U.S. patent application number 17/155804 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-28 for detachable wireless charging clip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dell Products L.P.. Invention is credited to Deeder M. Aurongzeb, Andrew Thomas Sultenfuss, Christopher A. Torres.
Application Number | 20220239124 17/155804 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220239124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aurongzeb; Deeder M. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2022 |
DETACHABLE WIRELESS CHARGING CLIP
Abstract
A disclosed wireless charging clip for an information handling
system includes a first surface comprising a charging coil, a
ferrite sheet positioned below the first surface, mating elements
to be coupled to respective mating elements of the information
handling system when the charging clip is installed on the
information handling system, charging circuitry configured supply
inductive power to charge an auxiliary device when the device is
placed on top of the first surface, and a connector through which
input power is received from the information handling system when
the charging clip is installed. The charging coil may include
multiple graphene layers. The charging clip may include a second
surface and a third surface including the connector through which
input power is received from the information handling system. The
mating elements may include magnets to align and hold the charging
clip in position with respect to the information handling
system.
Inventors: |
Aurongzeb; Deeder M.;
(Austin, TX) ; Torres; Christopher A.; (San
Marcos, TX) ; Sultenfuss; Andrew Thomas; (Leander,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dell Products L.P. |
Round Rock |
TX |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/155804 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2021 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; H02J 7/02 20060101 H02J007/02; H02J 50/00 20060101
H02J050/00; H02J 50/10 20060101 H02J050/10; H02J 50/90 20060101
H02J050/90; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A wireless charging clip for an information handling system,
comprising: a first surface comprising a charging coil; a ferrite
sheet positioned below the first surface; one or more mating
elements to be coupled to respective mating elements of the
information handling system when the wireless charging clip is
installed on the information handling system; charging circuitry
configured supply inductive power to charge an auxiliary device
when the auxiliary device is placed on top of the first surface;
and a connector through which input power is received from the
information handling system when the wireless charging clip is
installed on the information handling system.
2. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein: the wireless
charging clip further comprises: a second surface; and a third
surface comprising at least a portion of the connector through
which input power is received from the information handling system;
and when the wireless charging clip is installed on the information
handling system: the first surface is positioned on a first side of
a housing portion of the information handing system and is in
contact with the first side of the housing portion of the
information handling system; the second surface is positioned
parallel to the first surface on a second side of the housing
portion of the information handling system opposite the first side
of the housing portion of the information handling system and is in
contact with the second side of the housing portion of the
information handling system; and the third surface is positioned
perpendicular to and between the first surface and the second
surface, wherein a first edge of the third surface is coupled to a
first edge of the first surface and a second edge of the third
surface parallel to the first edge of the third surface is coupled
to a first edge of the second surface parallel to the first edge of
the first surface.
3. The wireless charging clip of claim 2, wherein: at least one of
the first edge of the third surface or the second edge of the third
surface is coupled to an edge of the first or second surface using
a respective hinge; and when the wireless charging clip is not
installed on the information handling system, the third surface is
rotated about the one or more hinges such that the height of the
wireless charging clip is reduced.
4. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein: the wireless
charging clip further comprises: a second surface; and a third
surface comprising at least a portion of the connector through
which input power is received from the information handling system;
and when the wireless charging clip is installed on the information
handling system and is being used to charge the auxiliary device:
the first surface extends outward from a position at a bottom edge
of a housing portion of the information handing system and away
from the information handling system; the second surface extends
inward from the bottom edge of the housing portion of the
information handling system and is in contact with a bottom side of
the housing portion underneath the information handling system; and
the third surface is positioned perpendicular to the first surface
and to the second surface, wherein a first edge of the third
surface is coupled to a first edge of the first surface and a
second edge of the third surface parallel to the first edge of the
third surface is coupled to a first edge of the second surface
parallel to the first edge of the first surface.
5. The wireless charging clip of claim 4, wherein when the wireless
charging clip is installed on the information handling system and
is not being used to charge the auxiliary device: the second
surface extends inward from the bottom edge of the housing portion
of the information handling system and is in contact with the
bottom side of the housing portion underneath the information
handling system; and the first surface extends inward from the
bottom edge of the housing portion of the information handing
system and is positioned below and in contact with the second
surface.
6. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein the one or more
mating elements include one or more magnets that, when magnetically
coupled to respective magnets on the information handling system,
cause the wireless charging clip to be installed on the information
handling system in a predetermined position with respect to the
information handling system.
7. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein the one or more
mating elements include one or more magnets that, when magnetically
coupled to respective magnets on the information handling system,
hold the wireless charging clip in place when installed on the
information handling system.
8. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein the one or more
mating elements include one or more physical alignment tabs to be
inserted in respective recess elements of the information handling
system when the wireless charging clip is installed on the
information handling system.
9. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein the charging coil
is screen-printed on the first surface.
10. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein the charging
coil comprises multiple graphene layers.
11. The wireless charging clip of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary
device comprises a personal mobile device.
12. A system, comprising: a computing device; and a wireless
charging clip for the computing device, comprising: a first surface
comprising a charging coil; a ferrite sheet positioned below the
first surface; one or more mating elements to be coupled to
respective mating elements of the computing device when the
wireless charging clip is installed on the computing device;
charging circuitry configured supply inductive power to charge an
auxiliary device when the auxiliary device is placed on top of the
first surface; and a connector through which input power is
received from the computing device when the wireless charging clip
is installed on the computing device.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein: the wireless charging clip
further comprises: a second surface; and a third surface comprising
at least a portion of the connector through which input power is
received from the computing device; and when the wireless charging
clip is installed on the computing device: the first surface is
positioned on a first side of a housing portion of the computing
device and is in contact with the first side of the housing portion
of the computing device; the second surface is positioned parallel
to the first surface on a second side of the housing portion of the
computing device opposite the first side of the housing portion of
the computing device and is in contact with the second side of the
housing portion of the computing device; and the third surface is
positioned perpendicular to and between the first surface and the
second surface, wherein a first edge of the third surface is
coupled to a first edge of the first surface and a second edge of
the third surface parallel to the first edge of the third surface
is coupled to a first edge of the second surface parallel to the
first edge of the first surface.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein: the wireless charging clip
further comprises: a second surface; and a third surface comprising
at least a portion of the connector through which input power is
received from the computing device; and when the wireless charging
clip is installed on the computing device and is being used to
charge the auxiliary device: the first surface extends outward from
a position at a bottom edge of a housing portion of the computing
device and away from the computing device; the second surface
extends inward from the bottom edge of the housing portion of the
computing device and is in contact with a bottom side of the
housing portion underneath the computing device; and the third
surface is positioned perpendicular to the first surface and to the
second surface, wherein a first edge of the third surface is
coupled to a first edge of the first surface and a second edge of
the third surface parallel to the first edge of the third surface
is coupled to a first edge of the second surface parallel to the
first edge of the first surface.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more mating elements
include one or more magnets that, when magnetically coupled to
respective magnets on the computing device, hold the wireless
charging clip in a predetermined position with respect to the
computing device when the wireless charging clip is installed on
the computing device.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the charging coil comprises
multiple graphene layers.
