Many mobile phones already no longer require a cable for the power supply. You put corresponding smartphones on Qi charging stations – that’s it. It could be even more accessible in the future. Xiaomi is working on an energy supply by noise.
“Be silent. Else, my mobile will not receive the power!” – what (still) sounds ridiculous could finally become a truth with Xiaomi devices. In a patent, the Chinese company describes technologies that enable power transmission via sound waves. In addition to smartphones, other gadgets should also benefit from the new power supply. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has awarded Xiaomi the patent.
Energy transmitted by sound waves
The noise charger consists of various components. These include, among other things, a receiver for the incoming sound waves, an energy storage system, and complex electronics. One of the core functions of the charging adapter is the conversion of sound energy to electrical energy, which in turn supplies the connected smartphone with power. This is done in several steps.
According to the patent description, the sound-based Xiaomi charger first receives the required sound waves and converts them into mechanical vibrations in the next stage. As a result, electrical energy is generated. Since the Xiaomi device can develop energy through received sounds and store it, the cordless device works similarly to a power bank.
Early-stage of development
As with many patents, the technology described by Xiaomi is also in an earlier stage of development. Therefore, it is not yet possible to say when relevant hardware will appear – or whether it will ever be launched on the market at all. However, it is expected that at least several years will pass before the sound wave charging method is ready for the market.
In any case, the technology would be a revolution for smartphones and co., as it would open up entirely new application possibilities. Likewise, the ease of use would be higher compared to wireless charging. You would not need a cable or a charging station to charge the battery of your mobile phone. Only a suitable charging device would have to be in audible proximity.