Capacitive Electrode Resonator for Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face limitations in range and alignment requirements due to magnetic induction and electric induction methods, leading to inefficiencies and electromagnetic interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A resonant electric field wireless power transfer system utilizing a transmitter and receiver with capacitive electrodes and inductors configured to generate or couple with an electric field having a dipole term of negligible magnitude, allowing for increased range and reduced alignment needs through the use of a capacitive electrode assembly with four-fold mirror or rotational symmetry and specific connector configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If magnetic induction or resonant magnetic systems are used for wireless power transfer, then power transfer can be achieved, but the range is limited and alignment issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based power transfer (magnetic induction and resonant magnetic systems) with an electric field-based system using capacitive electrodes. This substitution fundamentally changes the physical mechanism from magnetic coupling to electric field coupling, enabling extended range and reduced alignment sensitivity as evidenced by the four-electrode configuration that creates a more robust electric field distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant electric systems where capacitive electrodes are made resonant using at least one inductor, rather than resonant magnetic systems. This parameter change (from magnetic resonance to electric resonance) increases the range of power transfer and rectifies alignment issues while maintaining efficient power transfer
2Length of stationary object
If resonant electric systems with capacitive electrodes are used, then range is increased and alignment issues are rectified, but electromagnetic interference and heating issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transfer system into four separate capacitive electrodes arranged in a specific configuration rather than using a single or paired electrode system. This segmentation creates a more distributed and controlled electric field, reducing localized electromagnetic interference and heating while maintaining extended range and reduced alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a four-electrode configuration with specific symmetry properties (four-fold mirror or rotational symmetry) that creates a controlled electric field distribution. This asymmetric arrangement of four electrodes rather than the conventional two-electrode system optimizes the field pattern to reduce harmful electromagnetic interference and heating effects while maintaining the benefits of extended range
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
The system achieves efficient power transfer with reduced electromagnetic interference and lower required inductance, improving RF efficiency and mitigating heating issues while maintaining safety by generating a localized electric field with higher order terms of greater magnitude.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitive electrodes and the inductors are configured to resonate and: generate or couple with an electric field
Implementation Method 2
Power transfer occurs due to coupling of electric fields between the capacitive electrodes of the transmitter and receiver
Implementation Method 3
generate or couple with an electric field having a dipole term of negligible magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
A resonator is provided. The resonator comprises at least two inductors and at least four capacitive electrodes electrically connected to the inductors. The capacitive electrodes and the inductors are configured to resonate and generate or couple with an electric field. The electrodes have either four fold mirror or rotational symmetry.