The modern office is undergoing a fundamental shift. As workspaces evolve from fixed cubicles to flexible, collaborative environments, the integration of power has become a primary design challenge. Among the emerging solutions, Long-Distance Wireless Charging (LDWC) is standing out as a practical, high-value integration for furniture manufacturers.
At Honghao Electronics, we specialize in the PCBA design and manufacturing of wireless power modules. We see firsthand how this technology is moving from a “novelty” to a “standard requirement” for high-end office furniture.
1. The Practical Shift: Moving Beyond Surface-Mounted Charging
Traditional wireless chargers (Qi) require direct contact and often involve cutting holes in furniture surfaces. For a furniture manufacturer, this presents several drawbacks:
Material Integrity: Cutting into high-quality wood or stone laminates weakens the structure.
Visual Clutter: Visible charging pads break the clean aesthetic of a minimalist desk.
Spill Risks: Surface-mounted electronics are vulnerable to coffee spills and cleaning chemicals.
Long-Distance Charging (20mm-45mm) solves these issues by being installed underneath the tabletop. It preserves the beauty of the furniture while adding modern functionality.
2. Technical Core: How Honghao Electronics Optimizes LDWC
As a company with deep roots in PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly), we believe the reliability of long-distance charging depends entirely on the electronics beneath the surface.
A. Magnetic Resonance vs. Induction
While standard Qi uses tight inductive coupling, our long-distance modules utilize magnetic resonance principles optimized for higher “Quality Factors” (Q factor). This allows the magnetic field to penetrate non-metallic materials like wood, glass, and marble without significant energy loss.
B. Thermal Management via Intelligent PCBA Design
Heat is the enemy of both electronics and furniture. Our PCBA designs incorporate:
NTC Thermistors: Real-time temperature monitoring to prevent the desk surface from overheating.
High-Efficiency Power Conversion: Reducing energy wasted as heat during the 110V/220V to DC conversion process.
C. Foreign Object Detection (FOD)
Safety is a critical marketing point for furniture brands. Our modules are programmed to detect metal objects (like keys or paperclips) placed on the desk surface. If interference is detected, the PCBA shuts down power instantly to prevent inductive heating of the metal object.
3. Manufacturing Excellence: The Honghao Advantage
We don’t just assemble components; we manage the entire lifecycle of the electronic heart of the product.
| Feature | Our Standard | Why It Matters for B2B |
| PCBA SMT | In-house high-speed SMT lines | Ensures consistent soldering quality and component longevity. |
| Coil Precision | Custom-wound high-strand Litz wire | Minimizes skin effect and maximizes charging distance. |
| Testing | 100% Load & Aging tests | Reduces the “Dead on Arrival” (DOA) rate for your furniture projects. |
| Compliance | CE, FCC, RoHS-ready designs | Simplifies the certification process for international furniture exports. |
4. Addressing Common Industry Concerns (The FAQ)
To help our partners make informed decisions, we address the most frequent technical questions we receive:
Q: Does it work through metal desks?
A: No. Magnetic fields cannot penetrate conductive metals. For metal furniture, we recommend a small non-metallic “window” or inlay.
Q: How thick can the tabletop be?
A: Our standard modules are optimized for 10mm to 35mm. For premium projects, we can provide high-power modules that reach up to 45mm.
Q: What is the charging speed?
A: We support 5W, 7.5W (Apple), 10W, and 15W (Fast Charge) protocols. The speed is comparable to standard desktop chargers, provided the coil alignment is correct.
5. Integrating Wireless Solutions into Your Furniture Line
For furniture brands and office designers, the integration process with Honghao Electronics is straightforward:
Specification Matching: We determine the thickness of your desk materials.
Module Selection: Choosing between a standalone charger or a Multi-functional Power Strip with integrated wireless coils.
PCBA Customization: If you have specific space constraints, we can adjust the PCBA layout to fit your furniture’s cavity.
6. Material Science: How Different Surfaces Affect Charging Efficiency
One of the most common questions from furniture manufacturers is: “Will it work through my specific desk material?” To answer this, Honghao Electronics has conducted extensive laboratory testing on various non-metallic substrates.
A. Natural Solid Wood (Oak, Walnut, Cherry)
Solid wood is the most popular material for high-end executive desks. However, wood is “organic” and contains varying levels of moisture.
The Challenge: Moisture can absorb a small fraction of the electromagnetic energy.
Our Engineering Fix: Our PCBA modules feature an Adaptive Frequency Tuning system. The circuit automatically adjusts its resonant frequency to compensate for the dielectric constant of the wood, ensuring a stable 15W output even through 30mm of solid oak.
B. MDF and Particle Board
Common in modular office furniture, these materials are dense and often contain resins and glues.
The Insight: While they are generally safe for wireless charging, the density can cause slight heat retention. We provide specific ventilation templates for MDF integration to ensure long-term stability.
C. Stone and Marble (The Luxury Market)
Marble and quartz are increasingly used in conference tables and hotel lobbies.
The Insight: These materials are “cold” but dense. Our high-power long-distance modules are specifically calibrated for stone surfaces up to 40mm, ensuring that luxury furniture brands don’t have to compromise on stone thickness to accommodate tech.
7. Step-by-Step Guide: Integrating Hidden Charging into Your Furniture Line
For furniture manufacturers, the transition from “static” to “smart” must be seamless. At Honghao Electronics, we provide more than just the PCBA; we provide the integration blueprint. Here is the professional approach to installation:
A. Routing the Cavity (The “Blind Hole” Method)
The most common installation involves routing a cavity from the underside of the tabletop.
Precision Depth: For a 30mm oak desk, we recommend routing a 15-20mm cavity, leaving a 10-15mm “residual thickness.” This ensures the magnetic field remains strong while maintaining the structural integrity of the surface.
The “Invisible” Mark: Manufacturers often use a small, laser-etched logo or a subtle indent on the top surface to guide users to the charging “sweet spot.”
B. Securing the Module
Our modules are designed for heavy-duty office use. We recommend two fixing methods:
Industrial 3M VHB Tape: For quick assembly line integration.
Screw-Mount Brackets: For high-traffic environments like airport lounges or hotel lobbies where vibration is a factor.
C. Cable Management
A “wireless” desk should not have messy wires underneath. Our modules feature ultra-thin DC cables that can be routed through furniture channels, connecting to a single, hidden power brick.
8. The Future: Qi2 Standards and the Road to 30W Charging
As we look toward 2026 and 2027, the wireless charging landscape is shifting. The introduction of the Qi2 standard (which incorporates magnets for better alignment) is a major topic.
How Honghao is Preparing for Qi2
While magnets are excellent for surface chargers, long-distance charging requires a different approach. We are currently developing Active Alignment PCBA, where the induction coil can slightly adjust its position to lock onto the device’s magnetic ring, even through 25mm of material.
Scaling Up the Wattage
The next frontier is charging laptops wirelessly. We are in the R&D phase of 30W and 45W long-distance modules. This would allow a user to charge an iPad or a MacBook Air simply by setting it on the desk—no cables required.
Conclusion: A Reliable Tech Partner for the Long Term
The goal of Honghao Electronics is not just to sell hardware, but to provide a stable, electronic foundation for your furniture designs. By focusing on PCBA quality and safety protocols, we ensure that your transition to “Smart Furniture” is seamless and risk-free.
Whether you are looking for bulk PCBA processing or finished wireless charging modules, we have the manufacturing experience to support your global supply chain.
