BACKGROUND

[0001] Wireless power transfer is the transmission of electrical power from a power source to a consuming device, all without using solid wires or conductors. Wireless transmission includes the ability to power electrical devices by a number of different power transmission technologies that use electromagnetic fields. In wireless power transfer, a transmitter device connected to a power source generally transmits power by electromagnetic fields across an intervening space to receiver devices, where it is then converted back to electric power & utilized. As an example, the effective charging area or wireless range for powering receiver devices may be limited to the dimensions of the transmitter device itself. As a result, the ability to transmit power wirelessly to a number of receiver devices may be limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates a system including a stand to accommodate a number of receiver devices within a wireless range or effective charging area of a transmitter, according to an example;

[0003] FIGs. 2A-B illustrate example views of receiver devices accommodated by the stand, all within the effective charging area of the transmitter; and

[0004] FIGs. 3A-B illustrate a stand to accommodate a number of receiver devices above and below a wireless range or effective charging area of a transmitter, according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] Examples disclosed herein provide a solution to transmit power wirelessly to multiple receiver devices disposed within the effective charging area of a transmitter device. As an example, in addition to a two dimensional region of the effective charging area, the solution described herein allows receiver devices to wirelessly receive power from the transmitter device in a three dimensional area as well. As certain wireless charging protocols may extend the effective charging area beyond the area directly above the two dimensions of the transmitter device, a number of receiver devices may simultaneously receive power wirelessly from the transmitter device, allowing, for example, the ability to charge all the receiver devices at the same time.

[0006] With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 including a stand 104 to accommodate a number of receiver devices within a wireless range or effective charging area of a transmitter 102, according to an example. As illustrated, the transmitter 102 may be disposed within a mat 101. However, the placement of the transmitter 102 with respect to the system 100 may vary, as will be further described.

[0007] As an example, the stand 104 includes a raised platform 106 to support a number of the receiver devices. Similarly, an area 108 below the raised platform 106 may accommodate an additional number of the receiver devices within the wireless range of the transmitter. As certain wireless charging protocols may extend the effective charging area beyond the area directly above the two dimensions of the transmitter 102, the raised platform 106 of the stand 104 may allow devices disposed on the raised platform 106 to wirelessly receive power via the transmitter 102, in addition to the receiver devices disposed within the area 108 below the raised platform 106. As an example, the wireless charging protocol of the transmitter 102 may extend the Z range of the effective charging area from 4-5 mm to around 50 mm above the transmitter 102. As a result, the height of the raised platform 106 may be within this extended Z range. As an example, the transmitter 102 is tunable to extend or decrease the wireless range of the transmitter 102.

[0008] FIGs. 2A-B illustrate example views of receiver devices 1 10 accommodated by the stand 104, all within the effective charging area of the transmitter 102. As illustrated, a larger receiver device 110 supported by the raised platform 106 may be lifted in Z a few millimeters just above the surface of the mat 101 , while staying within the wireless range of the transmitter 102. In addition, the stand 104 makes it possible for smaller devices, like tablets and cell phones, to slide under the stand 104 and also be within the effective charging area or wireless range of the transmitter 102. Although FIG. 2A illustrates a larger receiver device 110 supported by the raised platform 106, and smaller receiver devices 1 10 in the area 108 below the raised platform 106, the arrangement of the devices 110 may vary from what is illustrated.

[0009] In order for the transmitter 102 to wirelessly charge the receiver devices 1 10, each device 110 may include a receiver (not illustrated) disposed within each of the devices 110 to convert the electromagnetic fields from the transmitter 102 back to electric power and utilized by each receiver device 110 (e.g., for charging). As the receiver disposed within each device 1 10 needs to be within the effective charging area of the transmitter 102 in order to wirelessly power the device 1 10, the stand 104 allows for the receivers of each device 110 to be within the effective charging area.

[0010] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2A-B, the stand 104 may be disposed above the transmitter 102. As a result, any receiver devices 110 accommodated by the stand 104 above the transmitter 102 may be wirelessly powered by the transmitter 102. However, as an example, in addition to wirelessly powering receiver devices 110 disposed above the transmitter 102, the transmitter 102 may also have the capability to wirelessly power receiver devices 110 disposed below the transmitter 102, as will be further described.

[0011] FIGs. 3A-B illustrate a stand 300 to accommodate a number of receiver devices 110 above and below a wireless range or effective charging area of a transmitter 302, according to an example. By disposing the transmitter 302 within a raised platform 304 of the stand 300, the transmitter 302 may have the capability to wirelessly power receiver devices 110 disposed in an area 308 below the raised platform 304 and an area 310 above the raised platform 304, and other receiver devices 110 supported by an additional tier 306 above the raised platform 304, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Compared to the stand 104 in FIGs. 2A-B, the additional tier 306 of stand 300 may allow for additional receiver devices 110 to be powered by the transmitter 302. This is made possible, as the transmitter 302 may have the capability to wirelessly power receiver devices 110 disposed both above and below the transmitter 302. As mentioned above, the transmitter 302 may also be tunable to extend or decrease the wireless range of the transmitter 302. As an example, the wireless range of the transmitter 302 may determine the size of the area 308 and area 310. [0012] It is appreciated that examples described may include various components and features. It is also appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it is appreciated that the examples may be practiced without limitations to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the examples. Also, the examples may be used in combination with each other.

[0013] Reference in the specification to "an example" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example, but not necessarily in other examples. The various instances of the phrase "in one example" or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example.

[0014] It is appreciated that the previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.