17. A method for charging an auxiliary device, comprising:
installing a detachable wireless charging clip on an information
handling system, the detachable wireless charging clip comprising a
first surface comprising a charging coil, a ferrite sheet
positioned below the first surface, and charging circuitry
configured supply inductive power to charge the auxiliary device
when the auxiliary device is placed on top of the first surface,
wherein the installing includes coupling an input power connector
of the detachable wireless charging clip through which input power
is to be received to an output power connector of the information
handling system; supplying power to the detachable wireless
charging clip through the output power connector of the information
handling system and the input power connector of the detachable
wireless charging clip; and placing the auxiliary device on top of
the first surface.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the installing further
comprises: aligning one or more mating elements of the detachable
wireless charging clip to respective mating elements of the
information handling system; and coupling the one or more mating
elements of the detachable wireless charging clip to the respective
mating elements of the information handling system.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein: the installing comprises
positioning the first surface of the detachable wireless charging
clip in a stowed position with respect to the information handling
system; and the method further comprises, prior to placing the
auxiliary device on top of the first surface, re-positioning the
first surface of the detachable wireless charging clip in a
charging position with respect to the information handling
system.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising, subsequent to
placing the auxiliary device on top of the first surface:
determining that the auxiliary device has been charged; and
detaching the detachable wireless charging clip from the
information handling system.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to information handling
systems and, more particularly, to a detachable wireless charging
clip for charging auxiliary devices while the charging clip is
installed on an information handling system.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option available to users is information
handling systems. An information handling system generally
processes, compiles, stores, and communicates information or data
for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to
take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology
and information handling needs and requirements vary between
different users or applications, information handling systems may
also vary regarding what information is handled, how the
information is handled, how much information is processed, stored,
or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information
may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in
information handling systems allow for information handling systems
to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use
such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations,
enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition,
information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and
software components that may be configured to process, store, and
communicate information and may include one or more computer
systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
[0003] Information handling systems, such as desktop computers,
notebook computers, tablet computers, and 2-in-1 tablet-laptop
combination computers, exhibit a wide variety of configurations
available from multiple vendors and may include any of a wide
variety of accessories. Examples of accessories for information
handling systems include portable accessories, such as media
players, personal data assistants, digital cameras, cellular
phones, cordless phones, and smart phones. Typically, portable
accessories are powered using a rechargeable battery and may
include a display device. Increasingly, these portable accessories,
or auxiliary devices, support wireless charging.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, a disclosed wireless charging clip for an
information handling system includes a first surface comprising a
charging coil, a ferrite sheet positioned below the first surface,
one or more mating elements to be coupled to respective mating
elements of the information handling system when the wireless
charging clip is installed on the information handling system,
charging circuitry configured supply inductive power to charge an
auxiliary device when the auxiliary device is placed on top of the
first surface, and a connector through which input power is
received from the information handling system when the wireless
charging clip is installed on the information handling system.
[0005] In another aspect, a disclosed system includes a computing
device and a wireless charging clip for the computing device. The
wireless charging clip includes a first surface comprising a
charging coil, a ferrite sheet positioned below the first surface,
one or more mating elements to be coupled to respective mating
elements of the computing device when the wireless charging clip is
installed on the computing device, charging circuitry configured
supply inductive power to charge an auxiliary device when the
auxiliary device is placed on top of the first surface, and a
connector through which input power is received from the computing
device when the wireless charging clip is installed on the
computing device.
[0006] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the wireless charging
clip may further include a second surface and a third surface
including at least a portion of the connector through which input
power is received from the information handling system. When the
wireless charging clip is installed on the information handling
system, the first surface may be positioned on a first side of a
housing portion of the information handing system and may be in
contact with the first side of the housing portion of the
information handling system, the second surface may be positioned
parallel to the first surface on a second side of the housing
portion of the information handling system opposite the first side
of the housing portion of the information handling system and may
be in contact with the second side of the housing portion of the
information handling system, and the third surface may be
positioned perpendicular to and between the first surface and the
second surface, where a first edge of the third surface is coupled
to a first edge of the first surface and a second edge of the third
surface parallel to the first edge of the third surface is coupled
to a first edge of the second surface parallel to the first edge of
the first surface.
[0007] In any of the disclosed embodiments, at least one of the
first edge of the third surface or the second edge of the third
surface may be coupled to an edge of the first or second surface
using a respective hinge, and when the wireless charging clip is
not installed on the information handling system, the third surface
may be rotated about the one or more hinges such that the height of
the wireless charging clip is reduced.
[0008] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the wireless charging
clip may further include a second surface and a third surface
including at least a portion of the connector through which input
power is received from the information handling system. When the
wireless charging clip is installed on the information handling
system and is being used to charge the auxiliary device, the first
surface may extend outward from a position at a bottom edge of a
housing portion of the information handing system and away from the
information handling system, the second surface may extend inward
from the bottom edge of the housing portion of the information
handling system and may be in contact with a bottom side of the
housing portion underneath the information handling system, and the
third surface may be positioned perpendicular to the first surface
and to the second surface, where a first edge of the third surface
is coupled to a first edge of the first surface and a second edge
of the third surface parallel to the first edge of the third
surface is coupled to a first edge of the second surface parallel
to the first edge of the first surface.
[0009] In any of the disclosed embodiments, when the wireless
charging clip is installed on the information handling system and
is not being used to charge the auxiliary device, the second
surface may extend inward from the bottom edge of the housing
portion of the information handling system and may be in contact
with the bottom side of the housing portion underneath the
information handling system, and the first surface may extend
inward from the bottom edge of the housing portion of the
information handing system and may be positioned below and in
contact with the second surface.
