Coupled Resonators for Mid-Range Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer technologies are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as they either lose power in free space or require complex tracking mechanisms and pose safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate power transfer through magnetic or electric near-fields, allowing for efficient wireless energy transfer over mid-range distances with high-quality factor resonators and sub-wavelength resonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but efficiency deteriorates because most power is radiated away in all directions and lost in free space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent confines electromagnetic energy transfer to a localized near-field region rather than allowing radiation in all directions. By using coupled resonators operating in the near-field regime, the energy is concentrated in a specific spatial region between the source and load, improving efficiency while maintaining useful transmission distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequencies that create strong near-field coupling. By tuning the resonators to operate at specific frequencies where their near-fields strongly overlap, efficient energy transfer is achieved over distances much larger than traditional induction while avoiding far-field radiation losses
2Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to confine and direct radiated energy, then transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to tracking and steering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking and steering mechanisms with a resonant electromagnetic field coupling system. Instead of physically directing beams using moving antennas, the system uses resonant near-field coupling that naturally confines energy transfer without requiring mechanical adjustment or tracking components
3Loss of energy
If directional antennas with high power transmission are used, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but harmful factors increase due to hazards to objects or people crossing the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent confines the electromagnetic energy to a localized near-field region between coupled resonators, creating a contained energy transfer zone. This localized confinement prevents dangerous radiation from spreading to surrounding areas, eliminating safety hazards to people or objects that might cross a broad radiation beam while maintaining efficient power transfer
4Loss of energy
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency is acceptable over short distances, but transmission distance is limited to very short ranges with small offset tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant oscillation of electromagnetic fields at specific frequencies to enhance the coupling between source and load. By operating the resonators at their resonant frequencies, the near-field coupling is dramatically strengthened, enabling efficient energy transfer over distances much larger than traditional induction while maintaining high efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequencies that create strong near-field coupling. By tuning the resonators to operate at specific frequencies where their near-fields strongly overlap, efficient energy transfer is achieved over distances much larger than traditional induction while maintaining high efficiency and larger offset tolerances
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
Enables efficient power delivery from picowatts to kilowatts over distances much larger than traditional induction techniques, with improved efficiency and offset tolerances, and safety features to avoid hazards.
Implementation Method 1
uses an oscillating current passing through a primary coil, to generate an oscillating magnetic near-field that induces currents in a near-by receiving or secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
uses coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate power transfer through magnetic or electric near-fields
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power receiving system for a mobile electronic device that includes a high-Q repeater resonator comprising at least an inductor and a capacitor and having a Q-factor Q1. The inductor of the repeater resonator is enclosed in a removable sleeve of the mobile electronic. The system also includes a high-Q device resonator comprising at least an inductor and a capacitor and having a Q-factor Q2. The device resonator is integrated in the mobile device and electrically connected to the mobile electronic device, and the square root of the product Q1 and Q2 is greater than 100.