According to the latest update the United States Patent and Trademark office has released a new patent request from Apple on Thursday, March 14 which has exposed a Smart Cover that integrates an inductively charging system to power an iPad. With the Smart Cover, Apple is looking to charge the iPad without plugging it in traditionally. Given that the Smart Cover comprises of an inductive power transmitter that could be easily paired with an inductive power transceiver in the iPad. As a result of that users would be able to power their iPads with the Smart Cover. That works more like a wireless charging station because it connects with an external power source and allows users to charge their iPad in different positions. The Cupertino-based company also mentioned in the filing that the device could be used for “ambient power gathering devices, such as solar cells, can be used to gather ambient power (such as sunlight) to be stored internally in the flap for later inductive transfer.”
“A method for wireless powering a tablet device, comprising: determining if a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device; enabling a wireless power receiver circuit in the tablet device when it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device; and wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter associated with the protective cover.”
Apple explained that the revolutionary Smart Cover also includes various power transmitters that charge the iPad even when it is in use, for instance, like a stand to hold up the device. Also, the advance cover could charge the iPad in closed position or even when the tablet is placed over it:
“The method as recited in claim 10, the method further comprising: determining that the tablet device is positioned relative to a flat surface at a viewing angle; and enabling a second wireless power receiver circuit only when it is determined that the tablet device is in the portable mode and is positioned relative to the flat surface at the viewing angle and the tablet device is configured to present video by the display. An apparatus for wireless powering a tablet device, comprising: means for determining if a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device; means for enabling a wireless power receiver circuit in the tablet device when it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device; and means for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter associated with the protective cover.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, the tablet device further comprising; a battery; a display; and a sensor arranged to detect an external stimulus only when the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the display.”
The system explained in Apple’s patent application would be quite alike the wireless charging systems which are already available for sale. Recently Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller explained these wireless charging systems as “more complicated” in comparison to what his company is offering now:
As Schiller stated that, “the wireless charging systems still have to be plugged into the wall, so it’s not clear how much convenience they add. The widely-adopted USB cord, meanwhile, can charge in wall outlets, computers and even on airplanes. Having to create another device you have to plug into the wall is actually, for most situations, more complicated.”
Source: 9to5Mac
Photo: 9to5Mac
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