[0010] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the one or more mating
elements may include one or more magnets that, when magnetically
coupled to respective magnets on the information handling system,
cause the wireless charging clip to be installed on the information
handling system in a predetermined position with respect to the
information handling system.
[0011] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the one or more mating
elements may include one or more magnets that, when magnetically
coupled to respective magnets on the information handling system,
hold the wireless charging clip in place when installed on the
information handling system.
[0012] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the one or more mating
elements may include one or more physical alignment tabs to be
inserted in respective recess elements of the information handling
system when the wireless charging clip is installed on the
information handling system.
[0013] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the charging coil may
be screen-printed on the first surface.
[0014] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the charging coil may
include multiple graphene layers.
[0015] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the auxiliary device
may be a personal mobile device.
[0016] In another aspect, a disclosed method is for charging an
auxiliary device. The method includes installing a detachable
wireless charging clip on an information handling system, where the
detachable wireless charging clip comprises a first surface
including a charging coil, a ferrite sheet positioned below the
first surface, and charging circuitry configured supply inductive
power to charge the auxiliary device when the auxiliary device is
placed on top of the first surface. The installing includes
coupling an input power connector of the detachable wireless
charging clip through which input power is to be received to an
output power connector of the information handling system,
supplying power to the detachable wireless charging clip through
the output power connector of the information handling system and
the input power connector of the detachable wireless charging clip,
and placing the auxiliary device on top of the first surface.
[0017] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the installing may
further include aligning one or more mating elements of the
detachable wireless charging clip to respective mating elements of
the information handling system, and coupling the one or more
mating elements of the detachable wireless charging clip to the
respective mating elements of the information handling system.
[0018] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the installing may
include positioning the first surface of the detachable wireless
charging clip in a stowed position with respect to the information
handling system, and the method may further include, prior to
placing the auxiliary device on top of the first surface,
re-positioning the first surface of the detachable wireless
charging clip in a charging position with respect to the
information handling system.
[0019] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the method may further
include, subsequent to placing the auxiliary device on top of the
first surface, determining that the auxiliary device has been
charged, and detaching the detachable wireless charging clip from
the information handling system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating selected elements of
an embodiment of an information handling system;
[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates selected elements of an embodiment of a
system including a portable computing device and an uninstalled
detachable wireless charging clip;
[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates selected elements of an embodiment of a
system including a portable computing device and an installed
detachable wireless charging clip;
[0024] FIG. 2C illustrates selected elements of an embodiment of a
system including a portable computing device and an installed
detachable wireless charging clip that is being used to charge an
auxiliary device;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded view diagram illustrating selected
elements of a detachable wireless charging clip, according to some
embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 4A illustrates an alternate construction for the
charging coil shown in FIG. 3, according to some embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 4B illustrates an alternate connector for receiving
input power from an information handling system, according to some
embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates example positions for holding force
magnets and alignment magnets on an information handling system
onto which a detachable charging clip is to be installed, according
to some embodiments;
[0029] FIG. 6A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a detachable
wireless charging clip in a stowed position;
[0030] FIG. 6B illustrates the relative positions of selected
elements of the detachable wireless charging clip shown in FIG. 6A
while in the stowed position;
[0031] FIG. 7A illustrates the detachable wireless charging clip
shown in FIG. 6A in a working or charging position;
[0032] FIG. 7B illustrates the relative positions of selected
elements of the detachable wireless charging clip shown in FIG. 6A
while in the working or charging position; and
[0033] FIG. 8 is flow diagram illustrating selected elements of a
method for charging an auxiliary device using a detachable wireless
charging clip of an information handling system, according to some
embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S)
[0034] In the following description, details are set forth by way
of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject
matter. It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the
field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and
not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.
[0035] For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling
system may include an instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize various forms of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an
information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a
consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or another
suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may
include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central
processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic.
Additional components or the information handling system may
include one or more storage devices, one or more communications
ports for communicating with external devices as well as various
input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a
video display. The information handling system may also include one
or more buses operable to transmit communication between the
various hardware components.
[0036] For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media
may include an instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities
that may retain data and instructions for a period of time.
Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage
media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk
drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a
tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory
(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory (SSD); as well as
communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio
waves, and other electromagnetic or optical carriers; or any
combination of the foregoing.
[0037] The wireless charging market is expanding quickly. For
example, computer accessories, cellular phones, smart phones, phone
accessories such as wireless headphones and earphones, and other
consumer electronic devices are increasingly powered in this
fashion. Companion battery chargers for these devices extend their
usefulness. However, large battery chargers, which typically have a
higher capacity to supply power, may not be well suited for use
with compact and/or ultra-thin accessory devices. Users often keep
their smart phones turned on and nearby when working on their
computers. Therefore, it may be desirable to be able to charge
their smart phones using a charger that does not force integration
into the computer itself, which could be costly, and does not
interfere with the user's workflow.
[0038] As described in detail herein, a detachable wireless
charging clip may be easy to use, transport, and install on a
user's computer when needed without adding bulk or significantly
increasing the height or thickness of the user's computer. For
example, when installed on an information handing system, the
detachable wireless charging clip may be used to charge a personal
mobile device or another type of auxiliary device such as, but not
limited to, a media player, a personal data assistant, a digital
camera, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a smart phone, or
another type of cellular network device. In various embodiments,
the detachable wireless charging clip may be C-shaped or may have a
diving board shape, although other shapes are possible. In some
embodiments, the detachable wireless charging clip may be foldable,
when not installed or in use, to reduce its height for storage,
packaging, or transporting. The detachable wireless charging clip
may be installed, for example, at a front edge or side edge of a
housing portion of an information handling system at which an
output power connector of the system is available to be coupled to
a corresponding input power connector of the detachable wireless
charging clip and may be made of materials that conform to the
shape of the housing portion edge for a snug fit when installed on
the system. In some embodiments, the detachable wireless charging
clip may include an ultra-thin wireless charging circuit and/or an
optional USB-C power circuit. A charging coil of the detachable
wireless charging clip may include a multi-layer graphene
construction or another type of thin charging coil construction. In
some embodiments, the detachable wireless charging clip may be
installed such that the charging coil occupies a portion of a palm
rest region on the information handling system. In some
embodiments, the detachable wireless charging clip may be
configured for bilateral charging such that it may be used to
charge an auxiliary device placed on the charging clip or to charge
an internal battery of an information handling system on which it
is installed, at different times and under certain
circumstances.
