Engineering by Technology - Wireless Power |
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Project
Wireless Battery Charging
Application
Cell Phone Case and Charging Pad
Customer Need
A leading cell phone accessory company needed assistance in the development of a wireless charging system for a number of common smartphones. The goal was to eliminate the need to plug in a charging adaptor to recharge the device. Having skills primarily in mechanical design, this customer came to AVID to help them develop this highly electronic-based line of phone cases and charging pads.
AVID's Solution
AVID has years of experience in wireless power design as well as charging circuitry for LiIon technology, and this project involved adapting the technology and packaging it for the product. AVID supported the mechanical concepts and performed the complete development of the electronics. We also evaluated the requirements of the various phone models related to charging such as charging current, battery capacity, protection, indicators, etc. to insure proper operation (similar to the charging adaptor). Once the design was complete and verified, AVID set up production with a Contract Electronics Manufacturer for the first 6000 pieces. Once the initial production was done and the kinks worked out, production was transferred to China.
- System Architecture Review / Planning
- Hardware and Firmware Design / PCB Layout / Coil Design / Packaging
- Prototyping and Validation
- Certification for Agency Standards and Phone Mfr Standards
- CEM Evaluation and Selection, Engineering Build Support
- Initial Production
- Project Management
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Project
Wireless Battery Charging
Application
Portable Field Computer for Military
Customer Need
Working with an armed services research lab, AVID created a prototype field-ready rugged portable computer to be used by military personnel. The goal was to eliminate cables and wiring to free the soldier from being bound should the need to move quickly arise. The system included both the computer battery charging electronics and transmitting electronics and coils that allow connection to various power sources such as fuel cells, aux vehicle power, battery banks, generators, etc. without physically connecting with wire. The charging system could also be integrated into clothing, vehicles, field office infrastructure, etc.
AVID's Solution
AVID has years of experience in wireless power design as well as charging circuitry for various battery technology, and this project involved adapting the technology and packaging it for the product. AVID supported the mechanical concepts and performed the complete development of the charging electronics. Using a portable computer supplied to us, AVID integrated the electronics required for power conversion and charging and created the proof of concept prototype. Also the transmitting electronics were packaged such that the research lab could integrate them into the desired medium for the various use cases identified above. This proof of concept platform will be used to demonstrate the technologies and provide opportunities to secure additional research project funding.
- System Architecture Review / Planning
- Hardware and Firmware Design / PCB Layout / Coil Design / Packaging
- Prototyping and Validation
- Project Management
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Project
Wireless Battery Charging
Application
Adjustable Appliance Lighting
Customer Need
Certain high-end appliances have user conveniences such as adjustable shelves or options that desire to incorporate LED lighting into them. To eliminate the need to have wires or other non-desirable end user modifications, the vision is that regardless of the configuration, power is available. Exposed connectors can present user hazards and/or reliability concerns.
AVID's Solution
Incorporating a wireless power transmitter with multiple coils into the appliance with wireless power receivers integrated into the movable shelves. The transmitter coils were located such that regardless of what configuration the user chooses, the receiver coils in the shelf had adequate alignment with a transmitter coil. The wireless power solution includes intelligence to allow only the coils, which detected a receiver to be energized.
- System Architecture Review / Planning
- Hardware and Firmware Design / PCB Layout / Coil Design / Packaging
- Prototyping and Validation
- Integration of the Electronics Solution into an Appliance for Demonstration Purposes
- Project Management
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Project
Wireless Battery Charging
Application
Rechargeable Flashlight
Customer Need
A leading flashlight manufacturer needed assistance in the development of a wireless charging system for a heavy-duty flashlight used in police and military duties as exposed contacts or cords were undesirable for the application. The goal was to insure that the flashlight was always fully charged, primarily being kept in a vehicle. A solution was needed for both the flashlight and a vehicle-based charging dock.
AVID's Solution
AVID has years of experience in wireless power design as well as charging circuitry for various battery technology, and this project involved adapting the technology and packaging it for the product. In this product, the battery was Nickel Metal Hydride. AVID supported the mechanical concepts and performed the complete development of the charging electronics. The base station was designed per automotive standards as it was powered from the vehicle 12V system. An initial 250 units were produced and installed in police cruisers. AVID designed and took the product through automotive qualification for EMC, environmental, and power quality requirements.
- System Architecture Review / Planning
- Hardware and Firmware Design / PCB Layout / Coil Design / Packaging
- Prototyping and Validation
- Certification for Automotive Standards
- Engineering Build Support
- Project Management
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Project
Wireless Battery Charging
Application
Proof of Concept Models and Demonstration Platforms
Customer Need
As wireless power is a relatively new concept for all sorts of mainstream products, many companies are looking to verify its viability, as well gauge the market acceptance. AVID has been asked by many companies, mostly consumer products manufacturers, to integrate wireless power transfer into existing products as working prototypes. These products include small office equipment, mp3 players, portable DVD players, small kitchen appliances (blender, crockpot), small LCD monitors, various cell phones, and so on. These are not production ready designs at this point, but they have a finished look and feel, and are fully functional.
AVID's Solution
AVID has years of experience in wireless power design as well as charging circuitry for various battery technology, and this project involved adapting the technology and packaging it for the product. AVID supported the mechanical concepts and performed the complete development of the charging electronics. AVID integrated the electronics required for power conversion and charging and created the proof of concept prototypes for the device and its charging base (sometimes integrated into vehicles, furniture, separate pads). These proof of concept platforms are used to demonstrate the technologies and provide opportunities to secure full product development funding.
- System Architecture Review / Planning
- Hardware and Firmware Design / PCB Layout / Coil Design / Packaging
- Prototyping and Validation
- Project Management
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