Inductive Power Receiver Temperature Feedback for Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems, particularly those adhering to the Qi standard, face challenges in ensuring safe and efficient operation, especially in diverse kitchen environments where different devices with varying power requirements and materials are used, risking undesirable temperature-related scenarios and potential damage to surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system that includes a power transmitter and receiver with temperature monitoring and control mechanisms, where a comparator compares the temperature of a powered device's contact surface to a reference temperature, and a controller restricts power or alerts the user if the temperature exceeds the maximum allowable limit, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless inductive power transfer is used to eliminate wires and contacts, then user experience is improved and convenience is enhanced, but temperature control and safety management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the powered device measures its own temperature and communicates this information back to the power transfer system. The system receives temperature data from the powered device and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust or terminate power transfer when temperature exceeds thresholds, enabling safe wireless power operation without physical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication channel between the powered device and the power transmitter. Temperature data is transmitted through this intermediary channel (using existing communication protocols in the powered device), allowing the system to monitor and control temperature without requiring physical contact or direct thermal sensing at the transmitter
2Power
If high power wireless transfer is implemented to meet diverse power requirements, then power capability is improved, but risk of overheating and surface damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the powered device measure its temperature before power transfer begins and establish a temperature threshold. The system receives this pre-established threshold and proactively prevents overheating by comparing real-time temperature data against this predetermined limit, stopping power transfer before dangerous conditions can develop
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature during power transfer and uses this feedback to dynamically control power delivery. When temperature approaches or exceeds the threshold, the system automatically adjusts or terminates power transfer, enabling safe operation at high power levels through real-time monitoring and control
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring and control mechanisms are added to wireless power transfer systems, then safety and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the powered device perform its own temperature measurement and reporting. The existing temperature sensor and communication infrastructure in the powered device are utilized to provide temperature data to the power transmitter, eliminating the need for additional complexity in the transmitter while still achieving system-wide temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional components in the powered device. The same communication channel used for power management and device identification is also used to transmit temperature data and thresholds. This universal use of existing infrastructure minimizes added complexity while achieving comprehensive temperature monitoring and control
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 provides a safer, more reliable, and flexible power transfer solution by dynamically monitoring and adapting to specific scenarios, preventing surface damage and ensuring accurate heating while maintaining low complexity, thus enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter and a power receiver, the power transmitter being arranged to generate a wireless inductive power transfer signal for powering the power receiver
Implementation Method 2
the powered device comprising a heating part capable of being heated by power from the power transfer signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system comprises a power transmitter (101) arranged to generate a wireless inductive power transfer signal for powering a power receiver (105). The system comprises a temperature controlled power loop setting an operating temperature for a heating part of a powered device. The system further comprises a receiver (207) for receiving a first temperature for a part of a powered device where the powered device is powered by the power receiver (105). A comparator (209) compares the measured temperature to a first reference temperature associated with the power transmitter (101). In response to the first temperature exceeding the reference temperature, a controller (213) proceeds to restrict the power of the power transfer signal and/or to generate a user alert. The first temperature may specifically relate to a contact surface of the powered device and the reference temperature may be a maximum allowable temperature of a contact surface for receiving the powered device during power transfer.