Wireless Inductive Power Transfer Bidirectional Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Qi wireless power transfer standard is limited by unidirectional communication, which restricts flexibility and compatibility, particularly when trying to support bidirectional communication while maintaining backwards compatibility and efficient power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A power transfer system that introduces bidirectional communication by modifying the response to power control error messages within the existing power control loop, allowing data to be communicated from the power transmitter to the receiver without additional modulation, thereby reducing the impact on the power signal and enabling reuse of existing hardware with minimal firmware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional communication is introduced to the power transfer system, then communication flexibility and compatibility are improved, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication function with the existing power control loop by modifying how the transmitter responds to power control error messages. Instead of adding a separate communication channel, the system uses the existing power control message exchange to carry bidirectional communication, thereby improving communication flexibility without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power control error messages are given dual functionality: they continue to serve their original purpose of power regulation while simultaneously carrying communication data. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve bidirectional communication without adding dedicated communication hardware, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional modulation is used for bidirectional communication, then communication capability is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines communication and power transfer functions by using the existing power control loop responses for both purposes. The transmitter's normal power regulation actions are repurposed to encode communication data, eliminating the need for separate modulation schemes that would otherwise consume additional energy and reduce power transfer efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If new communication features are added to support reserved messages, then standards compatibility is improved, but backwards compatibility with legacy equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the bidirectional communication capability optional and context-dependent. The system can operate in a basic mode that maintains full backwards compatibility with legacy equipment, or switch to an enhanced mode when both devices support the new features. This allows reserved messages and advanced communication features to be used when appropriate without preventing legacy equipment from functioning reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its communication mode based on the capabilities of the connected devices. Through capability exchange during the power transfer setup, the system can determine whether to use the enhanced bidirectional communication with reserved messages or fall back to the basic unidirectional mode, ensuring backwards compatibility while enabling advanced features when both parties support them
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 facilitates bidirectional communication while maintaining power transfer efficiency and backwards compatibility, allowing for the use of reserved messages in newer standards without affecting legacy equipment, and reduces the complexity and cost of implementation.
Implementation Method 1
power is inductively transferred from a transmitter coil in a power transmitter device to a receiver coil in the individual devices
Implementation Method 2
Power transmission via magnetic induction is a well-known concept, mostly applied in transformers, having a tight coupling between primary transmitter coil and a secondary receiver coil
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmitter (101) is arranged to transfer power to a power receiver (105) using a wireless inductive power signal. The power transmitter (101) comprises a power signal generator (207) which drives an inductor (103) to provide the power signal to an inductor of the power receiver (105). A power loop control is employed by the power receiver (105) providing power control error messages to the power transmitter (101). The power transmitter (101) comprises a query message processor (209) which can detect a query message received from the power receiver (105) using load modulation of the power signal. A modification processor (211) is arranged to modify a response of the power loop controller to the power control error messages dependent on the query message. The power receiver (105) can detect the modifications to the operation of the power control and thus can interpret this as a response to the query message.