Dynamic Transmit Coil Positioning for Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies and parameter limitations due to misalignment and varying magnetic environments, leading to suboptimal power transfer even with existing impedance matching and active circuitry solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic transmit coil positioning system with a movable platform, drive unit, inverter, and controller that adjusts the transmit coil's position to optimize operating parameters such as magnetic coupling factor, frequency, and voltage, allowing for improved power transfer within safe operational limits without additional active electronics on the receiver side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable impedances in impedance matching circuits and active circuitry are used to compensate for misalignment, then power transfer can be maintained under misaligned conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the transmit coil position dynamic rather than fixed. The coil can be repositioned in real-time to optimize coupling with the receive coil, eliminating the need for complex active circuitry and impedance matching components. This mechanical dynamic adjustment replaces electronic complexity with spatial flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameter (position) of the transmit coil to optimize power transfer. By adjusting the position coordinates (x, y, z) of the coil, the system achieves optimal coupling conditions without requiring changes to electrical parameters through complex circuits. This parameter change approach simplifies the overall system design.
2Device complexity
If the transmit coil position is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates under misalignment conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed coil position into a dynamic, adjustable position. The coil mounting structure allows movement along x, y, and z axes, enabling real-time optimization of the coupling coefficient k between transmit and receive coils. This dynamic positioning maintains high power transfer efficiency without adding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality (three-dimensional positioning) to solve the power transfer efficiency problem. Instead of using complex electronic control in the electrical domain, the system uses mechanical positioning in the spatial domain to achieve optimal coupling, thereby improving efficiency without increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If impedance matching circuits are added to compensate for misalignment, then power transfer is improved, but the area required for the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic repositioning of the transmit coil to achieve reliable power transfer without adding bulky impedance matching circuits. The coil can be moved closer to the receive coil when misalignment occurs, maintaining reliable coupling within the existing system footprint, thereby avoiding area expansion.
4Productivity
If active circuitry is used on the receiver side to compensate for misalignment, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by moving the adjustment capability from the receiver side to the transmitter side. Instead of using active circuitry on the receiver to compensate for misalignment, the transmit coil itself is made mechanically adjustable, shifting the complexity from electronic to mechanical domain and maintaining receiver simplicity.
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
This approach enables efficient power transfer under unfavorable conditions, maintaining high power rates and compliance with standards by dynamically adjusting the transmit coil's position to achieve optimal operating parameters, reducing the area required for the system and improving power transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The transmit coil emits power in the form of magnetic fields. The receive coil converts the magnetic power into electric power.
Implementation Method 2
The inverter may be provided for transmitting electrical power to the transmit coil and can provide an operation frequency in an allowed frequency range, e.g. around 85 kHz. Then, the transmit coil emits a varying magnetic field that has a frequency of the operation frequency of the positioning system.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic transmit coil positioning system, e.g. for a wireless power transfer system. The positioning system has a drive unit, a movable platform, a transmit coil, an inverter and a controller. The controller is provided for positioning the movable platform via the drive unit to adjust an operating parameter of the transmit coil.