Adaptive Wireless Power Transfer via Dynamic Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to alignment issues and interference from foreign objects, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of wireless power transfer elements, such as coil antennas or capacitor plates, with controlled signal strengths to optimize power transfer by determining optimal settings through channel estimation and beamforming, while detecting and minimizing power transfer to foreign objects using sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer systems are implemented, then power transfer without cables is achieved, but alignment issues and inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the signal strength of individual wireless power transfer elements based on real-time channel estimation measurements. This allows the system to adapt to changing alignment conditions and foreign object positions, maintaining high power transfer efficiency while preserving ease of operation without precise alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (signal strength settings) of wireless power transfer elements based on measured channel characteristics. By adjusting signal strength parameters dynamically, the system optimizes power transfer efficiency for each element while compensating for misalignment and foreign object interference.
2Productivity
If beamforming with controlled signal strengths is used, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wireless power transfer array into individual controllable elements, allowing independent adjustment of signal strength for each element. This segmentation enables precise beamforming and foreign object mitigation while using standardized, modular components that manage overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through channel estimation measurements that provide real-time information about signal propagation conditions. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of signal strength settings to optimize power transfer efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration or control systems.
3Productivity
If channel estimation measurements are performed, then optimal power transfer settings are determined, but measurement time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs channel estimation measurements in advance to determine optimal signal strength settings for each wireless power transfer element. By conducting these measurements before actual power transfer operations, the system establishes optimized parameters that can be applied immediately, minimizing time loss during operational phases.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If foreign object detection and mitigation are implemented, then safety is improved, but power transfer complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different signal strength settings to different spatial locations by controlling individual wireless power transfer elements. When foreign objects are detected, the system locally adjusts or reduces power delivery to specific elements near the foreign object while maintaining optimal power transfer to elements away from foreign objects, achieving targeted mitigation without system-wide complexity.
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
Enhances wireless power transfer efficiency by directing power beams effectively and minimizing interference with foreign objects, allowing for efficient power transfer without precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
During wireless power transfer operations, the antennas in the source equipment may transfer power to the antennas in the target equipment using near-field coupling
Implementation Method 2
the antennas in the source equipment may transfer power to the antennas in the target equipment using near-field coupling or far-field signal propagation
Implementation Method 3
the signal strengths of the wireless power signals supplied to different wireless power transfer elements can be controlled to direct a beam of wireless power signals towards an appropriate set of the wireless power transfer elements in the target equipment
Implementation Method 4
During channel estimation, the characteristics of signal propagation between transmitter and receiver such as power decay with distance, scattering, and fading may be determined
Implementation Method 5
Foreign objects can also be detected and located using sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless power may be transferred using wireless power elements such as coil antennas for inductive wireless power transfer technology or patch antennas for capacitive wireless power transfer technology. These antennas in source equipment may couple in a near-field region to antennas implemented in target equipment. Wireless power may also be transferred from the source equipment to the target equipment using radiating antennas in their far-field regions. Wireless power transfer may be optimized by performing channel estimation operations. Foreign objects can be detected and located using sensors or by analyzing the quality of wireless channels. Optimum power transfer settings may be used to maximize wireless power transfer to a set of the antennas in the target equipment while minimizing power transfer to the foreign object.