Capacitively-Loaded Resonator for Mid-Range Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless energy transfer methods are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as traditional induction schemes are limited by short range and require precise alignment, while radiative methods are inefficient and pose safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power wirelessly over mid-range distances, utilizing high-Q resonators with low intrinsic-loss rates and sub-wavelength resonators that extend near-fields to enable efficient energy exchange between resonators tuned to the same frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but transfer distance is limited to short range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency coupling instead of traditional induction. The resonators are tuned to operate at specific resonant frequencies, which fundamentally alters the energy transfer mechanism from near-field induction to resonant coupling, enabling extended transfer distances while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs oscillating magnetic fields at resonant frequencies to transfer energy. The resonators are designed to oscillate at specific frequencies, creating a resonant coupling effect that extends the effective transfer distance beyond traditional induction limits while maintaining high power transfer efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer is efficient, but alignment precision requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
By changing to resonant frequency operation, the system becomes less sensitive to alignment variations. The resonant coupling mechanism maintains efficient energy transfer over a broader range of alignments compared to traditional induction, reducing the precision requirements for transmitter-receiver positioning.
3Length of stationary object
If radiative methods are used, then transfer distance is extended, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant oscillation to concentrate energy transfer at specific frequencies, creating a focused energy pathway between transmitter and receiver. This resonant coupling approach extends transfer distance significantly beyond traditional induction while maintaining efficiency far superior to broad-spectrum radiative methods.
Solution Approach 2:
By operating at resonant frequencies and using coupled resonators with high Q-factors, the system achieves a fundamental parameter change that enables extended distance transfer with minimal energy loss, avoiding the inefficiencies of conventional radiative approaches.
4Length of stationary object
If radiative methods are used, then transfer distance is extended, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant coupling mechanism creates a focused energy transfer pathway that minimizes stray radiation. By concentrating the energy transfer through resonant oscillation between coupled resonators, the system extends transfer distance while significantly reducing the safety hazards associated with broad-spectrum radiative methods.
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 allows for efficient wireless energy transfer over distances of centimeters to meters, enabling powering or charging of electronic devices with improved efficiency and safety, compared to traditional induction and radiative methods.
Implementation Method 1
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power wirelessly over mid-range distances, utilizing high-Q resonators with low intrinsic-loss rates and sub-wavelength resonators that extend near-fields to enable efficient energy exchange between resonators tuned to the same frequency
Implementation Method 2
The source resonator and the second resonator are coupled to exchange energy wirelessly among the source resonator and the second resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging pad includes a capacitively-loaded conducting loop source resonator, with a characteristic size, L1, connected to a switching amplifier and configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, wherein the conducting loop comprises multiple turns circumscribing an area, the conducting loop does not extend into the center of the circumscribed area, the source resonator delivers useful power to at least one device resonator with a characteristic size, L2, and where L1 is larger than L2.