Adaptive Angle-of-Arrival Circuitry for Long-Range Power Beaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing far-field wireless power transfer (WPT) techniques struggle to accurately aim electromagnetic beams over long distances due to limitations in angular resolution and noise, making it difficult to precisely locate receivers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determines the angle-of-arrival of a pilot signal with high precision using adaptive circuitry, including a phased array antenna and signal processing circuitry, to accurately transmit electromagnetic waves to a receiver with fine angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing far-field WPT techniques (corner reflectors, Van Atta arrays, heterodyned phase conjugated retrodirective beams) are used to aim electromagnetic beams, then the system can transmit power over long distances, but the angular resolution is limited to +/- one degree with noise and signal leakage issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the receiver determine the angle-of-arrival of the pilot signal and send this information back to the transmitter, rather than having the transmitter actively scan or estimate the angle. This inversion allows the receiver to perform precise angle measurement and communicate the result back, achieving much finer angular resolution (one millionth of a degree) while eliminating the noise and signal leakage problems associated with traditional transmitter-side methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pilot signal as an intermediary carrier that conveys angle-of-arrival information from the receiver to the transmitter. The pilot signal is modulated with angle information and transmitted back to the transmitter, serving as a mediator that enables precise angle determination without requiring direct complex interactions between the main power transmission signals
2Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to determine angle-of-arrival, then the system can operate with simple circuitry, but the angular resolution is insufficient for precise receiver localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver determines the angle-of-arrival of the incoming pilot signal and sends this angle information back to the transmitter via a communication channel. The transmitter then uses this feedback information to accurately aim the electromagnetic power beam at the receiver's precise location, achieving one millionth of a degree angular resolution through the feedback loop
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power transmission system into distinct functional components: a pilot signal transmission path for angle determination, a separate communication channel for transmitting angle information, and the main power transmission path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the angle determination function handled by adaptive circuitry at the receiver and the power beam aiming controlled by the transmitter based on received angle data
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
Enables accurate delivery of electromagnetic power beams over long distances, such as in outer space, with angular resolution of one millionth of a degree, ensuring precise targeting of receivers.
Implementation Method 1
Existing methods include corner reflectors, Van Atta arrays, and heterodyned phase conjugated retrodirective beams (RDBs)
Implementation Method 2
far-field WPT (also known as power beaming) is used herein to refer to the transfer of power over longer distances with a beam of electromagnetic radiation, for example, microwaves (radio waves) or a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
a power transmitter that generates and transmits an electromagnetic wave (beam) through space to a receiver that receives and converts the electromagnetic wave to energy for use by an electrical system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods capable of high precision detection of the angle-of-arrival of a pilot signal over long distances from a precisely located receiver. Such a method includes providing a power transmitter apparatus and a receiver apparatus separated by a distance in space, sending a pilot signal from the receiver apparatus toward the power transmitter apparatus, and the power transmitter apparatus determining the angle of arrival of the pilot signal with fine angular resolution.