Taking wireless technology by storm, wireless charging devices are inevitably becoming the conventional norm in the not-too-distant future. Unlike conventional charging methods that involve wired tethers, wireless charging requires you to put gadgets like smartphones directly on a surface or within range of a charging station to replenish battery life. Though innovative, wireless charging is in its infancy and has a number of flaws, which serve as reminders that this brand of technology still has ways to go before being perfected.
There are two types of wireless charging currently in existence. Conductive charging typically uses a flat surface, like a charging pad containing a conductive panel that connects to similar conductive material through the presence of an accessory on the device being charged. Conductive chargers require a physical connection between the gadget’s battery and flat surface for the charging to actually occur. This process thwarts concerns regarding radiation exposure and electrocution since the charging mat needs to recognize a device before beginning.
Inductive charging comes out of a charging station containing an induction coil, which produces a magnetic field, transferring energy to the induction coil that the device being charged will also contain. The device being charged will convert energy from the magnetic field back to an electric current to replenish battery life. One of the issues inductive charging has that conductive doesn’t is the factoring of distance into the equation, since a device won’t be amply charged if it’s too far from the charging station. However, unlike conductive charging stations, a physical connection between the power source and device isn’t required.
Both methods of charging have their fair share of shortcomings that developers need to address moving forward. Mobility of a device while charging tops this list, since a device on a conductive charger can’t be physically separated from the charging mat, while devices on an inductive charger (as previously mentioned) can’t leave a specific range. You can’t even use your device while it’s on a conductive charger, since that physical connection is necessary for battery life to be replenished. While conventional wired tether chargers have this issue, the length of the cord provides some mobile flexibility without affecting the battery’s recharge.
For anyone seeking a cheaper, time-efficient method of recharging their electronics, wireless charging possesses some inconsistencies in that regard. In the case of inductive chargers, the dual-conversion process of electricity loses power during the conversion and transfer of energy from the charger to the device (almost like a very leaky pipe transporting water). This also raises concern about radiation exposure, despite there being no documented instances of people being affected by radiation exposure from inductive chargers, not to mention the amount these devices give off is very miniscule. Due to this brand of charging technology being in its infancy, these devices need more parts and have more elaborate compositions than parts of today’s standard batteries, resulting in high prices for consumers.
Lastly, there’s the reliability aspect of wireless charging that poses another inconvenience in terms of efficiency. Especially in cases with conductive chargers, you need to place your device at a very specific angle or position on a charging surface for the connection to be applied, which may result in wasting chunks of unnecessary time finding that sweet spot. Throw in the fact that these wireless chargers can only charge one device at a time, it truly puts into perspective how much work needs to be done on this technological front before it comes close to being perfected.
