Adaptive Microwave Array Power Transfer Without Mechanical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transmission systems face inefficiencies and challenges in delivering microwave energy over distances due to signal attenuation, directional antenna requirements, and interference, making it difficult to power devices remotely without access to AC power outlets.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmission system using adaptively-phased microwave array emitters that focus microwave energy onto devices without knowing their location, with rectennas in the devices to convert energy, and a feedback mechanism to adjust phases for maximum energy transfer, minimizing mirror focal points through non-uniform, non-coplanar array configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If microwave transmission power is boosted to increase received signal power over distance, then received power is improved, but energy wastage increases and interference with electronic devices occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a focused microwave energy beam that concentrates power delivery at a specific target location rather than broadcasting energy omnidirectionally. The phased array antenna system adjusts phase and amplitude of individual antenna elements to create a localized high-energy region at the receiver, improving power delivery efficiency while minimizing energy wastage in surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by implementing a phased array antenna system with multiple antenna elements arranged in a two-dimensional array. By controlling the phase and amplitude of each element independently, the system creates constructive interference at the target location and destructive interference elsewhere, effectively adding a spatial dimension to power delivery control.
2Productivity
If directional antenna is used to focus microwave energy, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but mechanical tracking devices are required which are noisy and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking devices with an electronic phased array antenna system. Instead of physically rotating or moving antenna elements to track the receiver, the system electronically adjusts the phase and amplitude of fixed antenna elements to steer and focus the microwave beam. This substitution eliminates mechanical components, reducing noise and improving reliability while maintaining directional power transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time electronic adjustment of the phased array antenna's beam direction and focus. The system dynamically changes the phase and amplitude settings of individual antenna elements in response to receiver position and environmental conditions, allowing adaptive power transmission without mechanical movement.
3Power
If high transmitted power is used to overcome signal attenuation over distance, then received power is improved, but hazardous effects on living tissue and interference with electronic devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating microwave energy into a focused beam that delivers high power density only at the intended receiver location. The phased array antenna system creates a localized high-energy region through constructive interference, while maintaining low power density in surrounding areas through destructive interference, thereby reducing hazardous effects on living tissue and interference with other electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the communication channel to exchange information between transmitter and receiver about power delivery conditions, receiver position, and environmental factors. This feedback enables the transmitter to adjust beam direction, focus, and power level dynamically, optimizing received power while minimizing harmful effects by avoiding excessive power transmission.
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 system efficiently delivers power to devices over distances, reducing energy wastage and interference, and allows for flexible, non-directional power transmission, enabling remote charging without the need for AC power access.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter having one or more adaptively-phased microwave array emitters
Implementation Method 2
wireless power transmission by microwave transmission
Implementation Method 3
Rectennas within the device to be charged receive and rectify the microwave energy
Implementation Method 4
convert energy
Implementation Method 5
a feedback mechanism to adjust phases for maximum energy transfer
Implementation Method 6
minimizing mirror focal points through non-uniform, non-coplanar array configurations
Data Source
AI summary
The wireless power transmission is a system for providing wireless charging and/or primary power to electronic/electrical devices via microwave energy. The microwave energy is focused to a location by a power transmitter having one or more adaptively-phased microwave array emitters. Rectennas within the device to be charged receive and rectify the microwave energy and use it for battery charging and/or for primary power.