There is nothing complicated about wireless charging. We have been using electromagnetic induction for decades in various guises. Oral B began using it for electric toothbrushes in the 1990’s. Over the past five years, the technology rolled out in the phone industry too. In 2017, Apple ‘perfected’ charging multiple devices on a single mat. However, the system is still a pain because we can’t use the devices properly while doing so.
How Induction Achieves Wireless Charging
Induction chargers use inductive coils to create alternating electromagnetic fields within their charging bases. A second induction cell within the device needing charging receives the power, and converts it back into a form it can use. In other words, the same technology a transformer uses.
While these two electromagnetic coils are in a single housing in a normal transformer, wireless charging requires them to be in separate devices. The hunt has been on for a while to increase the distance between the two coils, with the end goal being able to charge a device that’s on the move like a smartwatch, and indeed a phone.
How Resonant Inductive Coupling Stretches Distance
Until very recently mobile devices had to rest on charging pads to recharge. Resonant inductive coupling stretches the distance by using near-field wireless transmission. Essentially, this involves transfer of electrical energy between two magnetically coupled coils. These are part of circuits tuned to resonate at the same frequency.
This technology is bringing us closer to the freedom of true wireless charging. That video we featured opened a tiny keyhole to peep through into the future. It cannot be long before our cars charge our devices without us even having to ask. We already have wi-fi almost everywhere we go.
Imagine charging wearables while dining in restaurants, and indeed wireless charging everywhere we go. Perhaps we need to factor in permissions. Imagine a smartphone unexpectedly overheating in our pocket while wireless charging.
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Preview Image: Wireless Charging
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/pp5j4vD3cgI
