By: Deborah Johnson Wood
The wireless charging technology developed by Ada-based Fulton Innovation could soon be part of household technology. Texas Instruments plans to commit the technology to computer chip sets for other manufacturers to install in cell phones, MP3 players and laptops that could hit the market this year.
eCoupled technology eliminates the need for cords and battery-charging adaptors for virtually any electronic device. A special charging plate embedded in, say, the surface of a desk will charge devices equipped with the technology. In addition, the eCoupled “knows” how much charge a device needs and will automatically stop sending power to the device.
The first products on the market will require a special battery pack or charging accessory. Eventually manufacturers will embed the technology in desks, entertainment centers, kitchen countertops, car consoles and other places where electronic devices are commonly used.
“The technology will be part of battery components of cell phones early next year,” says Bret Lewis, director of Fulton Innovation. “It would be integrated in circuit boards by 2010 and beyond. We’re making a skin for a Blackberry or cell phone that this could be embedded in without adding length or width to the device.”
Cell phones, cameras, laptops, even cordless power tools could all use the same charging surface—simply set the devices on the surface and they’ll charge to the proper level. Or carry the charging surface in a handbag or briefcase to power up on the go.
To date, Fulton Innovation has some 300 patents or patents in-process on the technology components.
eCoupled began as a wireless power solution for the eSpring Water Treatment System produced by Amway, Fulton Innovation’s parent company. Since introducing the technology seven years ago, Amway has sold over 1.5 million eSpring units in 37 countries, accounting for over $1 billion dollars in revenue.
Source: Bret Lewis, Fulton Innovation; David Greiner, ContextMG
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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