Adjustable Inductive Power Platform for Wireless Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive power transmission systems are limited in providing high power cordlessly to electrical devices over an extended region, as they often require precise alignment and are not suitable for mobile devices due to trailing wires and low power capacity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible inductive power transmission platform with adjustable primary inductor units and a tessellating shape, allowing for customizable placement of primary inductors on a surface, connected via a power hub and energy management system to optimize power distribution and alignment with secondary inductors in electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an extended base unit with uniform energy transmission is used, then freedom of movement is provided, but the system cannot transmit high power
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is divided into multiple modular power transmission units, each with its own primary inductor. These modular units can be independently controlled and positioned to concentrate power transmission at specific locations rather than distributing it uniformly across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which primary inductors are active based on the position and power requirements of the electrical device. The controller selectively activates specific primary inductors to match the secondary inductor's location, enabling both high power transmission and flexibility.
2Loss of energy
If precise alignment between primary and secondary coils is required, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but the system becomes unsuitable for mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from requiring precise three-dimensional alignment to achieving effective coupling through two-dimensional surface placement. Multiple primary inductors arranged on a surface allow the secondary inductor to be placed anywhere on that surface and still achieve good coupling by activating the nearest primary inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the position of the electrical device and self-adjusts by activating the appropriate primary inductor without requiring manual alignment. The controller monitors the position of the secondary inductor and dynamically switches between primary inductors to maintain optimal coupling.
3Device complexity
If a single primary inductor is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot provide power to devices positioned anywhere on a large area
Solution Approach 1:
The single primary inductor is replaced with multiple segmented primary inductors distributed across the base unit surface. Each segment covers a specific region, and the controller selects which segment to activate based on device position, providing wide area coverage while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit with multiple primary inductors serves multiple functions: it can power devices at any position on the surface, adjust power levels dynamically, and adapt to different device types. This multi-functional design expands coverage area while maintaining system versatility.
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 high-power inductive coupling to electrical devices positioned anywhere on a large area without the need for wires, providing flexibility and efficient power management, suitable for devices like computers and lamps.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply is wired to a primary coil and an oscillating electric potential is applied across the primary coil which induces an oscillating magnetic field. The oscillating magnetic field may induce an oscillating electrical current in a secondary coil, placed close to the primary coil.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable inductive power transmission platform includes inductive power outlets embedded into adjustable modules having multiple configurations. The inductive power outlets are configured to couple with inductive power receivers to provide power to electrical loads wired thereto. The multiple configurations of the adjustable modules allow the position of the inductive power outlets to be adjusted to match the locations of inductive receivers to suit changing requirements.