Induced-Voltage Alignment for Wireless Power Coil Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face challenges with limited coupling range and precise alignment requirements, particularly in Qi wireless charging standards, which restrict their application scope due to fragile ferrite-based coils and limited magnetic or electric field power transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An alignment device comprising a coil or electrode to generate an induced voltage from magnetic or electric fields, a comparator to compare the induced voltage with a threshold, and an indicator to activate based on this comparison, aiding in optimal alignment of transmitter and receiver coils for efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic induction systems use ferrite-based coils for power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved through tight coupling, but the coils become heavy and fragile, limiting application scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional ferrite-based magnetic induction coils with a high-frequency electromagnetic system using conductive plates or coils without ferrite materials. This substitution eliminates the mechanical fragility and weight issues while maintaining power transfer efficiency through high-frequency operation (100 kHz to 10 GHz range), enabling broader application scope including transparent and flexible implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from traditional kHz range to high-frequency range (100 kHz to 10 GHz). This parameter change allows the system to achieve efficient power transfer without requiring tight physical coupling or fragile ferrite materials, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If Qi wireless charging standard uses kHz frequency range operation, then low cost power converters and coils are available, but coupling range is limited and precise coil alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the operating frequency from kHz to high-frequency range (100 kHz to 10 GHz), which extends the coupling range and reduces alignment sensitivity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of standard conductive materials and simple circuit designs that do not require expensive specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from magnetic field-based power transfer to high-frequency electromagnetic field power transfer, effectively adding the electric field dimension to the power transfer mechanism. This dimensional change enables longer coupling ranges and reduced alignment requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resonant magnetic systems use loose coupling between inductors, then alignment issues are rectified and transfer range is increased, but power transfer efficiency decreases compared to tight coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency operation (100 kHz to 10 GHz) to achieve both loose coupling tolerance and high power transfer efficiency simultaneously. The high frequency enables the system to maintain efficient energy transfer over longer distances and with greater alignment tolerance, resolving the trade-off between efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-dominated resonant system with a high-frequency electromagnetic system that utilizes both electric and magnetic fields. This substitution enables the system to achieve both alignment tolerance and high efficiency through the combined effects of high-frequency operation and electromagnetic coupling.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If opaque materials like walls are placed between transmitter and receiver, then privacy and structural integrity are maintained, but power transfer efficiency is reduced due to field attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves (100 kHz to 10 GHz) that can penetrate opaque materials more effectively than lower frequency magnetic fields. This frequency change reduces the attenuating effect of walls and other opaque barriers, maintaining power transfer efficiency while preserving privacy and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces low-frequency magnetic field penetration with high-frequency electromagnetic wave penetration. The high-frequency electromagnetic waves interact differently with opaque materials, achieving better penetration and reduced attenuation while maintaining the same privacy and structural benefits.
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 alignment of transmitter and receiver coils, maximizing coupling coefficient and power transfer efficiency even through opaque materials like walls, by using field detection units and indicators to guide alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to generate an induced voltage from a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
an electrode configured to generate an induced voltage from an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment device comprises a coil configured to generate an induced voltage from a magnetic field, or an electrode configured to generate an induced voltage from an electric field. The alignment device further comprises a comparator configured to compare the induced voltage to a threshold voltage and activate an indicator based on the comparison.