QI Wireless Charge Induction Location

[vertigoelectric]

I don't have the S7 yet, but I plan on getting one soon.

TL;DR = "I'm trying to find out where exactly the wireless induction has to make its connection through the back of the phone"

While planning for accessories, I want to look into getting a wireless QI charger, but I also want to use a magnetic car dash mount. I know that the wireless induction will not work through a metal plate, however while looking at my current setup I had an idea...

What I'm currently using for a "metal plate" is actually a thin washer, which means it has a hole in the center. I was wondering... maybe if I use a washer as the metal plate on the back of the S7, a wireless charger could still work so long as the induction can work through the opening in the plate.

I'm not sure how big the opening would need to be, but I can figure that out later. Right now I'm trying to find out where exactly the wireless induction has to make its connection through the back of the phone so I would know what area I would need to keep clear. Anybody know?

Thanks!

EDIT: I realize that even having a metal plate anywhere *near* the area of induction might interfere too much, but I want to play with the idea here. Might actually work!

 

[chanchan05]

Have you tried putting aluminum in a microwave? Do you see the sparks? That's what could happen to your phone if you have any metal near the inductive surface.

 

[Ereinion#AC]

Ifixit have the pic/video of the phone while they tear it apart, should give you the answer. Not gonna open my s7 to check . But +1 on Chanchan, maybe try with cheap old phone first if really want to go further with that

 

[vertigoelectric]

Hmmm... now I feel like it was a stupid question... but I suppose it's a good thing I asked.

Although, the metal plate wouldn't actually be IN the phone, or even touching the phone. I would be using an Otterbox case that comes in two pieces, and the metal plate would be between the soft polycarbonate inner piece and the hard plastic shell. I wonder if that would protect my phone from any "unwanted effects" caused by the metal plate...

 

[chanchan05]

Hmmm... now I feel like it was a stupid question... but I suppose it's a good thing I asked.

Although, the metal plate wouldn't actually be IN the phone, or even touching the phone. I would be using an Otterbox case that comes in two pieces, and the metal plate would be between the soft polycarbonate inner piece and the hard plastic shell. I wonder if that would protect my phone from any "unwanted effects" caused by the metal plate...

Then the metal sparks will be between the plate and the charger. So you'll probably be looking at a fire hazard fireworks display. Ot just a fire hazard.

 

[srkmagnus]

Step 7 of iFixits teardown of the S7 shows the wireless coil charger. Hopefully this helps you with what you are looking for: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Samsung+Galaxy+S7+Teardown/56686

 

[vertigoelectric]

A few minutes ago I did stumble across several articles talking about Qualcomm finding a way to wireless charge through metal. This was about a year ago, also. I'm curious as to what happened with this, since people don't seem to be mentioning it in discussions just like ours. I may need to read more about it later.

Qualcomm invents way to wirelessly charge mobile devices with metal bodies - CNET

Anyway, all things considered so far, I'll probably opt for a good old fashioned wired charger for the S7, and simply look for the fastest one I can find. I know it's slightly off topic, but if anybody wants to recommend one right here, it'd help me out.

Special thanks to srkmagnus, however, for actually providing me with information that I asked for.

 

[monojackh]

Yeah also read that article about Qualcomm's tech, but don't think that's mature enough yet.

We have business partners in this field and that's the reason most of the wiresless charger you see on the market don't use metal between the surface. Also why Apple's is reluctant to jump in on the wireless charging, Jony Ive will be livid if you tell him to make their flagship phone plastic.