Inductive interconnection system

Abstract

Embodiments describe a receiving element that includes a ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the ferromagnetic structure. The ferromagnetic structure includes a groove region defining two end regions on opposing sides of the groove region, where the groove region has a smaller length than the two end regions. The receiving element also includes an inductor coil wound about the groove region of the ferromagnetic structure and in between the two end regions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A receiving element, comprising:
 a ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the ferromagnetic structure, the ferromagnetic structure comprising a groove region defining two end regions on opposing sides of the groove region, wherein the groove region has a smaller length than the two end regions; and   an inductor coil wound about the groove region of the ferromagnetic structure and in between the two end regions.   
     
     
         2 . The receiving element of  claim 1 , further comprising a channel disposed along the central axis. 
     
     
         3 . The receiving element of  claim 1 , wherein the ferromagnetic structure is in the shape of a cylinder. 
     
     
         4 . The receiving element of  claim 1 , wherein the end regions are configured to direct propagation of magnetic flux toward a transmitting element. 
     
     
         5 . The receiving element of  claim 1 , wherein the ferromagnetic structure further comprises sidewalls that extend a distance equal to or greater than a thickness of the inductor coil. 
     
     
         6 . The receiving element of  claim 5 , wherein the sidewalls are positioned between the groove region and the two end regions. 
     
     
         7 . An inductive interconnection system, comprising:
 a transmitting element comprising:
 a transmitting ferromagnetic structure having a transmitting groove region defining two transmitting end regions disposed on opposing sides of the transmitting groove region, wherein the transmitting groove region has a smaller length than the two transmitting end regions; and 
 a transmitting inductor coil wound about the transmitting groove region of the transmitting ferromagnetic structure and in between the two transmitting end regions, the transmitting inductor coil configured to generate time-varying magnetic flux through the transmitting ferromagnetic structure; and 
   a receiving element, comprising:
 a receiving ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the receiving ferromagnetic structure, the receiving ferromagnetic structure comprising a receiving groove region defining two receiving end regions on opposing sides of the receiving groove region, wherein the receiving groove region has a smaller length than the two receiving end regions; and 
 a receiving inductor coil wound about the receiving groove region of the receiving ferromagnetic structure and in between the two receiving end regions, the receiving inductor coil configured to receive a current induced by the time-varying magnetic flux. 
   
     
     
         8 . The inductive interconnection system of  claim 7 , wherein the transmitting end regions each include respective transmitting interfacing surfaces that face toward the receiving element, and wherein the receiving end regions each include respective receiving interfacing surfaces that face toward the transmitting element. 
     
     
         9 . The inductive interconnection system of  claim 8 , wherein the transmitting interfacing surfaces face toward at least a portion of the receiving interfacing surfaces. 
     
     
         10 . The inductive interconnection system of  claim 8 , wherein the receiving interfacing surfaces are axially symmetrical around the central axis. 
     
     
         11 . The inductive interconnection system of  claim 7 , further comprising a channel disposed along the central axis. 
     
     
         12 . The inductive interconnection system of  claim 7 , wherein the receiving ferromagnetic structure is in the shape of a cylinder. 
     
     
         13 . A stylus for inputting data into a host device, the stylus comprising:
 a cylindrical housing;   power receiving circuitry disposed within the cylindrical housing;   a receiving element disposed within the cylindrical housing and coupled to the power receiving circuitry, the receiving element comprising:
 a ferromagnetic structure axially symmetrical around a central axis disposed along a length of the ferromagnetic structure, the ferromagnetic structure comprising a groove region defining two end regions on opposing sides of the groove region, wherein the groove region has a smaller length than the two end regions; and 
 an inductor coil wound about the groove region of the ferromagnetic structure and in between the two end regions; and 
   an operating system coupled to the power receiving circuitry and the receiving element, and configured to operate the power receiving circuitry and the receiving element to receive power from the host device.   
     
     
         14 . The stylus of  claim 13 , further comprising a channel disposed along the central axis. 
     
     
         15 . The stylus of  claim 13 , wherein the ferromagnetic structure is in the shape of a cylinder. 
     
     
         16 . The stylus of  claim 13 , wherein the end regions are configured to direct propagation of magnetic flux toward a transmitting element. 
     
     
         17 . The stylus of  claim 13 , wherein the ferromagnetic structure further comprises sidewalls that extend a distance equal to or greater than a thickness of the inductor coil. 
     
     
         18 . The stylus of  claim 17 , wherein the sidewalls are positioned between the groove region and the two end regions. 
     
     
         19 . The stylus of  claim 13 , further comprising an interfacing end that is configured to make contact with the host device to input data into the host device. 
     
     
         20 . The stylus of  claim 19 , wherein the interfacing end has a structure that tapers to a tip.