Posted by
CmdrTaco
on from the now-thats-just-crazy dept.
Flibble writes "The BBC has a story about a uk startup offering a mat for charging all your portable devices via magnetic inductive power transfer. Is this the answer to cutting the mountain of chargers I have to carry all the time?" God wouldn't that be a dream come true?
This is definitly better then their first idea, which of course was the 'Jump-to-Conclusions' mat.
-- "I only speak the truth"
Karma: null(Mostly affected by an unassigned variable)
Sounds like a great idea....
by
Randolpho
·
· Score: 3, Funny
... until everyone's head explodes from all the radiation.;)
-- "Times have not become more violent. They have just become more televised." -Marilyn Manson
Re:Sounds like a great idea....
by
Zathrus
·
· Score: 4, Informative
Well that's not likely, but people with pacemakers are likely to fall over dead if they get too close to one of these mats.
Pacemaker + powerful EM field = powerful EM field + corpse.
I have no idea how close too close would be though...
Re:Sounds like a great idea....
by
TummyX
·
· Score: 3, Informative
Um. Hate to tell you this but that monitor you're sitting infront of has an EMF and so does the planet you're sitting on.
Re:Sounds like a great idea....
by
hurtta
·
· Score: 5, Informative
... until everyone's head explodes from all the radiation.;)
magnetism has not yet been directly related to radiation poisioning
Well, also light is radiation.
radiation is not necessary same than radioactive
variable magnetic field ->
variable electrical field
== this (combination) is electro-magnetic radiation
How about micro wave oven?
However; energy levels are probably LOT smaller
Re:Sounds like a great idea....
by
Randolpho
·
· Score: 4, Funny
What? OMG!
Turns off compu-
-- "Times have not become more violent. They have just become more televised." -Marilyn Manson
Re:Sounds like a great idea....
by
sfe_software
·
· Score: 4, Informative
... until everyone's head explodes from all the radiation.;)
I know you meant this in humor, but all this basically does is take a standard AC power transformer, and split it into two parts. The "primary" coil is in the charger unit, while the "secondary" coil is in the unit itself. Placing the two cores close to each other will complete the transformer.
I think it's great. If everyone can standardize on the specs, we can have a single charger for many items. Imagine only having to buy one car charger for all (most) of your portable devices.
This would NOT be a good idea for something that is magnetically sensitive, as it would effectively erase floppy/hard disks, cassette tapes, etc...
The "radiation" would be the same that you'd get from any standard "wall wart" plug-in transformer.
Sounds great, but I wonder how slow the charge time is and how compatible it is.
-- I never liked you
Re:Sounds Great
by
plover
·
· Score: 4, Insightful
Actually, I'm wondering if retrofit kits will be available for existing equipment, such as a stickyback pad with a couple of solderable wires or some such. Those of us with old cell phones that are already out of warranty, or are not afraid to void our warranties, would love to use this.
Hey, another patentable feature: put the receiver in a Bluetooth mouse and use the charging pad as a mouse pad. Never EVER needs ANYTHING.
The cool thing is that "compatible" should be a non-issue. Each receiver will probably be fitted with an appropriately valued voltage regulator. The field produced by the mat won't have a "voltage" per se, but rather a "field strength." The receiver side will convert that to a voltage which will then be regulated as needed.
Hmm. I wonder if it'll even make a difference if the pad gets 120 or 220 volts?
-- John
Dumb Question
by
boatboy
·
· Score: 5, Interesting
OK, Dumb Question:
Why doesn't it short out easily?
Re:Dumb Question
by
Anonymous Coward
·
· Score: 3, Informative
Duh! There are no exposed wires TO short out! The mat sets up an alternating magnetic field and the device being recharged converts that magnetic field back into whatever voltage it needs for its batteries. It's an over-glorified transformer without an iron core!
Re:Dumb Question
by
cdrudge
·
· Score: 4, Informative
Um...not quite sure what you are asking. There is nothing to short out...well, actually there is internally, but you just lay your device on it and it charges it inductively assuming that you have the SplashModule "receiver" inside your device to "receive wireless power".
Are you confusing conductive with inductive? Inductive is using EMF to transfer the power. I'm starting to see more and more things use inductive recharging systems. I've had a razor that used it as well as many electric cars use it I believe.
Re:Dumb Question
by
Glen+Ponda
·
· Score: 4, Funny
OK, Dumb Question: Why doesn't it short out easily?
Uh, it like, uses technology, or something.
Re:Dumb Question
by
AlecC
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· Score: 4, Insightful
There is no electrical contact *to* short out. It is using magnetism, not electicity. Pad generates alternating magnetic field above its surface. Put coil tuned to same frequency in field. Conductor in changing magnetic field generates current, so AC generated. Add rectifier, DC generated. I can see that the add-on to the mobile device will be cheap - a coil and 4 diodes. This could work.
