Inductive Charging Signal Parameter Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inductive-charging systems face inefficiencies when the inductive-charging signal is not optimized, leading to reduced power transfer and increased complexity in charging multiple devices with varying power and voltage requirements, especially in scenarios requiring flexible alignment and distance from the charger.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that transmits inductive-charging signals with optimized voltage, pulse width, and frequency, utilizing a controller to adjust transmission duration based on charge request signals and battery levels, and incorporating a simplified communication system to reduce complexity and enhance power transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If inductive-charging signals are transmitted with optimized voltage, pulse width, and frequency, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for parameter optimization and control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters (voltage, pulse width, frequency) based on real-time receiver feedback and charging state. The controller continuously adapts these parameters to optimize power transfer efficiency while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes power transfer by dynamically changing key transmission parameters including voltage level, pulse width duration, and frequency. These parameter adjustments are made in response to receiver feedback signals and battery charge state to maximize efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system charges multiple devices with varying power and voltage requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple charging configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device charging capabilityVSAvoidcharging configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal charging platform that can simultaneously charge multiple devices with different power and voltage requirements. The system achieves this by incorporating multiple transmitter coils with independent control, allowing each coil to be configured for specific device types while maintaining a single integrated charging surface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system is divided into multiple independent transmitter coil segments, each capable of being individually controlled and optimized for specific device requirements. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse charging needs without requiring a single complex configuration for all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If alignment flexibility between charger and receiver is improved, then ease of operation is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to reduced magnetic coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment flexibilityVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the traditional single-point alignment requirement to a larger two-dimensional charging surface. By incorporating multiple transmitter coils arranged in an array, the system provides spatial redundancy that allows receivers to be placed at various positions and orientations while maintaining adequate magnetic coupling through nearest-neighbor coil activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and activates appropriate transmitter coils based on the receiver's position and orientation on the charging surface. This dynamic coil selection maintains optimal magnetic coupling regardless of receiver placement, preserving power transfer efficiency while providing alignment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If communication protocols are simplified to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but information transfer capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication protocol complexityVSAvoidcharging control information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates communication functions into distinct layers: a simplified physical layer for basic signal exchange and a higher-layer protocol for complex information transfer. This extraction allows the base communication protocol to remain simple while still supporting comprehensive charging control through structured message formats and sequential information exchange.

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

This approach enhances the efficiency of inductive charging by optimizing signal parameters and simplifying communication protocols, allowing for efficient charging of multiple devices with varying requirements while reducing power wastage and operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter coil configured to transmit an inductive-charging signal to a receiver coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a resonant circuit configured to resonate the inductive-charging signal at a frequency corresponding to a resonant frequency of the receiver coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3136612B1Method and apparatus for transmission of an inductive-charging signal
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3136612B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3136612B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3136612B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method comprising transmitting an inductive-charging signal to an inductive-charging receiver, terminating transmission of the inductive-charging signal after elapse of a transmission duration, receiving a charge request signal from the inductive-charging receiver, transmitting the inductive-charging signal, and terminating transmission of the inductive-charging signal after elapse of another transmission duration is disclosed.