[0039] Particular embodiments are best understood by reference to
FIGS. 1-8 wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and
corresponding parts.
[0040] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a block
diagram depicting selected elements of an embodiment of information
handling system 100. It is noted that FIG. 1 is not drawn to scale
but is a schematic illustration. In various embodiments,
information handling system 100 may represent different types of
portable devices. A portable device may generally be any device
that a user may carry for handheld use and that includes a
processor. Typically, portable devices are powered using a
rechargeable battery. Examples of portable information handling
system 100 may include laptop computers, notebook computers,
netbook computers, tablet computers, and 2-in-1 tablet laptop
combination computers, among others. In some instances, information
handling system 100 may represent certain personal mobile devices,
and may further include examples such as media players, personal
data assistants, digital cameras, cellular phones, cordless phones,
smart phones, and other cellular network devices. In other
instances, auxiliary device 176 may represent a personal mobile
device.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, components of information handling
system 100 may include, but are not limited to, a processor
subsystem 120, which may comprise one or more processors, and a
system bus 121 that communicatively couples various system
components to processor subsystem 120 including, for example, a
memory 130, an I/O subsystem 140, local storage resource 150, and a
network interface 160. Also shown within information handling
system 100 is embedded controller 180 and an internal battery
management unit (BMU) 170 that manages an internal battery 171.
Information handling system 100 is shown removably coupled to a DC
power input 173 that may supply electrical power for operation of
information handling system 100, including for charging internal
battery 171, received from a DC power source through a direct
current (DC) power source adapter 172. Information handling system
100 is also shown removably coupled to a detachable wireless
charging clip 175 which may be used to charge an auxiliary device
176 when detachable wireless charging clip 175 is installed on
information handling system 100. In at least some embodiments,
detachable wireless charging clip 175 may be or include an
inductive power source. In some embodiments, in addition to
supplying inductive power to charge auxiliary device 176,
detachable wireless charging clip 175 may supply inductive power
for operation of information handling system 100, including for
charging internal battery 171. Example embodiments of a detachable
wireless charging clip are illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 5, 6A-6B
and 7A-7B and described in detail below.
[0042] As depicted in FIG. 1, processor subsystem 120 may comprise
a system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and execute
program instructions and process data, and may include a
microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP),
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another digital
or analog circuitry configured to interpret and execute program
instructions and process data. In some embodiments, processor
subsystem 120 may interpret and execute program instructions and
process data stored locally (e.g., in memory 130). In the same or
alternative embodiments, processor subsystem 120 may interpret and
execute program instructions and process data stored remotely
(e.g., in a network storage resource accessed through network
interface 160).
[0043] In FIG. 1, system bus 121 may represent a variety of
suitable types of bus structures, e.g., a memory bus, a peripheral
bus, or a local bus using various bus architectures in selected
embodiments. For example, such architectures may include, but are
not limited to, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Industry
Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus,
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, PCI-Express bus,
HyperTransport (HT) bus, and Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA) local bus.
[0044] Also in FIG. 1, memory 130 may comprise a system, device, or
apparatus operable to retain and retrieve program instructions and
data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memory
130 may comprise random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash
memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage or a suitable
selection or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains
data after power is removed. In FIG. 1, memory 130 is shown
including an operating system (OS) 132, which may represent an
execution environment for information handling system 100, and one
or more applications 134. Operating system 132 may be UNIX or be
based on UNIX (e.g., a LINUX variant), one of a number of variants
of Microsoft Windows.RTM. operating systems, a mobile device
operating system (e.g., Google Android.TM. platform, Apple.RTM.
iOS, among others), an Apple.RTM. MacOS operating system, an
embedded operating system, a gaming operating system, or another
suitable operating system.
[0045] In FIG. 1, local storage resource 150 may comprise
computer-readable media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive,
CD-ROM, and other type of rotating storage media, flash memory,
EEPROM, or another type of solid state storage media) and may be
generally operable to store instructions and data, and to permit
access to stored instructions and data on demand.
[0046] In FIG. 1, network interface 160 may be a suitable system,
apparatus, or device operable to serve as an interface between
information handling system 100 and a network (not shown). Network
interface 160 may enable information handling system 100 to
communicate over the network using a suitable transmission protocol
or standard. In some embodiments, network interface 160 may be
communicatively coupled via the network to a network storage
resource (not shown). The network coupled to network interface 160
may be implemented as, or may be a part of, a storage area network
(SAN), personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), a
metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a
wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual private network
(VPN), an intranet, the Internet or another appropriate
architecture or system that facilitates the communication of
signals, data and messages (generally referred to as data). The
network coupled to network interface 160 may transmit data using a
desired storage or communication protocol, including, but not
limited to, Fibre Channel, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode
(ATM), Internet protocol (IP), other packet-based protocol, small
computer system interface (SCSI), Internet SCSI (iSCSI), Serial
Attached SCSI (SAS) or another transport that operates with the
SCSI protocol, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA
(SATA), advanced technology attachment packet interface (ATAPI),
serial storage architecture (SSA), integrated drive electronics
(IDE), or any combination thereof. The network coupled to network
interface 160 or various components associated therewith may be
implemented using hardware, software, or any combination
thereof.
[0047] In information handling system 100, I/O subsystem 140 may
comprise a system, device, or apparatus generally operable to
receive and transmit data to or from or within information handling
system 100. I/O subsystem 140 may represent, for example, a variety
of communication interfaces, graphics interfaces, video interfaces,
user input interfaces, and peripheral interfaces. In various
embodiments, I/O subsystem 140 may be used to support various
peripheral devices, such as a touch panel, a display adapter, a
keyboard, an accelerometer, a touch pad, a gyroscope, or a camera,
among other examples. In some implementations, I/O subsystem 140
may support so-called `plug and play` connectivity to external
devices, in which the external devices may be added or removed
while information handling system 100 is operating.
