FET Switching for Wireless Power Transfer Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies in power transfer over distance and require cumbersome wired connections for charging electronic devices, which can be inconvenient and have drawbacks such as physical constraints and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system utilizing a tuning element with capacitors or inductors, coupled with a field effect transistor, allows for efficient energy transfer by matching the resonant frequency between a transmitter and receiver, enabling power transfer over larger distances without physical conductors, and includes a switch to dynamically adjust the AC power path based on gate bias potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used for charging electronic devices, then power transfer reliability is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical constraints and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The transmitter generates an electromagnetic field that inductively couples with the receiver coil, eliminating the need for physical plugging and unplugging of cables, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining power transfer reliability through controlled electromagnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium between the power source and the electronic device. The transmitter converts electrical energy to an electromagnetic field, which then transfers energy to the receiver coil, serving as a non-contact intermediary that enables wireless power transfer while ensuring reliable energy delivery.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer over larger distances is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tuning of the resonant frequency of both the transmitter and receiver circuits to maintain optimal power transfer efficiency across varying distances. By dynamically adjusting the resonant frequency to match between transmitter and receiver, the system maximizes inductive coupling efficiency even at larger separation distances, reducing energy loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes resonant oscillation at matched frequencies between the transmitter and receiver circuits to enhance power transfer efficiency. By operating both circuits at their resonant frequency, the system creates strong electromagnetic coupling that maintains efficient energy transfer over larger distances, counteracting the natural efficiency degradation with distance.
3Loss of energy
If resonant frequency matching is implemented for efficient power transfer, then power transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to tuning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the tuning circuitry and resonant frequency control functions within the existing wireless power transfer system architecture. The same control circuitry that manages power transmission also handles frequency tuning and resonance matching, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated tuning devices, thus improving efficiency while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transmitter control circuitry with the resonant frequency tuning mechanism into a unified system. The control circuit simultaneously manages power delivery and frequency matching, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system that achieves efficient power transfer without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Loss of energy
If tuning elements are added to optimize power transfer, then power transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the tuning elements (capacitors and inductors) to serve multiple functions within the wireless power transfer system. These components not only provide resonant frequency tuning for efficient power transfer but also serve as part of the impedance matching network and energy storage elements, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving power transfer efficiency.
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 enhances the efficiency and safety of wireless power transfer by allowing efficient energy coupling over various distances, reducing the need for wired connections, and enabling adaptive tuning to optimize power transfer, thus addressing the inefficiencies and inconveniences of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a field effect transistor having a gate, a first terminal contact, and a second terminal contact, said first terminal contact is at an alternating current (AC) voltage, the field effect transistor configured to electrically engage the tuning element to an AC power path based on a change in bias potential of the gate with respect to the first terminal contact
Implementation Method 2
A wireless power transfer system utilizing a tuning element with capacitors or inductors, coupled with a field effect transistor, allows for efficient energy transfer by matching the resonant frequency between a transmitter and receiver
Implementation Method 3
a first capacitor coupled between the first terminal contact and the AC power path and a second capacitor coupled between the second terminal contact and the AC power path
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for tuning in wireless power transfer circuits. One aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus for tuning. The apparatus includes a field effect transistor having a gate, source, and drain, where the field effect transistor is configured to electrically engage a tuning element to an AC power path. In some embodiments, one of the source or drain contacts is at an alternating current voltage.