Wireless Inductive Power Transfer Measurement Timing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems using the Qi standard face suboptimal communication performance and increased communication errors, particularly at lower coupling distances, due to impractical frequency optimization and dynamic variation requirements for efficient power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A power transmitter system that includes a transmitter inductor generating an inductive carrier signal for load modulation, with a measurement unit and an adaptor to optimize the measurement timing offset for maximum demodulation depth, allowing for improved communication reliability and power transfer control by dynamically adapting the timing of measurements based on changing operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measurement timing is fixed in conventional wireless power transfer systems, then the system structure is simple, but communication errors increase and demodulation depth is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the measurement timing offset based on detected operating conditions. The controller modifies when measurements are taken during the AC cycle according to the detected condition, transforming a static timing system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational states, thereby improving communication reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects operating conditions and uses this feedback information to adjust the measurement timing offset. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically optimize its measurement timing based on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability by using intelligent adaptation rather than complex hardwired timing circuits
2Reliability
If the measurement timing offset is dynamically adjusted based on detected conditions, then communication reliability improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting its own operating conditions and adjusting its measurement timing accordingly. The controller serves dual purposes: both controlling the power transfer and optimizing the measurement timing, eliminating the need for separate optimization hardware or complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter (measurement offset) based on detected operating conditions. By dynamically adjusting this critical parameter, the system optimizes communication performance without adding substantial hardware complexity, as the adjustment is achieved through software/control logic rather than physical reconfiguration
3Power
If frequency optimization is required for efficient power transfer, then power transfer efficiency improves, but the system becomes less adaptable to varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its measurement timing to varying operating conditions while maintaining efficient power transfer. Rather than fixing the frequency or timing, the system allows both to be optimized based on real-time conditions, achieving adaptability without sacrificing power transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the optimization of power transfer and communication into distinct but coordinated functions. The power transfer operates at the optimized frequency while the measurement timing is independently optimized based on detected conditions, allowing each function to be optimized without compromising the other
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 communication reliability and reduces error rates, enabling more accurate power transfer control and improved performance even at increased distances between the power transmitter and receiver coils.
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
The unidirectional communication is achieved by the power receiver performing load modulation wherein a loading applied to the secondary receiver coil by the power receiver is varied to provide a modulation of the power signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A power transmitter (101) provides power transfer to a power receiver (105) using a wireless inductive power transfer signal. The power transmitter (101) comprises an inductor (103) generating the power transfer signal when a voltage drive signal is applied. A measurement unit (311) performs measurements of a current or voltage of the inductor (103). The measurements are performed with a time offset relative to a reference signal synchronized to the voltage drive signal. An adaptor (313) can vary the time offset to determine an optimum measurement timing offset resulting in a maximum demodulation depth which reflects a difference measure for measurements for different modulation loads of the power transfer signal. A demodulator (309) then demodulates load modulation of the inductive carrier signal from measurements with the time offset set to the optimum measurement timing offset. In some scenarios, both the timing and duration of measurements may be varied. The approach improves communication reliability.