Wireless Power Beam-Forming Antenna Fresnel Region Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for wirelessly transferring power using electronically reconfigurable beam-forming antennas face challenges in accurately determining the location of target devices within their Fresnel region and efficiently managing electromagnetic field distributions to ensure safe and effective power transmission, particularly in environments where obstacles or objects may interfere with the beam.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a tracking circuit to determine the location of target devices within the Fresnel region, a beam selector to choose focused electromagnetic beams that cover the target devices, and an antenna controller to establish and manage the electromagnetic field distribution over the antenna aperture, ensuring safe power transmission by terminating power if the target is out of range and allocating power between multiple devices based on criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the antenna transmits electromagnetic power to target devices, then power delivery is achieved, but obstacles or objects may interfere with the beam causing unsafe or ineffective transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe and effective power transmissionVSAvoidbeam interference from obstacles
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the target device location and Fresnel region boundaries before initiating power transmission. The tracking circuit determines target location and the out-of-range circuit identifies whether the target is within the Fresnel region, allowing the system to prepare appropriate beam configurations and safety measures in advance, preventing harmful interference before it occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the transmission environment and target position during power delivery. The tracking circuit updates target location in real-time, and the antenna controller adjusts beam formation based on feedback about target position and detected obstacles, enabling dynamic adaptation to maintain safe and effective transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses electronically reconfigurable beam-forming antenna with multiple selectable beams, then power can be directed to multiple targets, but the complexity of determining location and managing field distribution increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to serve multiple target devicesVSAvoidtracking and field distribution management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the Fresnel region into multiple selectable focused electromagnetic beams, each targeting a specific location. The beam definition circuit determines electromagnetic field distribution for each beam segment, and the beam selector circuit chooses appropriate beams based on target location, breaking down the complex task of multi-target service into manageable segmented beams

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an electronically reconfigurable beam-forming antenna that can dynamically adjust beam formation and electromagnetic field distribution based on real-time target positions. The antenna controller dynamically selects and configures beams as targets move or are added, providing adaptability without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the tracking circuit determines target location within the Fresnel region, then precise power delivery is possible, but the system must terminate power if the target is out of range, reducing continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget location determination accuracyVSAvoidcontinuous power transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The out-of-range circuit performs preliminary checks to determine whether the target is within the Fresnel region before initiating continuous power transmission. By verifying target position in advance and establishing proper beam focus, the system ensures that once transmission begins, it can operate continuously without interruption for the duration that the target remains within range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 precise and safe wireless power transmission to target devices within the Fresnel region, avoiding obstacles and efficiently managing power allocation, thus ensuring reliable and secure power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

an electronically reconfigurable beam-forming antenna configured to implement at least two selectable focused electromagnetic beams within its Fresnel region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10958108B2Wireless power transfer management
Publication Date: 2021.03.23 THE INVENTION SCIENCE FUND 1 LLC
  • US10958108B2 patent drawing
  • US10958108B2 patent drawing
  • US10958108B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described embodiments include a system and method. A system includes a tracking circuit configured to determine a location of a target device within a Fresnel region of an electronically reconfigurable beam-forming antenna. The antenna is configured to implement at least two selectable focused electromagnetic beams within its Fresnel region. The system includes a beam selector circuit configured to select from the at least two selectable focused electromagnetic beams a focused electromagnetic beam having a focal spot that covers at least a portion of the determined location of the target device. The system includes a beam definition circuit configured to determine an electromagnetic field distribution over an aperture of the electronically reconfigurable beam-forming antenna implementing the selected focused electromagnetic beam. The system includes an output circuit configured to transmit a signal indicative of the determined electromagnetic field distribution.