Far-Field Wireless Energy Transfer Using Metamaterial Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer technologies face challenges in efficiently transferring energy over long distances due to energy drop-off with distance and difficulty in accurately aiming the energy beam at a moving target device, especially in far-field environments, where meter-level accuracy is not sufficient for reliable charging.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system utilizing different types of metamaterials, such as synthetic diamond-crystal metamaterials for constraining and optical metamaterials for shaping electromagnetic microwaves, combined with GPS, inertial navigation, and measurement units to determine the predicted position of a mobile device, allowing for precise control of the antenna's position to maintain the energy beam within the Fresnel zone for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If near-field wireless transmission techniques are used, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but transmission distance is limited to close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from near-field to far-field transmission by changing the operating parameters including using microwave frequencies and adjusting antenna characteristics to enable efficient energy transfer at distances beyond one to three feet
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam forming and beam steering capabilities to transmit energy in a directional far-field manner, adding spatial dimensionality control to overcome the distance limitation of traditional near-field techniques
2Length of stationary object
If large parabolic antenna systems are used to focus electromagnetic fields, then transmission distance is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electronically steerable antenna arrays that can dynamically adjust beam direction and focus without mechanical movement, replacing complex mechanical parabolic systems with electronically controllable phased arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical aiming systems with electronic beam steering using phased array technology, eliminating the need for large physical antenna structures and complex mechanical aiming mechanisms
3Loss of information
If standard GPS is used for location determination, then position information is obtained, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate far-field energy transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces inertial measurement units (IMU) and other auxiliary sensors as intermediaries to enhance GPS data, providing continuous position tracking and velocity information that compensates for GPS accuracy limitations and enables precise beam targeting
4Adaptability or versatility
If the target device is moved during charging, then mobility is improved, but energy transfer reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in tracking and aiming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops using location systems and inertial sensors to track mobile device position and velocity, with real-time adjustments to antenna beam direction and focus to maintain reliable energy transfer during movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predicted position calculations based on current velocity and direction data to proactively adjust beam aiming before the device moves, ensuring continuous accurate targeting during mobility
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 solution enables centimeter-level accuracy in wireless energy transfer over long distances, ensuring high efficiency and reliability for charging mobile devices, including those in motion, by dynamically adjusting the antenna's position based on real-time location and movement data.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna system utilizes different types of metamaterials, such as synthetic diamond-crystal metamaterials for constraining and optical metamaterials for shaping electromagnetic microwaves
Implementation Method 2
transmitting a beam of electromagnetic microwaves to the mobile device
Implementation Method 3
Energy can be transferred using near-field wireless transmission techniques such as induction based on magnetic fields in close proximity to the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system can be controlled to wirelessly transmit power to a mobile device in a far-field environment by using different types of metamaterials to shape and constrain the beam of power, controlling the antenna based on a predicted position of the mobile device, or both of these. The mobile device can use the power to charge a power source associated with the mobile device. The predicted position of the mobile device can be determined using position information, motion and direction information, and height information about the mobile device. The position of the antenna can be controlled so that the power is wirelessly transmitted to the mobile device in the Fresnel zone of the antenna.