One non-green point: How much power is dissipated with no devices on it, or with fully charged devices? But then, how much power is dissipated by plugged in "wall warts".
-- Consciousness is an illusion caused by an excess of self consciousness.
Re:Dumb Question
by
Smallpond
·
· Score: 4, Interesting
Not a dumb question. Magnetic circuits can be shorted just like electrical circuits. In fact, proximity sensors work because any metallic object absorbs enough energy to be detectable by its electronics. In this case, I assume they have done their homework and made the energy field low enough not to fry your hand if you are wearing a wedding ring, say.
Re:Dumb Question
by
brakk
·
· Score: 3, Informative
The principal is the same thing that makes the current charger for your phone or power supply for your laptop work. They all have a transformer inside to step down the voltage coming from the wall. 110VAC goes through one coil in the transformer which is held close to another coil that is wrapped different so you get a lower AC voltage out the other side. There is no electrical connection, but since it's AC power, it creates a magnetic field that is picked up by the second coil. Then, it's just run through a rectifier and a filter to convert it to DC voltage to plug into your phone.
This is also the same concept that makes security badges at the last two companies I've worked for function. You get a sealed plastic badge that you just hold up next to (within about 5 inches) a "block" on the wall and it reads the data off it. The badge doesn't have a battery in it but is still able to transmit and never runs down. It works because the "block" is transmitting a low frequency radiation that is picked up by a coil in the badge which supplies power to it. That activates the circuit built into it (that has a number hard coded into it) and a tiny radio transmitter that transmits the number back to the "block" on a higher frequency. Both the badge and the "block" are encased in plastic and have no electrical connection to each other.
Still, I wonder if this "pad" comes with a warning not to leave credit cards, etc. near it?
If you'd taken the time to read the article, you'd have seen that it says that the pad "...will not even wipe credit cards if you accidentally put one on the pad".
Al.
-- The Daily ACK - Eclectic posts by yet another hacker
Please please please
by
91degrees
·
· Score: 5, Insightful
Make these things standard! I an really annoyed by the dozen different types of connectors, 5 different voltage levels, and 2 possible polarities. I want one PSU that can recharge everything.
Works for my toothbrush, why not?
by
Enry
·
· Score: 5, Informative
Sonicare toothbrushes (teethbrushes?) can already do this, and there are a few other bathroom-type things (elec. razors) that have this capability. This allows the items themselves to be sealed, so you can drop it in the sink, etc. without destroying it.
Re:Works for my toothbrush, why not?
by
cswiii
·
· Score: 4, Funny
Oh, we all know that/.'ers never leave the computer anyway... so why not just use a USB toothbrush instead?
The article actually addresses this very issue. Using actual words. They were in English too, amazingly, so that anyone who read the/. article could also read those informative little squiggles.
I've been waiting for something like this since I was in my Physics lab class playing with magnets flux and copper coil.
If true this could be awesome:)
Wouldnt there be a problem with devices with magnetic drives though? I'm guessing either those devices have to be shielded, or they have to be devices not using magnetic drives (say compactflash cards, or optical drives...) ?
--
.... int main (void) {... }
Finally, the future is here
by
Harald+Paulsen
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· Score: 3, Insightful
One step closer to eliminating all those wires clogging up my desk. A laptop-PSU, a cell-charger, a charger for my Jornada 720, a charger for my wireless mouse. All could be replaced by a mat.
Along these lines...
by
xXunderdogXx
·
· Score: 4, Interesting
One thing I always dreamed about when I was studying EM radiation in first year chemistry was how awesome it would be to somehow grab power out of directed EM radiation. Just imagine all the useful things that would come out of such a technology:
No more power lines
No more batteries
Completely wireless monitors (without recharging)
On a side note, I've always wanted wireless headphones that could be used for a walkman. So you'd just have to put tiny earbuds in your ears and leave your mobile audio device in your pocket.. I always figured this isn't feasible because of the power requirements.
Re:Along these lines...
by
eXtro
·
· Score: 4, Informative
Just put your Palm Pilot in the microwave for 30 seconds. Works for me.
Oh wait - I didn't say turn it on!
It Works for Great Toothbrushes
by
Schlemphfer
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· Score: 4, Interesting
I bought an Interplak toothbrush about five years ago, that I think uses the same kind of technology seen here. It worked great, and I was able to use that toothbrush every day until I dropped it on the floor last week. This kind of charging solution is ideal for something like a toothbrush, which is likely to get wet and be a supreme electrocution hazard if plugged directly into a wall.
Anyway, this technology worked so well that I'd think this is almost an obvious idea for recharging electronic items, especially if it's not going to screw up hard drives and electronic media. So the question is, why haven't other companies taken this technology beyond toothbrushes?
