Distributed Capacitor String for Near-Field Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to energy loss through far electromagnetic fields and the need for direct connections, which limits their adaptability and safety in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
A variable form factor transmitter system incorporating a string of distributed capacitors and inductive segments on a laminated material sheet, operating within the ISM radio band, which adapts to different form factors while maintaining a characteristic frequency for efficient near-field electromagnetic power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If wireless power transfer uses far electromagnetic fields, then power can be transmitted over longer distances, but energy loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating frequency of the distributed capacitor string to maintain resonance with receiver devices at varying distances. By tuning the frequency based on the characteristic dimensions of the power transfer area, the system optimizes near-field coupling efficiency while adapting to different transmission distances without excessive energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (frequency, capacitance distribution) of the transmitter to operate in the near-field regime rather than far-field radiation. By configuring the distributed capacitor string to resonate at a frequency determined by the power transfer area dimensions, the system confines electromagnetic energy to the near-field region, enabling efficient power transfer while reducing radiative energy loss.
2Reliability
If direct connections are used for power transfer, then power transfer reliability is ensured, but adaptability to varying environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical direct connections with wireless electromagnetic field coupling. The distributed capacitor string creates a resonant electromagnetic field that couples with receiver devices without physical contact, eliminating the need for plugging/unplugging operations while maintaining reliable power transfer through field-based energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to work across multiple environments and configurations by adjusting its operating frequency to match the characteristic dimensions of different power transfer areas. The same transmitter architecture can serve various applications (room-scale, vehicle-scale, industrial-scale) by reconfiguring the distributed capacitor parameters, providing universal adaptability while maintaining reliable power transfer.
3Device complexity
If wireless power transfer operates without frequency optimization, then system complexity is reduced, but power transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary frequency optimization by calculating the characteristic frequency based on the dimensions of the power transfer area before operation begins. This pre-configuration of the distributed capacitor string ensures that the system operates at optimal efficiency from startup, eliminating the need for complex real-time frequency sweeping or adaptive tuning mechanisms during power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed capacitor string is configured to automatically resonate at the frequency determined by the power transfer area dimensions. The system self-adjusts its operating parameters based on its physical configuration, eliminating the need for external frequency optimization controllers or complex feedback mechanisms, thus maintaining efficiency without increasing system complexity.
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 enhances power transfer efficiency by confining electrical fields, reducing stray energy loss, and ensuring safety by maintaining power transfer across varying environments without the need for direct connections, while maintaining the characteristic frequency within the ISM band.
Implementation Method 1
transmit, from a radio frequency (RF) power source and based at least in part on a characteristic frequency of the string of distributed capacitors, RF power across the wireless power transfer area via a near electromagnetic field of the string of distributed capacitors
Implementation Method 2
based at least in part on a characteristic frequency of the string of distributed capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmitter for wireless power transfer. The power transmitter includes (i) a material sheet encompassing a path based on a wireless power transfer area, and (ii) capacitors and inductive segments disposed along the path, mechanically supported by the material sheet, and connected in series into a string of distributed capacitors. Accordingly, the power transmitter is configured to transmit, from a RF power source and based at least in part on a characteristic frequency of the string of distributed capacitors, RF power across the wireless power transfer area via a near electromagnetic field of the string of distributed capacitors.