[0048] In particular embodiments, embedded controller 180 may
support one or more power busses 142 that carry and distribute
electrical power to and from information handling system 100. In
some embodiments, power bus 142 may represent a data bus that also
carries and distributes electrical power to and from information
handling system 100. In one example, a DC power input 173 received
from an external power source through a respective DC power source
adapter 172 may be routed via a DC power connection 144 to internal
BMU 170 for purposes of charging internal battery 171 or otherwise
powering information handling system 100. In another example, when
a detachable wireless charging clip 175 is installed on the
information handling system, input power 177 may be supplied from
information handling system 100 to the detachable wireless charging
clip 175 over power bus 142 to allow detachable wireless charging
clip 175 to charge auxiliary device 176.
[0049] In various embodiments, power bus 142 may represent a
variable power bus that supports different levels of direct current
(DC) power that may be provided to certain peripherals connected to
I/O subsystem 140 and/or to wireless charging clip 175. In certain
embodiments, a variable power bus may be implemented according to
an industry standard, such as a USB Universal Serial Bus (USB),
which is developed and supported by the USB Implementers Forum,
Inc. (USB IF, www.usb.org). In particular, a variable power bus may
be implemented as a USB Type-C bus that may support different USB
devices, such as USB Type-C devices with USB Type-C connectors. In
certain embodiments, power bus 142 may receive a DC power input 173
through a connector other than a USB type connector and/or may
supply input power 177 to wireless charging clip 175 through a
connector other than a USB type connector. For example, one or more
of DC power source adapters 172 or wireless charging clip 175 may
include a barrel-type connector, a Lightning.TM. connector
developed by Apple, Inc., or a Thunderbolt.TM. connector developed
by Apple, Inc., pogo pins, pads, or other connector types. In some
embodiments, one or more external power sources may be electrically
coupled to an information handling system using means other than a
DC power source adapter.
[0050] Embedded controller (EC) 180 may include an EC processor as
a second processor included within information handling system 100
for certain management tasks, including supporting communication
and providing various functionality with respect to internal BMU
170. Thus, the EC processor may have access to an EC memory, which
may store EC firmware representing instructions executable by the
EC processor. In some embodiments, the EC firmware includes a power
management function, which may represent executable code for
managing DC power sources, as well as for controlling various
operating parameters of internal battery 170. In some embodiments,
the EC firmware may include pre-boot instructions executable by the
EC processor. For example, the EC firmware may be operable to
prepare information handling system 100 to boot by activating
various hardware components in preparation of launching an
operating system for execution. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
EC firmware may include a basic input/output system (BIOS). In
certain embodiments, EC firmware includes a Unified Extensible
Firmware Interface (UEFI) according to a specification promulgated
by the UEFI Forum (uefi.org). Embedded controller 180 may execute
EC firmware on the EC processor even when other components in
information handling system 100 are inoperable or are powered down.
Furthermore, EC firmware may be in control of EC communication
interface(s), which may represent one or more input/output
interfaces or signals that embedded controller 180 can use to
communicate with other elements of information handling system 100,
such as processor subsystem 120 or I/O subsystem 140, among
others.
[0051] In some embodiments, embedded controller 180 may be
responsible for managing electrical power connections between
internal or external power sources and other portions of
information handling system 100 or connected devices, including
wireless charging clip 175. In other embodiments, power control may
be implemented by a separate power controller external to embedded
controller 180. For example, power bus 142 may supply electrical
power to information handling system 100, in which case embedded
controller 180, or a separate power controller, may determine
whether the electrical power is used to charge internal battery 171
or to directly power information handling system 100 and/or
wireless charging clip 175 (if installed). In another example,
embedded controller 180, or a separate power controller, may manage
so-called `soft start up` of information handling system 100, such
as when information handling system 100 awakes from a low power
state, such as sleep mode, by determining a source of power during
the low power state and managing operation of information handling
system 100 during the low power state. In the illustrated
embodiment, DC power and control 144 may represent suitable
connections between embedded controller 180 and internal BMU 170,
for example. This may include connections for providing data
obtained from internal battery 171 (e.g., temperature, battery
state, state of charge, etc.), which may serve as inputs for power
management within information handling system 100.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 1, information handling system 100
may include a battery management unit (BMU) 170 that controls
operation of internal battery 171. In particular implementations,
BMU 170 may be embedded within a respective battery whose operation
BMU 170 controls. For example, internal BMU 170 within information
handling system 100 may control operation of an internal battery
171. More specifically, BMU 170 may monitor information associated
with, and control charging operations of, internal battery 171. In
operation, BMU 170 may control operation of internal battery 171 to
enable sustained operation, such as by protecting internal battery
171. Protection of internal battery 171 by BMU 170 may comprise
preventing internal battery 171 from operating outside of safe
operating conditions, which may be defined in terms of certain
allowable voltage and current ranges over which internal battery
171 can be expected to operate without causing self-damage. For
example, the BMU 170 may modify various parameters in order to
prevent an over-current condition (whether in a charging or
discharging mode), an over-voltage condition during charging, an
under-voltage condition while discharging, or an over-temperature
condition, among other potentially damaging conditions.
[0053] In various embodiments, internal battery 171 illustrated in
FIG. 1 may include one or more cells having a particular chemistry
in a particular cell configuration. For example, in one embodiment,
internal battery 171 may include four Lithium-ion cells in a two
parallel-two serial (2S-2P) configuration. In other embodiments,
internal battery 171 may include a different number of cells or may
include multiple cells in a different configuration. For example,
internal battery 171 may include three or more cells in various
configurations. In some embodiments, internal battery 171 may
include one or more cells based on any one of a variety of
Lithium-ion electrochemistries, or one or more cells based a
different electrochemistry than Lithium-ion.
[0054] In FIG. 1, BMU 170 may include a charging unit (CU) 174 that
may control charging cycles for internal battery 171 and may apply
a "top-of-charge voltage" (or "TOC" voltage) as a threshold to
determine when charging is complete as the battery voltage
increases during charging. The TOC voltage may be lower than or
equal to the maximum charge voltage that internal battery 171 can
physically sustain, in different embodiments. Depending on the
actual value for the TOC voltage, a given energy capacity may be
stored using internal battery 171. BMU 170 may also be enabled to
obtain various types of information associated with internal
battery 171 and to make decisions according to the obtained
information. For example, BMU 170 may monitor various
charging-related parameters or other operating parameters received
from one or more battery cells in internal battery 17, such as a
charging current, a voltage, a battery impedance, and a temperature
associated with internal battery 171. In some embodiments, at least
some of the parameters monitored by BMU 170 may be used internally
by BMU 170 for internal battery management operations. In some
embodiments, at least some of the parameters monitored by BMU 170
may be provided to a power management function of embedded
controller 180 to implement management of DC power sources, as well
as for internal battery management.
