US 12,476,497 B2
Wireless power systems with magnetic alignment systems
Matthew J Chabalko, Salinas, CA (US); and Zaki Moussaoui, San Carlos, CA (US)
Assigned to Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US)
Filed by Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US)
Filed on Apr. 27, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/731,094.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/213,923, filed on Jun. 23, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0416591 A1, Dec. 29, 2022
Int. Cl. H02J 50/90 (2016.01); H01F 7/02 (2006.01); H01R 13/62 (2006.01); H02J 50/00 (2016.01); H01F 38/14 (2006.01); H02J 7/00 (2006.01); H02J 50/10 (2016.01)
CPC H02J 50/90 (2016.02) [H01F 7/0247 (2013.01); H01R 13/6205 (2013.01); H02J 50/005 (2020.01); H01F 38/14 (2013.01); H02J 7/0042 (2013.01); H02J 7/0044 (2013.01); H02J 7/0045 (2013.01); H02J 50/10 (2016.02)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An electronic device operable to magnetically attach to a first device with a first magnetic alignment structure and to magnetically attach to a second device with a second magnetic alignment structure that is configured to magnetically attach to the first magnetic alignment structure, the electronic device comprising:
wireless power circuitry including a coil;
a reconfigurable magnetic alignment structure comprising a movable inner ring that surrounds the coil and a movable outer ring that surrounds the movable inner ring; and
a housing wall that overlaps the reconfigurable magnetic alignment structure, wherein the reconfigurable magnetic alignment structure is operable in:
1) a first mode in which the reconfigurable magnetic alignment structure is configured to magnetically attach to the first magnetic alignment structure, the housing wall is interposed between the reconfigurable magnetic alignment structure and the first device, the moveable inner ring is attracted by the first magnetic alignment structure towards the housing wall, and the moveable outer ring is repelled by the first magnetic alignment structure away from the housing wall; and
2) a second mode in which the reconfigurable magnetic alignment structure is configured to magnetically attach to the second magnetic alignment structure, the housing wall is interposed between the reconfigurable magnetic alignment structure and the second device, the moveable inner ring is repelled by the second magnetic alignment structure away from the housing wall, and the moveable outer ring is attracted by the second magnetic alignment structure towards the housing wall.