Adaptive Power Beaming System with Obstruction Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power transmission technologies face challenges in efficiently and safely delivering power to receiving units within enclosed spaces, particularly in adapting to changing locations and obstructions, while ensuring reliable and controlled power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A power source system comprising a location unit and a power beaming unit that broadcasts signals to locate receiving units, interprets requests for power, and adjusts power transmission based on detected conditions, using electromagnetic or acoustic signals, and includes a decision unit to manage power delivery and an impingement detector to prevent obstructions, allowing for directed and adaptive power beaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power beaming is used to deliver power to receiving units in enclosed spaces, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential obstructions and uncontrolled power delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by broadcasting power availability signals and receiving power requests before initiating power beaming. The impingement detector continuously monitors for obstructions before and during power delivery, and the decision unit evaluates multiple factors including power needs, payment ability, and safety conditions in advance of power transmission, preventing harmful effects before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through the impingement detector that monitors the power beam path for obstructions. The detector provides real-time feedback to the decision unit, which adjusts or terminates power delivery based on detected conditions. This closed-loop feedback ensures safety while maintaining efficient power transmission.
2Reliability
If the power source system includes multiple units (location unit, power beaming unit, decision unit, impingement detector), then power delivery control and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is segmented into distinct functional units: location unit for identifying receiving units, power beaming unit for power transmission, decision unit for control logic, and impingement detector for safety monitoring. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability through modular architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the system broadcasts power availability signals continuously, then receiving units can locate power sources efficiently, but energy consumption and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location unit broadcasts power availability signals periodically rather than continuously. This periodic broadcasting maintains the ability for receiving units to locate power sources efficiently while significantly reducing energy consumption and electromagnetic interference compared to continuous 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
Enables efficient, adaptive, and safe power delivery to receiving units within enclosed spaces, ensuring continuous operation while preventing damage from obstructions and optimizing power usage based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The power beaming unit is configured to beam electromagnetic power (e.g., optical or RF)
Implementation Method 2
The power beaming unit may include a laser that generates a power beam
Implementation Method 3
The location unit may be configured to broadcast or to receive an electromagnetic signal (e.g., optical or RF) or an acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.