Overall, I was disappointed by the BBC article. It would have been great if the author had sought out an EE authority, and had her/him mention the disadvantages of this charging approach. I have a feeling that this charging solution is likely incredibly wasteful of electricity. But maybe this waste doesn't matter much if you're talking about minor charging needs like cellphones. Anyway, surely there's somebody on here with a EE background who can speak to whatever shortcomings are inherent in this technology.
-- I'm generally "Interesting," "Insightful," and even "Funny" here. What the hell happens to me at parties?
Integrate this with seat warmers
by
FuzzyDaddy
·
· Score: 4, Funny
Volvo's come with seat warmers. Add one of these, and charge your cell phone as you drive!
Of course, as long as you don't mind putting your future progeny's genetic material on and induction coil...
Hmm. Nevermind.
-- It's not wasting time, I'm educating myself.
Similar Product
by
johnkoer
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· Score: 5, Informative
Re:What would this do to portable fuel cells?
by
Oculus+Habent
·
· Score: 4, Informative
I'd be much happier carrying around ink cartridge (pen, not printer) sized plastic tubes of alcohol or hydrogen, as long as there are standard sizes. We've had AA, AAA, C, D and more for decades. I inderstand that portable devicees have their own special shape issues, but a single style of fuel cell would be a huge help.
-- That what was all this school was for... to teach us how to solve our own problems. -- janeowit
Why not just build this into the carpeting?
by
BreadMan
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· Score: 3, Funny
Then you could get conductive shoes, socks, pants and just charge the devices as you carry them around! You'd be sterile, but that's a _small_ price to pay for not having to cradle your phone.
Re:Why not just build this into the carpeting?
by
Quill_28
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· Score: 4, Funny
> You'd be sterile
And that would matter around here why?
Just a joke. Move along.
Re:Are you watching USPTO?
by
kenthorvath
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· Score: 5, Insightful
Excuse me, but I think there is definately a PRIOR art on induction. Or believe me - there definately would be patents and a lot of other hoopla. On a side note, my electric toothbrush has been charging wirelessly for about two years now. This is news?
Six months in the future.....
by
hplasm
·
· Score: 4, Funny
"Aargh! My charging mat has attracted the steel plate in my skull! Someone get this thing off of me!!!"
-- ...and he grinned, like a fox eating shit out of a wire brush.
You can also use it as a kind of "holistic mousepad". Improves tracking and cures wrist pain at the same time.
-- ---
What?
The barrier isn't technological...
by
cgenman
·
· Score: 3, Interesting
Is this the answer to cutting the mountain of chargers I have to carry all the time?" God wouldn't that be a dream come true?
The reason there are so many different chargers is intentional incompatibility. Splash Charge themselves shows evidence of this, as they intend to charge "between 25 and 50 dollars" when this ships. How much does a replacement AC adapter cost you? About 10 - 20 dollars in a normal device. How much does it cost the company? Pennies.
Besides voltage settings (12 volts would be pretty even), there is no reason why device manufacturers couldn't have standardized on an 4-mm sized center positive 1.0 Amp plug by now. The ability to charge multiple devices at once is interesting, though one has to wonder how strong such a device could be with a reasonably sized wall wart.
The technology is very cool and I look forward to using it someday. But I expect once that day comes, it will be a propreitary charging pad, able to fit only a specific device thanks to some unnecessary plastic tabs.
Slashdot Mirror
This is definitly better then their first idea, which of course was the 'Jump-to-Conclusions' mat.
"I only speak the truth"
Karma: null(Mostly affected by an unassigned variable)
... until everyone's head explodes from all the radiation. ;)
"Times have not become more violent. They have just become more televised."
-Marilyn Manson
Sounds great, but I wonder how slow the charge time is and how compatible it is.
I never liked you
OK, Dumb Question: Why doesn't it short out easily?
Still, I wonder if this "pad" comes with a warning not to leave credit cards, etc. near it?
If you'd taken the time to read the article, you'd have seen that it says that the pad "...will not even wipe credit cards if you accidentally put one on the pad".
Al.The Daily ACK - Eclectic posts by yet another hacker
Make these things standard! I an really annoyed by the dozen different types of connectors, 5 different voltage levels, and 2 possible polarities. I want one PSU that can recharge everything.
Sonicare toothbrushes (teethbrushes?) can already do this, and there are a few other bathroom-type things (elec. razors) that have this capability. This allows the items themselves to be sealed, so you can drop it in the sink, etc. without destroying it.
The article actually addresses this very issue. /. article
Using actual words. They were in English too,
amazingly, so that anyone who read the
could also read those informative little squiggles.
