Systems and methods for wireless power transfer in multipath vehicle environments

Abstract

Systems and methods for leveraging multipath wireless transmissions for high data rate communication and charging devices within multipath vehicle environments are described. The techniques include deploying a wireless charger, including an array of antennas, within a vehicle interior. The wireless charger may detect an incoming signal from a client device (1120). Each antenna in the array may determine an offset for the received signal (1130), which is then used to tune parameters for each antenna individually (1140). Upon transmission, the resulting signal is directionally biased toward theleast lossy pathways between the device and the charger (1170). These pathways avoid passengers and other sources of signal attenuation. Thus, for a given total power envelope, a greater total signalamplitude may be delivered to the device, with reduced exposure to any occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, the interior of the vehicle may be provisioned (910a, 910b, 910c) to help improve multipath focusing of transmissions.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 268,651, filed December 17, 2015, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORWIRELESS POWER TRANSFER AND DATA COMMUNICATION IN A VEHICLE WITH MULTIPATHENVIRONMENT," which U.S. Provisional Patent The application is expressly incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The techniques described herein relate generally to the field of wireless power transfer, and more specifically, to wireless power transfer and data communication in a multi-path vehicle environment. Background technique [0004] Many electronic devices are powered by batteries. Rechargeable batteries are often used to avoid the cost of replacing traditional dry cell type batteries and save valuable resources. However, recharging batteries using conventional rechargeable battery chargers requires the use of an alternating current (AC) power outlet, which is so...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] Unfortunately, this type of wireless charging within a vehicle, such as over large distances, poses a variety of unique challenges

For example, the potential locations of people and devices receiving wireless power within a vehicle are generally more constrained than in other environments

Additionally, the physical space constraints of the vehicle ensure that passengers are located near both the wireless charger and the device receiving the wireless power

Vehicles also often have very crowded spaces, resulting in limited line-of-sight possibilities between devices receiving wireless power and chargers

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