[0055] As noted above, in some embodiments, a detachable wireless
charging clip may be installed on an information handling system at
an edge of a housing portion of the system. In embodiments in which
the detachable wireless charging clip is C-shaped, it may be
installed by sliding the charging clip onto the system such that a
first surface of the charging clip is positioned above the housing
portion, a second surface of the charging clip is positioned below
the housing portion, and a third surface (i.e., the "spine") of the
C-shaped charging clip is aligned with the system to allow an input
power connector on the charging clip to be coupled to a
corresponding output power connector on the system.
[0056] FIG. 2A illustrates selected elements of an embodiment of a
system including a portable computing device 210 and an uninstalled
C-shaped detachable wireless charging clip 220. In the illustrated
embodiment, a portable information handling system 210 includes a
base housing portion 214 rotationally coupled to a lid housing
portion 212 via a hinge assembly such that a user may rotate the
base housing portion 214 and/or the lid housing portion 212
relative to each other. The base housing portion 214 and lid
housing portion 212 may, collectively, house one or more components
of the portable information handling system, including but not
limited to a processor subsystem 120, system bus 121, memory
subsystem 130, I/O subsystem 140, local storage resource 150,
network interface 160, embedded controller 180, internal BMU 170,
and/or internal battery 171, as described above with respect to
information handling system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, and one or
more peripherals, such as a touch panel, display, keyboard, and/or
camera. In some embodiments, a keyboard may be housed in the base
housing portion 214 and a display may be housed in the lid housing
portion 212. When the information handling system is not in use,
the lid housing portion 212 may be closed over the top of base
housing portion 214 so that the display is protected from
unintended use or damage.
[0057] Detachable wireless charging clip 220 may be similar to
wireless charging clip 175 illustrated in FIG. 1. In some
embodiments, detachable wireless charging clip 220 may be
configured in accordance with a wireless power transfer standard,
such as the Qi open interface standard developed by the Wireless
Power Consortium, which defines wireless power transfer using
inductive charging over distances of up to 4 cm (1.6 inches). In
accordance with this standard, when the charging clip 220 is
installed on the information handling system 210, an auxiliary
device may be placed on top of the charging clip 220. When DC input
power is supplied to the charging clip 220, e.g., by information
handing system 210, an internal battery in the auxiliary device may
be charged via resonant inductive coupling. Under the low-power Qi
specification, a wireless power module may deliver up to 5 W (e.g.,
to charge and/or power mobile devices), while under the
medium-power Qi specification, a wireless power module may deliver
up to 120 W (e.g., to charge and/or power larger devices, such as
displays and laptop computers).
[0058] In some cases, information handling system 210 may also be
configured to receive inductive power transferred to the
information handling system from detachable wireless charging clip
220. For example, in some embodiments, both the information
handling system 210 and the detachable wireless charging clip 220
may be configured in accordance with a wireless power transfer
standard, such as the Qi open interface standard for bilateral
charging.
[0059] FIG. 2B illustrates selected elements of the system
illustrated in FIG. 2A including portable computing device 210 and
installed detachable wireless charging clip 220. As illustrated in
FIG. 2B, the C-shaped detachable wireless charging clip 220 may be
installed over the front corner of the portable computing device
210 (e.g., in a palm rest region of base housing portion 214) by
sliding the charging clip over the front edge of the base housing
portion 214. Installing the charging clip may include aligning an
input power connector of the detachable wireless charging clip 220
with a corresponding output power connector on the front edge of
the base housing portion 214 (not shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) and
coupling the connectors to each other for supplying power from
information handling system 210 to detachable wireless charging
clip 220. Once the detachable wireless charging clip 220 has been
installed on portable computing device 210, an auxiliary device may
be placed on top of portable computing device 210 for wireless
charging.
[0060] FIG. 2C illustrates selected elements of an embodiment of
the system illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B including portable
computing device 210 and an installed detachable wireless charging
clip 220 that is being used to charge an auxiliary device 230. In
some embodiments, the auxiliary device 230 may be similar to
auxiliary device 176 illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG.
2C, the C-shaped detachable wireless charging clip 220 is installed
over the front corner of the portable computing device 210 and the
auxiliary device 230, which may be a smart phone or other personal
mobile device, has been placed on top of detachable wireless
charging clip 220 for charging via resonant inductive coupling.
Note that, while FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an embodiment in which a
C-shaped detachable wireless charging clip is installed at a front
edge of a base housing portion of a portable computing device, in
other embodiments, a C-shaped detachable wireless charging clip may
be installed on a different side or in a different position on the
base housing portion at which an input power connector on the
charging clip can be coupled to a corresponding output power
connector on the computing device. In still other embodiments, a
C-shaped detachable wireless charging clip may be installed in any
position and on any suitable housing portion of an information
handling system at which an input power connector on the charging
clip can be coupled to a corresponding output power connector on
the information handling system.
[0061] In some cases, a user may, after installing a C-shaped
detachable wireless charging clip such at that illustrated in FIGS.
2A-2C on an information handling system, elect to leave the
detachable wireless charging clip installed permanently, for some
period of time, or until and unless conditions warrant its removal,
such as if it is to be replaced with another detachable wireless
charging clip or other device. For example, if the installed
detachable wireless charging clip does not interfere with the
user's workflow, the user may refrain from detaching the charging
clip between charging sessions. In other cases, a user may elect to
detach the charging clip between at least some charging sessions.
In some embodiments, when the C-shaped charging clip is detached
from an information handling system on which it was previously
installed, it may be folded or flattened to reduce its height for
storage, packaging, or transporting. For example, in some
embodiments, the front edge of the top surface of the charging clip
may be coupled to the top edge of the front surface using a hinge
and the top surface may be rotated about the hinge to form a
triangular shape and reduce the height of the charging clip. In
some embodiments, a second hinge may be used to couple the front
edge of the bottom surface to the bottom edge of the front surface
and the bottom surface may be rotated about the hinge to flatten
the charging clip and further reduce its height.
[0062] FIG. 3 is an exploded view diagram illustrating selected
elements of a C-shaped detachable wireless charging clip 220,
according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 3, charging
clip 220 includes a cover 302. In some embodiments, cover 302 may
be made from an elastomer, such as an elastomer having a high
dielectric constant. In other embodiments, cover 302 may be made
from a ceramic fiber or glass, a thermoplastic, a renewable
material such as bamboo, a fabric, or in general, any material of
suitable strength that does not react with the flux stream of the
charging clip.
