Abstract:
A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.
Abstract:
Various techniques for temperature management during inductive energy transfer are disclosed. A transmitter device and/or a receiver device can be turned off during energy transfer based on the temperature of the transmitter device and/or of the receiver device.
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:
The following examples and embodiments are directed to an induction coil that can be used in a variety of applications, including, for example, induction charging systems. In one example, an induction coil is configured to couple an electrical field between a base device and a mobile device in an inductive charge system. The induction coil includes a coil substrate formed by a molding process. The induction coil also includes a shield element disposed within the coil substrate. The shield element may be formed within the coil substrate as part of the molding process. A conductive winding is also formed within a surface of the coil substrate. In some cases, the coil substrate is formed by an injection-molding process.
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 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 dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.
Abstract:
An improved outer layer of plating comprising a binary metal alloy of gold and palladium is employed on connector contacts. The binary metal alloy is plated on at least the contact surface of the contacts. Intermediate plating layers can be applied between the outer layer of gold and palladium and the conductive base of the contacts. The binary metal alloy of gold and palladium may be configured to have a mostly gold or a mostly silver appearance, depending upon the relative concentration of gold and palladium in the binary metal alloy.
Abstract:
Connector systems that carry electrical signals and optical signals in a single connector are provided. A male electro-optical connector can have an electrical insert portion that fits into a receptacle of a female electro-optical connector to provide a structural connection. The optical interface can be advantageously near a front of the connectors for easy maintenance. Optical connectors with a relatively large diameter for the optical interface are also provided. Optical connectors can include a collector for receiving optical signals at a large opening and providing signals to a photodiode at a small opening of the collector. Such optical connectors with a large diameter for an optical interface can advantageously provide reduced alignment tolerances. Adapters, cable adapters, docking stations, and other apparatus can also be provided.
Abstract:
A bracket configured to be interposed between the housing of a mobile electronic device and an electrical receptacle that is disposed in the mobile electronic device. The bracket includes a bracket body, an elongated opening through the bracket and a sheath surrounding portions of the bracket body. The bracket body includes an elongated protrusion extending in a front direction from the front face of the bracket body and a pair of fastener accommodations extending through the bracket body, each fastener accommodation disposed on opposite sides of the elongated protrusion. The sheath includes a first portion surrounding a portion of the bracket body elongated protrusion and a second portion including a pair of fastener openings.