Focused Antenna for Wireless Power and NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for wireless power and near-field communication (NFC) face challenges such as inefficient power coupling over distance, requirement for close antenna spacing, and unnatural device positioning for NFC operations, leading to user discomfort and limited usability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose antenna configuration with a focused antenna element positioned near a minor plane surface to enable natural device handling and efficient NFC operations, while also supporting wireless power transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If plane wave radiation coupling is used for wireless power transmission, then power can be transmitted over the air, but power coupling efficiency drops quickly with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic wave propagation from plane wave (far-field) to spherical wave (near-field) radiation. This parameter change enables effective power transmission at distances significantly greater than traditional inductive coupling while maintaining reasonable efficiency, resolving the contradiction between wireless transmission capability and power coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by using a large aperture transmit antenna that creates a spherical wavefront. This dimensional change from traditional small-loop antennas to large-aperture structures enables the system to transmit power over extended distances while maintaining coupling efficiency through the near-field spherical wave mechanism.
2Productivity
If inductive coupling between transmit antenna and receive antenna is used, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, but spacing between antennas must be very close
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the coupling mechanism from near-field inductive coupling to spherical wave near-field radiation. This parameter change allows the transmit antenna to couple with multiple receive antennas simultaneously over distances of several feet, enabling multi-device charging without requiring the antennas to be in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The large aperture transmit antenna structure serves multiple functions: it can simultaneously charge multiple devices at different positions and orientations, provides NFC communication capability, and maintains efficiency across a broad spatial region. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between simultaneous charging capability and antenna spacing requirements.
3Reliability
If large coil antennas are used for NFC operations, then communication can be established, but device must be held in unnatural position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the antenna configuration from large coil structures requiring specific orientation to a compact integrated antenna system. This parameter change enables NFC communication while allowing the device to be held in natural, ergonomic positions without compromising communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the NFC antenna and wireless power receive antenna into a single integrated antenna structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate large coil antennas, enabling both NFC communication and wireless power reception while maintaining natural device handling positions.
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 power transfer and NFC operations without the need for close antenna spacing, allowing users to perform tasks like payments or data exchange in a natural, ergonomic manner, improving user experience and device compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to generate a focused field
Implementation Method 2
power coupling falls off quickly with distance between the antennas
Implementation Method 3
collects the radiated power and rectifies it for charging the battery
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device including a focused antenna. A device may include a minor plane surface and an antenna positioned proximate the minor plane surface. The antenna may be configured for generating a field focused around the minor plane surface. The antenna may further include an element extending from the minor plane surface toward another minor plane surface of the device.