Inductive Power Outlet Frequency Control for Loss and Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to high power losses and sensitivity to environmental fluctuations and coil alignment variations, particularly when operating at resonant frequencies, which can lead to overheating and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inductive power transfer system that operates at a frequency different from the resonant frequency, using a primary inductor driven by a driver to provide an oscillating voltage, with a secondary inductor coupled to an electric load, and includes a signal transmission circuit to adjust power transfer based on feedback signals and instruction signals, allowing for regulation of power transfer and efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inductive power transfer operates at resonant frequency, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but system sensitivity to environmental fluctuations and coil alignment variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from resonant frequency to a non-resonant frequency. This parameter change reduces the system's sensitivity to environmental fluctuations and coil alignment variations while maintaining acceptable power transfer efficiency, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and system reliability.
2Loss of energy
If inductive power transfer operates at resonant frequency, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but overheating and safety issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from resonant to non-resonant, which reduces excessive current draw and minimizes resistive heating in the coils and surrounding components. This parameter change effectively mitigates overheating issues while maintaining functional power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic pulsed power transfer instead of continuous operation at resonant frequency. By using controlled pulsing with appropriate duty cycles, the system achieves necessary power transfer while allowing thermal dissipation between pulses, preventing cumulative overheating.
3Loss of energy
If multiple devices are powered simultaneously through a single power adapter, then energy management efficiency is improved, but current drawn by the cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed power delivery to multiple devices, where power is transferred in controlled intervals rather than continuously. This allows the system to manage total current draw by distributing power demands across time, preventing excessive simultaneous current draw while still servicing multiple devices effectively.
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 reduces power losses, enhances system tolerance to environmental changes, and prevents overheating, enabling safer and more efficient power transfer to multiple devices simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a primary inductor driven by a driver to provide an oscillating voltage, with a secondary inductor coupled to an electric load
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive power outlet is disclosed. The inductive power outlet has a primary inductor, for wirelessly powering an inductive power receiver. The inductive power outlet has a secondary inductor. The primary inductor and the secondary inductor form a resonant frequency. The inductive power outlet comprises a driver generating an oscillating voltage to the primary coil at a frequency higher than the resonant frequency. The inductive power outlet comprises a signal detector. The signal detector comprises a peak detector configured to detect voltage peaks across the primary inductor or current peaks of a current supplied to the primary inductor. The signal detector comprises a processor configured to determine a frequency of either the voltage peaks or the current peaks.