N+1 Half-Bridge Driving Circuit for Multi-Load Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transmitters can only supply electric energy to a single load in a non-contact manner, limiting their application to multiple devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A driving circuit with N+1 half-bridge circuits connected in parallel, controlled by a circuit that allows for simultaneous, alternate, or independent energy transfer to multiple transmitter-side coupling circuits, enabling efficient wireless power transmission to multiple loads using pulse-width modulation signals and a detection circuit for load detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one transmitter-side coupling circuit is used, then the circuit scale is small, but the wireless power transmitter can only supply electric energy to a single load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges N+1 half-bridge circuits into a unified inverting circuit structure where multiple half-bridge circuits share common input terminals and are controlled by a single control circuit. This combining approach enables the system to drive N transmitter-side coupling circuits simultaneously, allowing power supply to multiple loads while maintaining a compact overall circuit architecture rather than using N separate independent circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverting circuit designed with N+1 half-bridge circuits serves multiple functions: it can simultaneously drive N transmitter-side coupling circuits, support both single-load and multi-load operations, and provide flexible power distribution. The control circuit can selectively activate different combinations of half-bridge circuits depending on the number and position of loads, making the system universally applicable to various loading scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If N transmitter-side coupling circuits are driven independently, then multiple loads can be powered, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is segmented into N+1 control modules, each responsible for controlling one half-bridge circuit. Each control module receives the same detection signal and independently generates switching signals based on the detected load position. This segmentation allows parallel processing of control decisions, reducing the overall control complexity compared to a centralized control approach that would need to make all decisions sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
Each half-bridge circuit and its corresponding control module operate autonomously based on the shared detection signal. When a load is detected at a specific position, the corresponding half-bridge circuit automatically activates without requiring centralized coordination. This self-service mechanism simplifies the control architecture by eliminating the need for complex inter-module communication and coordination protocols.
3Device complexity
If N+1 half-bridge circuits are connected in parallel, then the circuit scale is reduced, but the synchronization of energy transfer becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic detection signals that are simultaneously applied to all N+1 control modules. The detection signal operates at a fixed frequency and cycle, causing all half-bridge circuits to switch in synchronized periodic cycles. This periodic action ensures that energy transfer to multiple loads occurs in a coordinated manner, with each half-bridge circuit activating at predetermined intervals based on the detection signal phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit provides real-time feedback about load positions to all control modules simultaneously. Based on this feedback, the control circuit adjusts the switching timing of each half-bridge circuit to maintain synchronization. When loads are detected at specific positions, the corresponding control modules receive feedback signals that coordinate their switching actions, ensuring synchronized energy transfer across multiple coupling circuits.
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 wireless power transmission to multiple loads with a compact circuit design, improving convenience and adaptability for various applications by allowing simultaneous or sequential energy transfer to multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
wireless power transmission, and further more particularly, to a driving circuit and a wireless power transmitter including the same
Implementation Method 2
transfers electric energy by coupling between a power transmitter and a power receiver in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a driving circuit and a wireless power transmitter including the same. N+1 half-bridge circuits constitute N full-bridge circuits by reusing the half-bridge circuits, so as to drive a plurality of coils for wirelessly charging a plurality of loads.