 6, wherein the retention mechanism includes a movable stop movable along the charging surface to press the device against at least one of a fixed stop on the charging surface and another movable stop.

8. The charging system of claim 6, wherein the retention mechanism is configured to apply a force against the device in a direction toward the charging surface.

9. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the charging mechanism and the securing mechanism are configured to charge and secure multiple devices simultaneously.

10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component is at least one of an arm rest, a back surface of a head restraint, and a back surface of a seat back.

11. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a thermal mitigation layer configured to maintain a proper temperature of the charging system.

12. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a ferrite layer that surrounds all sides of the charging system except a designated charging side in order to provide magnetic shielding.

13. The charging system of claim 12, wherein the ferrite layer is perforated to allow airflow to cool the charging mechanism.

14. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising power outlets within the vehicle component for wired charging of the device.

15. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising at least one indicator configured to signal at least one of whether the device is properly oriented, whether the device is fully charged, and where a charging region of the charging mechanism is located.