Concentric Electrode Wireless Power Transfer for Rotating Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer systems face challenges in efficiently transferring power between rotating and stationary structures due to alignment issues and the need for mechanical contact, which leads to friction, wear, and maintenance requirements, especially in systems using slip rings and roll rings.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system utilizing resonant electric field coupling with concentric or coplanar electrode sets that allow for rotation and translation, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and reducing maintenance through efficient power transfer even when the receiver is partially out of alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical contact methods (slip rings, roll rings) are used for power transfer between rotating and stationary structures, then power transfer is achieved, but friction and wear increase leading to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based power transfer systems (slip rings, roll rings) with a wireless electromagnetic power transfer system using magnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver coils. This substitution eliminates physical contact, thereby removing friction and wear entirely while maintaining reliable power transfer across an air gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the stationary transmitter and rotating receiver. The magnetic coupling acts as a non-contact mediator that transmits energy through the air gap without requiring direct mechanical contact, thus avoiding friction and wear associated with traditional mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical contact methods are used, then power transfer is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact components (slip rings, roll rings, brushes) with wireless electromagnetic coupling components (transmitter and receiver coils). This eliminates the moving contact parts that require maintenance, making the system maintenance-free while preserving power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical contact elements from the power transfer system, replacing them with a field-based transmission mechanism. By taking out the friction-prone mechanical components entirely, the system eliminates maintenance requirements associated with wear and friction.
3Reliability
If induction coils are used for magnetic induction power transfer, then power transfer occurs, but alignment issues arise and range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonant magnetic coupling with high Q-factor coils that dynamically adapt to varying distances and orientations. The resonant frequency matching creates a stronger, more tolerant magnetic coupling that maintains efficient power transfer over a wider range of alignments and distances compared to conventional magnetic induction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency matching and high Q-factor coils instead of standard magnetic induction. This parameter change creates a stronger magnetic coupling effect that is less sensitive to misalignment and extends the effective operating range of the power transfer system.
4Length of stationary object
If resonant magnetic systems are used, then range is increased and alignment issues are rectified, but system complexity increases with high Q capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant magnetic coupling with high Q-factor coils that naturally extend the power transfer range through resonant frequency matching. The dynamic resonant coupling maintains efficiency over varying distances and orientations, achieving extended range without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant magnetic coupling system serves multiple functions: it extends power transfer range, tolerates misalignment, and maintains efficient power transfer across varying conditions. This multi-functionality achieves extended range while keeping the system relatively simple compared to other approaches that would require multiple separate systems.
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 maintenance needs and minimizes friction and wear, enabling reliable operation over a range of motions and orientations without the drawbacks of mechanical contact methods.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter comprising a transmit electrode set configured to transfer power via resonant electric field coupling; and a receiver comprising a receive electrode set configured to extract the transferred power via resonant electric field coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system comprises: a transmitter comprising a transmit electrode set configured to transfer power via resonant electric field coupling; and a receiver comprising a receive electrode set configured to extract the transferred power via resonant electric field coupling, wherein the electrodes of at least one of the transmit and receive electrode sets are concentric.