Battery Terminal as RF Antenna for Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging systems for portable electronic devices require complex and expensive antenna components, which are not feasible due to space constraints in small consumer devices, leading to inefficient charging methods that deprive users of convenience and require multiple charging cables and power sources.
Innovation Solution
Repurposing existing components of electronic devices, such as metal battery terminals or housings, to function as antennas for receiving wirelessly delivered radio frequency power waves, coupled with power conversion circuitry to convert alternating current into direct current for charging, thereby eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing system complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antenna components are used for wireless charging, then power reception capability is improved, but device size and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery terminal is designed to serve dual functions: its traditional function of electrical connection and a new function as a wireless power receiving antenna. The terminal structure is configured with conductive elements that can receive electromagnetic energy while maintaining its original electrical connectivity, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles without increasing device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the antenna function with the battery terminal structure by integrating conductive elements into the terminal. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna components, as the terminal itself becomes the receiving element for wireless power transmission, thereby reducing overall system complexity and device size
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate antenna components are added for wireless charging, then wireless power reception is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery terminal is redesigned to perform both its traditional electrical connection function and serve as a wireless power receiving antenna. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional antenna components, reducing part counts and assembly steps while enabling wireless charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna functionality is merged into the existing battery terminal structure rather than being added as a separate component. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need to source, assemble, and test additional antenna parts, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging cables and power sources are carried, then charging options are increased, but user convenience and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables wireless power reception through its battery terminal structure, allowing it to automatically receive power wirelessly without requiring manual connection to various charging cables or power sources. The terminal's dual-function design provides adaptive charging capability while maintaining portability and user convenience
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 approach enables efficient, compact, and cost-effective wireless charging systems that can charge devices without the need for additional antennas, providing convenience by allowing charging without the need for multiple cables and power sources, and enabling device use during charging.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the two terminals configured to act as an antenna to wirelessly receive radio frequency (RF) power signals
Implementation Method 2
The power conversion circuitry is configured to convert alternating current (AC) generated by reception of the received RF power signals into a direct current (DC) voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of constructing a wireless power receiver that uses a battery as an antenna are provided. The method includes power conversion circuitry that has a connector, the first end connected to at least a part of a battery, and the part of the battery is configured to act as an antenna and receive radio frequency (RF) power signals. The second end of the connector is opposite to the first end and connected to the power conversion circuitry. The power conversion circuitry converts the RF power signals into a direct current (DC) voltage that is used to charge the battery. Additional, some methods for constructing a wireless power receiver include a different connector between the power conversion circuitry and charging circuitry. The charging circuitry is electrically coupled with at least the part of the battery via another connector and provides DC voltage to charge the battery.