Active Switching Rectifier Adaptive Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to losses during power transmission, particularly in wireless environments, where efficiency is crucial but often compromised compared to wired transfer methods.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an active switching rectifier with a controller that adjusts its input resistance between two bridge modes to optimize wireless power transfer efficiency within specific operating limitations, allowing for efficient power transfer in both receiving and transmitting scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is used to enable remote charging, then charging convenience is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to transmission losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier dynamically switches between full-bridge and half-bridge modes based on coupling conditions, and the input resistance is continuously adjusted to optimize power transfer efficiency across varying operational states while maintaining wireless charging convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the input resistance parameter of the rectifier to match optimal values for different bridge modes (full-bridge vs. half-bridge), thereby optimizing power transfer efficiency across different coupling conditions while maintaining ease of wireless operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the rectifier operates in fixed mode, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying coupling conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverectifier control complexityVSAvoidadaptability to coupling conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier transitions between full-bridge and half-bridge modes dynamically based on detected coupling conditions, with the controller adjusting input resistance accordingly to maintain optimal efficiency across varying operational states without requiring complex additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rectifier is designed to perform multiple functions by operating in both full-bridge and half-bridge modes within the same device, allowing it to adapt to different coupling conditions (tight vs. loose coupling) while using a single unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If the rectifier operates in full-bridge mode for maximum efficiency, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but operating flexibility under limitations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidoperating flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between full-bridge mode (for maximum efficiency under ideal conditions) and half-bridge mode (for flexibility under operational limitations), with real-time adjustment of input resistance to optimize performance based on current operating constraints and coupling conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enhances the efficiency of wireless power transfer by dynamically adjusting the rectifier's input resistance based on operational modes, thereby improving the overall efficiency and adaptability of the system, particularly in varying coupling conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3215393B1Systems, apparatus and method for adaptive wireless power transfer
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 WITRICITY CORP
  • EP3215393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3215393B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3215393B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter is provided. The apparatus comprises an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in the first bridge mode. The controller is configured to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.