CPC Laser Collector Assembly for Safe Far-Field Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Far field wireless power transfer using laser beams faces limitations such as directionality, safety concerns, and inefficiency, particularly in mobile applications where precise alignment and safety handling are challenging, and existing solutions either lack mobility or compromise on safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laser light collecting assembly comprising a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) mirror and an optical to electrical converter, which focuses incoming laser light to maximize energy conversion efficiency while ensuring safety through a bidirectional low power laser beam that interrupts the high-power beam if misalignment or obstacles are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If laser beams are used for far field wireless power transfer, then power can be transferred over longer distances, but safety concerns arise due to potential blindness and death from laser radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
A photonic sensor is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser beam and the environment. This sensor detects laser radiation and generates safety signals to control beam operation, mediating the harmful effect while preserving the power transfer function
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through the photonic sensor that continuously monitors laser radiation levels and provides real-time control signals to adjust or terminate beam operation, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism
2Measurement precision
If mechanical beam steering is used to align the receiver with the incoming power signal, then alignment precision can be achieved, but device complexity and mechanical reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with an optical detection and control system. The photonic sensor detects beam position and provides feedback signals for alignment control, substituting mechanical movement with optical-field-based positioning
3Productivity
If the size of the photosensitive region of a photonic sensor is increased to optimize electrical transduction, then power conversion efficiency improves, but physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the photonic sensor by adjusting parameters such as quantum efficiency, spectral response, and material composition to achieve high power conversion efficiency with a compact photosensitive region, rather than simply increasing physical size
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 solution enables efficient wireless power transfer with enhanced safety and mobility by focusing laser energy effectively and ensuring the high-power beam is safely managed, addressing the limitations of existing far field power transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
The internal walls focus a majority of the laser light entering the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture
Implementation Method 2
the optical to electrical converter positioned adjacent to the outlet aperture and configured to receive the laser light exiting the outlet aperture so as to convert optical energy in the laser light to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A laser light collecting assembly for a wireless power receiver. The assembly includes a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) mirror and an optical to electrical converter. The CPC mirror has curved internal walls that define an inlet aperture and connect the inlet aperture to an outlet aperture. The inlet aperture may be larger than the outlet aperture. The internal walls may focus a majority of the laser light entering the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. The optical to electrical converter may be positioned adjacent to the outlet aperture and configured to receive the laser light exiting the outlet aperture so as to convert optical power in the laser light to electrical power.