-I like my women like I like my tea: green-
If it is strong enough to charge power sources through the case, wouldn't the plate in my head cause me to be stuck to the thing?
"I'm just here to regulate funkiness."
I've been waiting for something like this since I was in my Physics lab class playing with magnets flux and copper coil.
:)
If true this could be awesome
Wouldnt there be a problem with devices with magnetic drives though? I'm guessing either those devices have to be shielded, or they have to be devices not using magnetic drives (say compactflash cards, or optical drives...) ?
.... ... }
int main (void) {
One step closer to eliminating all those wires clogging up my desk. A laptop-PSU, a cell-charger, a charger for my Jornada 720, a charger for my wireless mouse. All could be replaced by a mat.
I imagine this would be useful in a car as well.
Harald
I've had one of these for a tablet PC for over 10 years now. Toshiba released one for doctors for their tablet PC's back in the mid 90's
Got it with an auction I won that had 20 of those 486 tablet Pc's that used wacom tablets behind the screens for the pointer. Neat device.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Charging by magnetic induction. They say, "like magic or something"... Har har. Kinda cool:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/5cf5/
(I'm not trying to sell you these, I'm not affiliated with ThinkGeek, yadda yadda...)
-- Bander
What we need more of is science!
- No more power lines
- No more batteries
- Completely wireless monitors (without recharging)
On a side note, I've always wanted wireless headphones that could be used for a walkman. So you'd just have to put tiny earbuds in your ears and leave your mobile audio device in your pocket.. I always figured this isn't feasible because of the power requirements.Just put your Palm Pilot in the microwave for 30 seconds. Works for me.
Oh wait - I didn't say turn it on!
Anyway, this technology worked so well that I'd think this is almost an obvious idea for recharging electronic items, especially if it's not going to screw up hard drives and electronic media. So the question is, why haven't other companies taken this technology beyond toothbrushes?
Overall, I was disappointed by the BBC article. It would have been great if the author had sought out an EE authority, and had her/him mention the disadvantages of this charging approach. I have a feeling that this charging solution is likely incredibly wasteful of electricity. But maybe this waste doesn't matter much if you're talking about minor charging needs like cellphones. Anyway, surely there's somebody on here with a EE background who can speak to whatever shortcomings are inherent in this technology.
I'm generally "Interesting," "Insightful," and even "Funny" here. What the hell happens to me at parties?
Of course, as long as you don't mind putting your future progeny's genetic material on and induction coil...
Hmm. Nevermind.
It's not wasting time, I'm educating myself.
MobileWise has a similar product.
I saw both of these reviewed on TechTV because they were at the CES show a couple of months back.
They seem pretty cool but I really do not want to see the pricetag.
Johnkoerner.com
I'd be much happier carrying around ink cartridge (pen, not printer) sized plastic tubes of alcohol or hydrogen, as long as there are standard sizes. We've had AA, AAA, C, D and more for decades. I inderstand that portable devicees have their own special shape issues, but a single style of fuel cell would be a huge help.
Motorola developed an alcohol-based battery replacement in early 2000, but no word since then.
That what was all this school was for... to teach us how to solve our own problems. -- janeowit
Then you could get conductive shoes, socks, pants and just charge the devices as you carry them around! You'd be sterile, but that's a _small_ price to pay for not having to cradle your phone.
Excuse me, but I think there is definately a PRIOR art on induction. Or believe me - there definately would be patents and a lot of other hoopla. On a side note, my electric toothbrush has been charging wirelessly for about two years now. This is news?
"Aargh! My charging mat has attracted the steel plate in my skull! Someone get this thing off of me!!!"
...and he grinned, like a fox eating shit out of a wire brush.
You can also use it as a kind of "holistic mousepad". Improves tracking and cures wrist pain at the same time.
--- What?
Is this the answer to cutting the mountain of chargers I have to carry all the time?" God wouldn't that be a dream come true?
The reason there are so many different chargers is intentional incompatibility. Splash Charge themselves shows evidence of this, as they intend to charge "between 25 and 50 dollars" when this ships. How much does a replacement AC adapter cost you? About 10 - 20 dollars in a normal device. How much does it cost the company? Pennies.
Besides voltage settings (12 volts would be pretty even), there is no reason why device manufacturers couldn't have standardized on an 4-mm sized center positive 1.0 Amp plug by now. The ability to charge multiple devices at once is interesting, though one has to wonder how strong such a device could be with a reasonably sized wall wart.
The technology is very cool and I look forward to using it someday. But I expect once that day comes, it will be a propreitary charging pad, able to fit only a specific device thanks to some unnecessary plastic tabs.
The ______ Agenda
Is that why laptops have an external transformer "brick", or is that just for convenience?
"I assumed blithely that there were no elves out there in the darkness"