[0063] Charging clip 220 also includes a first surface 306 (which
may be referred to as the "top" surface) including an embedded
charging coil 304, and a second surface 310 (which may be referred
to as the "bottom" surface). In some embodiments, the charging coil
may be screen-printed (e.g., 3D printed) on surface 306. In some
embodiments, the charging coil may be constructed using multiple
graphene layers. Charging clip 220 also includes a ferrite sheet
308, which focuses the flux beam during wireless charging.
[0064] Charging clip 220 includes a charging printed circuit board
assembly (PCBA) 312 which is positioned on the inside of the
"spine" of charging clip 220 and including circuitry for charging a
device placed on the charging clip. PCBA 312 is attached to surface
306, which includes charging coil 304. For example, in at least
some embodiments, there are contacts on the underside of surface
306 that interface with the charging PCBA 312. PCBA 312 includes an
input power connector 322 to be coupled to a corresponding output
power connector on the information handling system into which
charging clip 220 is installed. In some embodiments, input power
connector 322 may include pogo pins or pads. In general, input
power connector 322 may include any type of plug or receptable
connector arrangement, in different embodiments. When charging clip
220 is installed on the information handling system, the charging
circuitry receives power from the system through input power
connector 322. An inner cover 314 overs PCBA 312 on the side of the
"spine" of charging clip 220 facing the information handling
system.
[0065] In some embodiments, charging clip 220, or PCBA 312, may
include a power conversion unit and an embedded power controller
(not shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the embedded power
controller may be coupled to the power conversion unit and may
implement communication and control functionality for charging clip
220. In some embodiments, coil 304 may include multiple coils. The
power conversion unit may be coupled to coil 304. In at least some
embodiments, coil 304 may provide and/or transmit one or more
magnetic fields. For example, one or more magnetic fields may be
powered via the power conversion unit. In one or more embodiments,
the power conversion unit and coil 304 may form and/or implement a
wireless power transmitter that may transmit power via one or more
magnetic fields. For example, coil 304 may be a primary or
transmitting coil that generates an oscillating magnetic field.
[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the detachable
charging clip 220 includes multiple ferrous plates 316 to
magnetically couple surface 306 to corresponding ferrous plates on
the information handling system when installed. Ferrous plates 316
serve to align and position charging clip 220 in the desired
position with respect to the information handling system and to
hold surface 306 snug and flat against the housing portion of the
system (e.g., a palm rest region) where it is installed. Additional
magnets 324 provide both a holding force and an alignment of the
"spine" of charging clip 220, along with PCBA 312 and inner cover
314, with respect to the side of the base housing portion of the
system on which charging clip 220 is installed. For example,
magnets 324 may be magnetically coupled to corresponding magnets on
the front or side of the base housing portion of the system to
align and position input power connector 322 with a corresponding
output power connector of the system when charging clip 220 is
installed in the system.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, charging clip 220 is
constructed using a spring-loaded sandwich type construction to
support some flexibility in the thickness of the base housing
portion of the information handling systems into which charging
clip 200 can be installed. For example, charging clip 220 includes
a hinge pin 318 and a torsion spring 320 that allow the charging
clip to conform to multiple types and models of information
handling systems.
[0068] In one or more embodiments, a pickup power unit and coil of
an auxiliary device that is charged by charging clip 220 may form
and/or implement a wireless power receiver that receives power via
one or more magnetic fields. For example, a coil of the auxiliary
device may be a secondary or receiving coil. The magnetic field
transmitted by coil 304 may induce an alternating current in the
coil of the auxiliary device by Faraday's law of induction. Close
spacing of the two coils, as well as shielding on their surfaces,
may ensure the inductive power transfer is efficient. For example,
these coils may typically be on the order of 5 mm apart. However,
the coils may be up to 40 mm apart, and possibly farther apart, in
some embodiments. In some embodiments, the coil of the auxiliary
device may be coupled to the power pickup unit, and the power
pickup unit may provide power to other components of the auxiliary
device for operation or for charging its internal battery. In some
embodiments, the coil of the auxiliary device may capture and/or
receive one or more magnetic fields and may provide voltage and
current from the one or more magnetic fields to the power pickup
unit. In some embodiments, the power pickup unit may provide
regulated voltage and/or current to other device components. In
some embodiments, regulation of the output voltage may be provided
by a digital control loop in which the receiver of the inductive
power (in this case, the auxiliary device) communicates with the
transmitter of the inductive power (in this case, charging clip
220) and requests more or less power. Communication may be
unidirectional from the power receiver to the power transmitter
using, for example, backscatter modulation.
[0069] While the charging clip illustrated in FIG. 3 is described
as including a multi-layer graphene coil, in other embodiments, a
detachable wireless charging clip may include a different type of
charging coil, such as a Litz wire coil, a flexible printed circuit
(FPC) coil, or another type of traditional charging coil. FIG. 4A
illustrates an alternate construction for the charging coil shown
in FIG. 3, according to some embodiments. In this example, charging
coil 400 is constructed using a Litz wire coil.
[0070] FIG. 4B illustrates an alternate connector for receiving
input power from an information handling system, according to some
embodiments. In this example, input power connector 450 is or
includes a USB Type-C connector.
[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates example positions for holding force and
alignment magnets on an information handling system onto which a
C-shaped detachable charging clip 220 is to be installed. In the
illustrated embodiment, portable computing device 210 is shown
including multiple magnets 502 in a palm rest region of the base
housing portion of computing device 210. When the charging clip is
installed in portable computing device 210, magnets 502 may be
magnetically coupled to ferrous plates 316 shown in FIG. 3, which
serve to align and position charging clip 220 in the desired
position with respect to the information handling system and to
hold surface 306 snug and flat against the palm rest region of the
base housing portion of computing device 210. Portable computing
device 210 also includes multiple magnets 506 on the front edge of
the base housing portion of portable computing device 210. Magnets
506 may be magnetically coupled to magnets 324 shown in FIG. 3,
which provide both a holding force and an alignment of the "spine"
of charging clip 220, along with PCBA 312 and inner cover 314, with
respect to the front side of the base housing portion of the system
on which charging clip 220 is installed. In this example, magnets
324 serve to align and position input power connector 322 with a
corresponding output power connector 504 on the front edge of
portable computing device 210 when charging clip 220 is installed
in the system.
