Configurable Rectifier for Wireless Power Transfer Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer systems require multiple transmitters for different charging standards, leading to increased costs, confusion, and storage needs, as they lack compatibility without degrading performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that perform efficiency optimization by detecting signals to select the appropriate rectifier size for a configurable rectifier within the electronic device, allowing it to operate efficiently across various wireless charging standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional wireless power transfer system uses multiple transmitters for different charging standards, then compatibility with various electronic devices is improved, but device complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmitter design that can detect wireless signals and dynamically configure rectifier circuits to support multiple wireless charging standards (Qi, AirFuel, etc.) through a single device. The transmitter includes a power input coil, configurable rectifier with multiple rectifier circuits, and a controller that automatically detects the charging standard and activates the appropriate circuit configuration, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration of rectifier circuits based on real-time detection of wireless signal characteristics. The controller monitors the wireless signal frequency and other parameters, then dynamically switches between different rectifier circuit configurations (first rectifier circuit for Qi standard, second rectifier circuit for AirFuel standard) to optimize performance for each standard without requiring manual intervention or pre-configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional wireless power transfer system uses multiple transmitters for different charging standards, then compatibility with various electronic devices is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the rectifier circuits based on the detected wireless charging standard. The controller adjusts rectifier configuration parameters such as switching frequency, impedance matching, and circuit topology to optimize power transfer efficiency for each standard (Qi operating at lower frequencies versus AirFuel at higher frequencies), thereby minimizing energy loss while maintaining compatibility across standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional wireless power transfer system uses multiple transmitters for different charging standards, then compatibility with various electronic devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rectifier functionality into multiple independent rectifier circuits (first rectifier circuit, second rectifier circuit) that can be selectively activated. Each rectifier circuit is optimized for specific charging standards, and the controller segments the operation by activating only the required circuit based on detection results, reducing the effective complexity at any given time while maintaining overall compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the complexity of supporting multiple standards. The controller detects the wireless signal characteristics and automatically selects and configures the appropriate rectifier circuit, acting as a mediator between the user and the complex multi-standard system. This hides the complexity from the user while enabling compatibility with multiple standards.
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
Enhances the compatibility and performance of wireless power transfer systems by optimizing the rectifier's efficiency, minimizing power loss across different charging standards, and reducing the need for multiple transmitters.
Implementation Method 1
a power input coil (230) of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a configurable rectifier (150) within the electronic device... selecting at least one portion of a plurality of rectifier sub-circuits and therefore a rectifier size
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for performing efficiency optimization of an electronic device (100, 200R), for instance the receiving side of a wireless power transfer device, and an associated apparatus (100, 200R) are provided, where the method includes the steps of: performing at least one detection operation according to at least one signal of the electronic device (100, 200R) to generate at least one detection result; and selecting a rectifier size of a plurality of rectifier sizes of a configurable rectifier (150, 710) within the electronic device (100, 200R) according to the at least one detection result, to control the configurable rectifier (150, 710) to operate with the rectifier size, wherein the configurable rectifier (150, 710) is arranged for performing rectification operations, and the configurable rectifier (150, 710) is configurable to operate with at least one portion of the configurable rectifier (150, 710) being activated.