3D Phased Coil Arrays for Wireless Charging Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless charging technologies face challenges in efficiently charging multiple devices simultaneously and maintaining power transfer due to angular misalignment between transmitter and receiver devices, limited charging distances, and the need for impedance matching networks that are difficult to engineer, especially when devices are in motion.

Innovation Solution

The use of a three-dimensional phased coil array with multiple inductive coils arranged at 90-degree angles on x, y, and z axes to compensate for angular misalignment and allow for efficient wireless power transfer, enabling charging of multiple devices in stationary or moving positions by dynamically adjusting the impedance matching network to maintain efficient power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single inductive coil is used for wireless charging, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently charge multiple devices simultaneously and is sensitive to angular misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to charge multiple devices and tolerate angular misalignmentVSAvoidcoil array structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single inductive coil is segmented into multiple coils arranged in a three-dimensional array structure. Each coil is positioned at specific orientations (including perpendicular arrangements along x, y, and z axes) to independently target different spatial zones and angular positions, enabling simultaneous charging of multiple devices at various orientations without requiring a single complex adjustable coil

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If coils are arranged in fixed orientations to cover different angles, then angular misalignment is compensated, but the system cannot adapt when devices are in motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adaptation to moving devicesVSAvoidimpedance matching network
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance matching network is made dynamic through automated control systems that continuously monitor device positions and orientations. The system dynamically adjusts impedance parameters by selecting appropriate coil combinations from the three-dimensional array and modifying their drive signals in real-time, allowing the fixed coil structure to adapt to moving devices without mechanical adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback control system monitors the positions and orientations of wireless power receiver devices and uses this information to dynamically select and adjust the active coils in the three-dimensional array. The system measures coupling conditions between transmitter and receiver coils, then automatically optimizes power transfer by adjusting impedance matching parameters based on real-time feedback, enabling continuous adaptation to moving devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If multiple coils are used to cover three-dimensional space, then charging coverage is improved, but power loss increases due to inefficient coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging coverage areaVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than uniformly activating all coils in the three-dimensional array, the system applies local quality optimization by selectively activating only the specific subset of coils that are optimally positioned for each receiver device. The impedance matching network locally optimizes coupling conditions for each active coil pair, ensuring high power transfer efficiency in the local charging zone while keeping other coils inactive to minimize overall power loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for reliable and efficient wireless charging of multiple devices in three-dimensional space, overcoming alignment issues and maintaining power transfer efficiency even when devices are in motion, thereby enhancing the practicality and versatility of wireless charging systems.

Implementation Method 1

Wireless charging techniques use an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two or more devices based on inductive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The other device or devices receive(s) the electromagnetic power through resonant inductive coupling and convert the received electromagnetic energy to electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant inductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3347968B1Wireless charging platforms via three-dimensional phased coil arrays
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 YANK TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3347968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3347968B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3347968B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for wirelessly charging electronic devices. In one aspect, a wireless charging transmitter device includes a three-dimensional coil array electrically coupled to a power source and structured to include two or more coils to produce an electromagnetic field that emanates from the three-dimensional coil array, in which the coils are arranged such that at least two coils are perpendicular to each other to direct the electromagnetic field. The wireless charging transmitter device is operable to wirelessly charge an electronic device by providing the electromagnetic field at a receiver coil of the electronic device to convert the electromagnetic energy to electrical energy to power the electronic device.