Hybrid Wireless Power Transfer System Coil Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies in charging larger devices due to the larger voids associated with litz coils and heat generation issues, while smaller devices are inefficiently charged using PCB coils, which have smaller voids but higher impedance.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid wireless power transfer system utilizing both printed circuit board (PCB) coils and litz wire coils, where the controller selectively applies signals to determine the proximity and type of electronic devices, choosing the appropriate coil type (litz or PCB) based on signal strength and voltage thresholds to efficiently transfer power, optimizing charging efficiency and reducing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If litz coils are used for wireless power transfer, then charging efficiency for larger devices is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between litz coils and PCB coils based on real-time detection of device characteristics and charging conditions. The controller adjusts coil selection and signal parameters adaptively to optimize charging efficiency while managing heat generation, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different coil types (litz or PCB) based on detected device properties. When charging larger devices, litz coils are selected for higher efficiency; when charging smaller devices or when heat concerns arise, PCB coils are selected to reduce heat generation while maintaining adequate charging performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If PCB coils are used for wireless power transfer, then heat generation is reduced, but charging efficiency for larger devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generationVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameter of coil type selection based on device size and charging requirements. For smaller devices where heat reduction is prioritized, PCB coils are used. For larger devices requiring higher charging efficiency, the system switches to litz coils, thereby adapting parameters to match specific charging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller implements dynamic coil selection that responds to real-time detection of device characteristics. The system transitions from a static single-coil design to a dynamic multi-coil system that can switch between PCB and litz coils based on detected device properties and charging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If litz coils are used, then charging efficiency improves, but device adaptability deteriorates due to larger voids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system is segmented into multiple coil modules (both litz and PCB coils) that can be independently selected and activated. This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate coil type based on device size and characteristics, thereby maintaining high charging efficiency for larger devices while ensuring compatibility with smaller devices that have different geometric constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by incorporating multiple coil types that can serve different device categories. The hybrid coil configuration enables the same wireless charging system to efficiently charge both large devices (using litz coils) and small devices (using PCB coils), thereby expanding overall system versatility and device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If PCB coils are used, then device adaptability improves, but charging efficiency for larger devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the coil array into different types (PCB and litz coils) with distinct characteristics. PCB coils with smaller voids are positioned and configured to accommodate smaller devices, while litz coils are available for larger devices. This segmentation enables the system to match coil type to device size, optimizing both adaptability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By incorporating both PCB and litz coils in the wireless charging system, the system achieves multi-functionality. It can serve both small devices (where PCB coils provide adequate efficiency and good adaptability) and large devices (where litz coils provide superior efficiency). This universal design allows a single system to handle diverse device types effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system efficiently transfers power to both large and small devices by selecting the appropriate coil type, enhancing charging efficiency and reducing heat generation, thereby improving overall power transfer performance.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless power transfer system wirelessly transfers power to an electronic device such as a handheld wireless phone or a wearable device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20210391749A1Hybrid wireless power transfer system for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.12.16 NXP USA INC
  • US20210391749A1 patent drawing
  • US20210391749A1 patent drawing
  • US20210391749A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A respective first signal is applied to a first terminal of each of one or more litz coils and each of one or more printed circuit board (PCB) coils. A respective second signal is received from a second terminal associated with each of the one or more litz coils and the one or more PCB coils. The respective second signal is based on the respective first signal applied to the first terminal of each of one or more litz coils and each of one or more printed circuit board (PCB) coils. A coil is selected from the one or more litz coils and the one or more PCB coils where the selected coil is based on the respective second signal from the second terminal associated with each of the one or more litz coils and the one or more PCB coils. The selected coil is caused to wirelessly transfer the power to an electronic device.