Ball-and-Socket Wireless Power Transfer via Inductive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer technologies face inefficiencies in transferring power over a wide range of angles and movements, particularly in mechanical structures like ball-and-socket joints, where traditional methods like radiative power emission and near-field magnetic coupling are limited by directional constraints and mechanical stress on conductive wires.
Innovation Solution
The integration of capacitive and inductive coupling within ball-and-socket structures, utilizing conductive windings or plates that allow for bidirectional power flow and data transfer, enabling efficient power transmission across various angles and movements without the need for conductive wires, which can fail under repetitive stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radiative power emission is used for wireless power transfer, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but energy transfer efficiency becomes very low due to omni-directional emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using directional beam forming and focused energy transmission through the ball-and-socket structure. The windings are positioned and oriented to concentrate electromagnetic energy in specific directions rather than omnidirectional emission, improving energy transfer efficiency while maintaining transmission distance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic nature of the ball-and-socket joint to maintain optimal coupling between transmitter and receiver windings during movement. The structure allows continuous adjustment of orientation to preserve efficient power transfer across a wide range of angles, resolving the contradiction between distance and efficiency
2Reliability
If conductive wires are used in moving structures, then power can be transferred through mechanical connections, but wire failure occurs after repetitive bending and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wire connections with electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer. Conductive windings are embedded in the ball and ball-socket structures, eliminating the need for flexible cables that fail under repetitive stress, while maintaining full adaptability of motion through field coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between power source and load, replacing direct conductive connections. The ball-and-socket structure with embedded windings serves as the mediator that enables power transfer without physical wire contact, resolving the reliability-mobility contradiction
3Loss of energy
If near-field magnetic coupling is used for wireless power transfer, then energy transfer efficiency is improved in short-range applications, but directional constraints limit movement flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the ball-and-socket structure with embedded windings that can maintain efficient magnetic coupling across multiple orientations and angles. The system provides both high energy transfer efficiency and movement flexibility by accommodating various positions within the coupling field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the ball structure to rotate and move through a wide range of angles while maintaining optimal magnetic coupling. The dynamic adjustment of orientation allows the system to preserve high energy transfer efficiency throughout the full range of motion, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and flexibility
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
This solution maintains high power transfer efficiency across a wide range of angles and movements, including rotation, and eliminates the risk of wire failure, making it suitable for applications like robotic arms and moving structures, with energy efficiency remaining above 87% even at 90° displacement.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless power can be transferred between the ball structure and the ball-socket structure through inductive coupling, magnetic resonance, and capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
Non-radiative WPT relies on the near-field magnetic coupling of conductive loops and can be applied in short-range and mid-range contexts, when the transmission distance between the power source and the load is greater than the dimensions of the coil-resonators
Implementation Method 3
In embodiments of the present invention that apply capacitive WPT, conductive plates can be used instead of windings
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for wireless power transfer (WPT) in ball-and-socket type structures are provided. A ball and ball-socket structure can include conductive windings and conductive plates having a variety of shapes to optimize WPT over different angles as the ball moves or rotates within the ball-socket. One or both of capacitive coupling and inductive coupling can be incorporated.