Wireless Charging Mode Switching for Adaptive Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless charging systems lack the ability to dynamically switch between power transmission and reception modes based on the state of charge of devices and their connection to power sources, leading to inefficiencies and potential interruptions in power transfer.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating control circuitry in wireless power transmitting and receiving devices that can determine and adjust modes based on the types of devices, their battery states, and connection to power sources, allowing for role swapping between power transmission and reception, either before or during the power transfer phase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a wireless power transmitting and receiving device operates in a fixed default mode, then the device configuration is simple, but the power transfer efficiency decreases when the device state changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configurationVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the wireless power device to transition between transmitting and receiving modes based on real-time system conditions. The control circuitry continuously monitors device states and automatically switches modes to optimize power transfer efficiency, resolving the contradiction between fixed configuration simplicity and adaptive efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power transmission/reception mode) based on varying system conditions such as battery charge levels and power source connections. This parameter adaptation allows the device to maintain optimal efficiency across different operating scenarios without requiring complex permanent configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the wireless power system uses static role assignment, then the control logic is simple, but the adaptability to different device states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logicVSAvoidadaptability to device states
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic role assignment where devices can switch between power transmitting and receiving roles based on real-time monitoring of battery charge levels and power source connections. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple static control logic and the need for versatility across different device states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuitry continuously monitors system conditions including battery charge levels and power source connections, using this feedback to dynamically determine optimal power transmission or reception mode. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive role assignment that responds to changing device states while maintaining relatively simple control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If mode switching is implemented based on real-time device states, then the power transfer efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power device performs self-assessment of its state (battery charge level, power source connection) and automatically determines the optimal power mode without requiring complex external control systems. This self-service capability achieves efficient adaptive mode switching while minimizing the complexity of external control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates both power transmitting and receiving capabilities in a single unified system, allowing it to adapt its function based on real-time conditions. This multi-functionality enables efficient operation across different scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices, balancing complexity and adaptability.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If role swapping is allowed during power transfer, then the system adaptability improves, but the risk of power transfer interruptions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidpower transfer continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of device states (battery charge levels, power source connections) before initiating mode switching during power transfer. This preliminary evaluation ensures that role swaps occur only when system conditions support continuous operation, reducing the risk of interruptions while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuitry monitors system conditions continuously and prepares for potential mode transitions in advance, ensuring that role swaps are executed smoothly when conditions warrant them. This preparatory monitoring cushions against potential interruptions by detecting optimal switching points before they become critical issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 adaptive power management by ensuring that devices with higher battery levels act as power transmitters and those with lower levels receive power, optimizing energy transfer and minimizing interruptions.

Implementation Method 1

The coil receives alternating-current wireless power signals from the wireless charging mat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The rectifier circuitry converts the received signals into direct-current power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11843265B2Wireless power mode switching
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 APPLE INC
  • US11843265B2 patent drawing
  • US11843265B2 patent drawing
  • US11843265B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless power system may include power transmitting devices, power receiving devices, and power transmitting and receiving devices. Control circuitry in the power transmitting and receiving device may determine whether to operate in a power receiving mode or a power transmitting mode. The preferred mode for the power transmitting and receiving device may depend on the types of devices within the system, the state of charge of the batteries of the devices in the system, whether or not one or more devices in the system are connected to a wired power source, etc. Each power transmitting and receiving device may have a default mode. Upon detection of an adjacent device, the wireless power transmitting and receiving device enters a configuration phase in its default mode. Before or during a power transfer phase, the power transmitting and receiving device may swap roles from its default mode to another mode.