Flexible Resonator Attachment for Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless energy transfer technologies are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as they either lose power in free space or require complex tracking and safety precautions.

Innovation Solution

The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate energy transfer through magnetic or electric near-fields, allowing for efficient wireless energy transfer over mid-range distances with high-quality factor resonators and sub-wavelength resonators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but transfer efficiency deteriorates because most power is radiated away in all directions and lost in free space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating electromagnetic energy transfer in a specific localized region between resonators rather than radiating energy uniformly in all directions. The evanescent magnetic near-fields are confined to the space between the source and device resonators, creating a localized energy transfer pathway that improves efficiency while maintaining transmission distance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If directional antennas are used to confine and direct radiated energy towards receiver, then power transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to required tracking and steering mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtracking and steering mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical tracking and steering mechanisms with a resonant coupling system. Instead of physically directing energy beams using movable antennas, the invention uses tuned electromagnetic resonators that naturally couple energy through their resonant modes. This substitution of mechanical systems with resonant electromagnetic fields achieves directional energy transfer without complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency improves over short distances, but transmission distance deteriorates to only very short ranges with small offset tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through resonant oscillation. The source and device resonators are tuned to oscillate at the same resonant frequency, creating periodic electromagnetic fields that enhance coupling. This resonant periodic action allows energy transfer over mid-range distances by synchronizing the oscillation cycles of transmitter and receiver, overcoming the distance limitation of traditional non-radiative induction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Power

If high power is transmitted through radiative schemes, then useful energy transfer is achieved, but harmful factors increase due to hazards to objects or people crossing the beam

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitted powerVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful radiative component from the energy transfer system. By using non-radiative evanescent magnetic near-fields instead of radiative electromagnetic waves, the invention removes the safety hazards associated with high-power radiation beams while maintaining the ability to transfer useful amounts of power wirelessly over mid-range distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables efficient wireless energy transfer over distances of centimeters to meters with improved efficiency and offset tolerances, suitable for powering various electronic devices without the limitations of traditional induction schemes.

Implementation Method 1

uses an oscillating current passing through a primary coil, to generate an oscillating magnetic near-field that induces currents in a near-by receiving or secondary coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

uses coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power from a power supply to a power drain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10230243B2Flexible resonator attachment

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 NAVIGATE LLC

AI summary

Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer for electronic devices. In embodiments reconfigurable or flexible attachment between a source and a device is realized using permanent magnets or electromagnets. Magnetic material may be positioned on or around one or more of the resonator to provide for locations for attaching permanent magnets. A permanent magnet attached to or near one of a source or device or repeater resonators may be used to flexibly attach to the non-lossy magnetic material of another resonator structure. In embodiments, replacing lossy permanent magnets and/or electromagnets in even one of the resonators of a wireless power system may be advantageous to system performance.