[0072] While several example embodiments illustrated in the figures
and described above include a C-shaped detachable wireless charging
clip for installation on an edge of a base housing portion of a
portable computing device, in other embodiments, a C-shaped
detachable wireless charging clip may be installed in an
information handling system having a different footprint and/or
configuration. For example, a C-shaped detachable wireless charging
clip may be installed on an edge of a desktop computer, a tablet
device, a monitor or monitor stand, a dock or dock extension, a
2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination, or an all-in-one computer. In
still other embodiments, a detachable wireless charging clip may
have a shape other than a C-shape such as, for example, a diving
board shape. A charging surface of a detachable wireless charging
clip that has a diving board shape may be largely tucked under the
information handling system on which it is installed when not in
use and may be rotated about a hinged edge and repositioned to
extend outward from the information handling system so that an
auxiliary device can be placed on the charging surface for wireless
charging.
[0073] FIG. 6A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a detachable
wireless charging clip 620 having a diving board shape while
installed in portable computing device 210 and in a stowed position
and FIG. 6B illustrates the relative positions of selected elements
of the detachable wireless charging clip 620 shown in FIG. 6A while
the charging clip is installed in portable computing device 210 and
in the stowed position. In the illustrated embodiment, detachable
wireless charging clip 620 includes a charging surface 602 which
may be similar to surface 306 illustrated in FIG. 3 and include a
charging coil similar to charging coil 304. While the charging clip
620 is in the stowed position, charging surface 602 is positioned
underneath portable computing device 210 with its charging coil
side facing down toward the surface on which portable computing
device 210 is sitting. Charging clip 620 also includes a connector
portion 604 including an input power connector which is coupled to
a corresponding output power connector of portable computing device
210 (not shown) when the charging clip is installed on portable
computing device 210. One edge of charging surface 602 may be
coupled to the bottom edge of connector portion 604 using a hinge
(not shown). Charging clip 620 also includes an extension portion
606 which, while the charging clip is in the stowed position, is
positioned above charging surface 602 and underneath portable
computing device 210.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, detachable wireless charging
clip 620 includes two mating elements, shown as physical alignment
tabs 608, which may be used for aligning and positioning charging
clip 620 and its input power connector to the desired position on
the edge of portable computing device 210, i.e., the position in
which the input power connector can be coupled to the corresponding
output power connector when charging clip 620 is installed. In some
embodiments, one or more magnets may provide a holding force and/or
may provide alignment of these elements instead of, or in addition
to, physical alignment tabs 608. In the illustrated embodiment,
when the user wants to charge an auxiliary device, the charging
surface 602 may be rotated about the hinged edge between the
charging surface 602 and the connector portion 604 such that the
charging surface 602 is repositioned to extend outward from the
information handling system and flat against the surface on which
portable computing device 210 is sitting with the charging coil
side facing up. When charging clip 620 is in this charging (or
working) position, an auxiliary device can be placed on the
charging surface for wireless charging, as described herein.
[0075] FIG. 7A illustrates the detachable wireless charging clip
620 shown in FIG. 6A in the charging (or working) position and FIG.
7B illustrates the relative positions of selected elements of the
detachable wireless charging clip shown in FIG. 6A while in the
charging (or working) position. While the charging clip 620 is in
this position, charging surface 602 extends outward from the
information handling system and lies flat against the surface on
which portable computing device 210 is sitting with the charging
coil side facing up. When charging clip 620 is in this charging (or
working) position, an auxiliary device 230 can be placed on the
charging surface for wireless charging, as shown and described
herein. While the charging clip is in the charging (or working)
position, the extension portion 606 remains positioned underneath
portable computing device 210.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 8, selected elements of an embodiment
of method 800 for charging an auxiliary device using a detachable
wireless charging clip of an information handling system, as
described herein, are depicted in flowchart form. In certain
embodiments, method 800 may be performed using a detachable
wireless charging clip such as charging clips 175, 220, or 620
installed in an information handling system such as information
handling system 100 or portable computing device 210, as described
herein, to charge an auxiliary device such as auxiliary device 176
or 230. Method 800, or particular elements thereof, may be
performed repeatedly or continuously to charge various auxiliary
devices while the detachable wireless charging clip is installed on
the information handling system. It is noted that certain
operations described in method 800 may be optional or may be
rearranged in different embodiments.
[0077] Method 800 may begin, at 802, with beginning installation of
a detachable wireless charging clip on an information handling
system. The charging clip nay include a first surface comprising a
charging coil, a ferrite sheet positioned below the first surface,
and charging circuitry configured supply inductive power for
charging an auxiliary device, as described herein.
[0078] At 804, method 800 may include coupling an input power
connector of the detachable wireless charging clip through which
input power is to be received to a corresponding output power
connector of the information handling system. At 806, the method
may include aligning and coupling one or more mating elements of
the detachable wireless charging clip to respective mating elements
of the information handling system. In some embodiments, this may
include coupling multiple magnetic mating elements on each of one
or more surfaces of the charging clip, including the first surface,
to respective magnetic mating elements on one or more portions of
the housing of the information handling system, as described
herein. In some embodiments, this may include aligning one or more
physical alignment tabs on the charging clip with respective recess
elements on the information handling system, or vice versa, and
inserting the physical alignment tabs into the respective recess
elements.
[0079] At 808, if the detachable wireless charging clip has been
installed such that the first surface is in a stowed position,
method 800 may continue to 810. Otherwise, method 800 may proceed
to 812. At 810, the method may include re-positioning the first
surface of the detachable wireless charging clip in a charging
position. For example, the first surface may positioned underneath
the information handling system with the charging coil side facing
down when the charging clip is in the stowed position and may be
rotated about a hinge such that it extends outward and away from
the information handling system with the charging coil side facing
up when the changing slip is in the charging position.
[0080] At 812, method 800 may include supplying power to the
detachable wireless charging clip through the output power
connector of the information handling system and the input power
connector of the detachable wireless charging clip.
[0081] At 814, the method may include placing the auxiliary device
on top of the first surface to be charged via resonant inductive
coupling.
[0082] In at least some embodiments, method 800 may also include,
once the auxiliary device has been charged, detaching the wireless
charging clip from the information handling system, as in 816.
[0083] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
* * * * *
References