3D Wireless Power Pocket via Adaptive RF Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transmission methods are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring direct alignment of devices with transmitters, are wasteful in energy transmission, and often render devices inoperable during charging, especially for non-stationary devices due to distance-related power attenuation and interference from objects.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter system that creates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF signal waves, allowing receivers to harvest power from a focused energy field, with adaptive antenna arrays adjusting phase and amplitude to ensure efficient energy delivery to devices regardless of their location, using communication protocols like Bluetooth to locate and connect with receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional electromagnetic signal transmission is used to increase received power over distance, then transmission power must be boosted by 10,000 times, but this causes energy wastage, interference with electronic devices, and potential harm to living tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized energy pockets at specific spatial positions where receivers are located, rather than broadcasting energy uniformly in all directions. Each antenna element transmits with specific phase and amplitude to concentrate energy only at the receiver's position, improving local power density without proportionally increasing total transmitted energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the phase and amplitude of each antenna element based on the real-time location of receivers. As receivers move, the transmitter continuously recalculates and updates the transmission parameters to maintain focused energy delivery, enabling adaptive power concentration without manual intervention
2Productivity
If directional power transmission is used to point the signal in the right direction, then transmission efficiency is enhanced, but it requires knowing the device location and is affected by reflections and interference from objects in the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar antenna arrangements to a three-dimensional spatial configuration of antenna elements. This 3D arrangement enables the system to create focused energy pockets at various positions in three-dimensional space, providing more degrees of freedom for beamforming and reducing the impact of reflections and interference from planar obstacles
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where receivers communicate their location and reception status back to the transmitter. The transmitter uses this feedback information to continuously optimize the phase and amplitude settings of antenna elements, maintaining high transmission efficiency even as devices move or environmental conditions change
3Power
If a single source power transmission of electromagnetic signal is used, then power gets reduced by a factor proportional to 1/r2 over distance, but increasing transmission power to compensate causes interference and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission system into multiple antenna elements that work cooperatively. Instead of using a single high-power source, the system segments the transmission into multiple lower-power beams from different antenna elements, each contributing to the total received power. This segmentation allows for more precise spatial control and reduces the harmful effects of high-power transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric phase and amplitude distribution across the antenna elements rather than uniform transmission. By creating asymmetric radiation patterns that are optimized for specific receiver positions, the system achieves better power delivery efficiency while minimizing omnidirectional interference and exposure to living tissue
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 and flexible wireless power transmission to multiple devices without the need for direct alignment, reducing energy wastage and maintaining device functionality during charging, even for non-stationary devices by concentrating energy in a usable field.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting two or more power transmission waves from the first group of antennas such that the power transmission waves converge to as constructive interference patterns to form a pocket of energy
Implementation Method 2
The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device and/or for charging a battery
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth technology). The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device. Accordingly, the embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.