US 11,751,337 B2
Wireless power of in-mold electronics and the application within a vehicle
Alex W. Baker, Ostrander, OH (US); and Zainab I. Ali, Marysville, OH (US)
Assigned to HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Mar. 17, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/821,568.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/839,461, filed on Apr. 26, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2020/0343770 A1, Oct. 29, 2020
Int. Cl. H05K 3/28 (2006.01); H02J 50/12 (2016.01); F21S 43/14 (2018.01); H05K 1/16 (2006.01); H05K 1/18 (2006.01); B29C 45/14 (2006.01); B29L 31/34 (2006.01)
CPC H05K 3/284 (2013.01) [B29C 45/14336 (2013.01); F21S 43/14 (2018.01); H02J 50/12 (2016.02); H05K 1/165 (2013.01); H05K 1/181 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3425 (2013.01); H05K 2201/10106 (2013.01); H05K 2201/10151 (2013.01); H05K 2203/1316 (2013.01); H05K 2203/1327 (2013.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A functional component comprising:
a substrate;
a transmitter coil; and
a molded part that includes:
a thermoformed first film;
a molded polymeric structural layer arranged under the first film;
a thermoformed second film arranged under the structural layer; and
a printed electronic circuit arranged over the second film and adjacent the structural layer, the electronic circuit including a receiver coil that is inductively couplable to the transmitter coil to thereby wirelessly supply electric current to the electronic circuit by inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil;
wherein the first film is arranged to cover the structural layer, the second film, and the electronic circuit to thereby define an exposed surface of the molded part;
wherein the functional component does not include a mechanical electrical interface for making an external wired electrical connection with the electronic circuit;
wherein the transmitter coil arranged with respect to the molded part such that the receiver coil is inductively coupled to the transmitter coil;
wherein the transmitter coil is arranged on a side of the molded part opposite from the exposed surface;
wherein the transmitter coil is electrically connected to a power source;
wherein a delivery of power from the power source to the transmitter coil provides the supply of the electric current to the electronic circuit; and
wherein the transmitter coil is arranged in the substrate upon which the molded part is arranged.