Antenna Tile Arrangements for Wireless Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transmission methods are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring direct connection to power sources, frequent recharging, and are wasteful due to energy attenuation with distance, and often hazardous or interfere with other devices.

Innovation Solution

A transmitter that creates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF signals, allowing receivers to capture and convert this energy into electricity without physical connection, using algorithms to direct and control the waveform for efficient power delivery to multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electromagnetic signals are transmitted over distance for wireless power transmission, then wireless power delivery is enabled, but energy attenuation increases proportionally to the square of the distance making transmission inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless power transmissionVSAvoidenergy attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the wireless power transmission task into multiple segments by deploying multiple antenna tiles that work cooperatively. Each tile transmits power over a shorter distance to its local receiver, avoiding the need for single-point transmission over long distances. This segmentation reduces energy attenuation since each transmission path is shorter and more efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple antenna tiles are merged to function as a unified power transmission system. The tiles coordinate their transmissions to create constructive interference patterns that concentrate energy at receiver locations. This merging allows the system to achieve effective wireless power delivery while maintaining low energy loss through cooperative transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of stationary object

If high transmission power is used to overcome energy attenuation over distance, then wireless power delivery range is extended, but the system becomes hazardous to living tissue and interferes with other electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidhazard to living tissue and electronic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission path is segmented into multiple short-hop segments, each handled by a separate antenna tile. This eliminates the need for high-power long-distance transmission, thereby avoiding the harmful effects of excessive electromagnetic radiation on living tissue and electronic devices while still achieving extended effective range through coordinated multi-tile operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each antenna tile transmits at locally optimized power levels appropriate for its specific transmission distance and receiver requirements. This localized power transmission approach ensures that no single transmitter operates at hazardous power levels, while the collective system achieves the desired transmission range through spatial distribution of transmission nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If multiple antenna tiles are used to improve wireless power transmission efficiency, then energy delivery to multiple devices is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery efficiencyVSAvoidantenna tile arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each antenna tile is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can independently transmit power to any receiver within range and also cooperate with other tiles. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture since identical modular units are used throughout, reducing the complexity of managing diverse components while maintaining high power delivery efficiency through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna tile system employs dynamic configuration where tiles can be selectively activated or deactivated based on receiver location and power requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize power delivery efficiency by engaging only the necessary tiles for each transmission task, thereby managing system complexity through adaptive resource allocation rather than requiring all tiles to operate simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 safe wireless power transmission to multiple devices, reducing the need for frequent recharging and eliminating the need for direct power connections, while minimizing energy wastage and interference.

Implementation Method 1

the antenna emits a plurality of wireless power waves defining a pocket of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9979440B1Antenna tile arrangements configured to operate as one functional unit

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 ENERGOUS CORP

AI summary

A system for wireless power transmission is provided. The system comprises a plurality of tiles configured to operate as one functional unit. At least one of the tiles comprises an antenna and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) coupled to the antenna and the RFIC is configured to engage the antenna such that the antenna emits a plurality of wireless power waves defining a pocket of energy.