Inductive Wireless Power Link for In-Band Virtual Serial Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems face limitations in data communication speed and compatibility, with in-band communications often operating at slow data rates and using protocols not suitable for device-related data transmission, necessitating a wired connection for faster data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system that utilizes buffered communication methods and encoding data into the wireless power signal to simulate two-way data transfer over a single inductive connection, enabling faster data transfer and compatibility with legacy protocols, such as UART, without the need for a physical wired connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If in-band communications are used for data transfer during wireless power transfer, then wireless power transfer can be performed, but data communication speed is limited to slow rates (1-3 kilobytes per second)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireless power transfer and data communication into a single inductive coupling channel. By merging these two functions that were previously separate (power via inductive coupling, data via wired connection), the system achieves both power transfer and high-speed data communication through the same magnetic field channel, eliminating the need for additional wired connections while maintaining fast data transfer rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling channel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers wireless power and also carries high-speed bidirectional data communication. This multi-functional approach allows the single channel to replace both the traditional power transfer channel and the wired data communication channel, achieving versatility without compromising performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-band communications protocols are used, then wireless power transfer operations can be communicated, but the protocols are not suitable for device-related data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different communication modes and protocols. It can operate in wired mode for legacy protocol compatibility, wireless power-only mode for simple power transfer, or wireless bidirectional communication mode for high-speed data transfer. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to select the most appropriate protocol and mode based on the specific communication needs, ensuring both compatibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication channel by transitioning from unidirectional in-band communication (suitable only for power transfer commands) to bidirectional communication with enhanced data rates. By adjusting communication directionality, data rate parameters, and protocol selection, the system adapts to different data transmission requirements while maintaining wireless operation.
3Speed
If a wired connection is used for data transfer, then faster data transmission is achieved, but the system complexity increases and wireless convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data communication function with the wireless power transfer function by utilizing the same inductive coupling channel for both purposes. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate wired connections, reducing system complexity while maintaining fast data transfer speeds. The single channel performs dual functions that traditionally required separate physical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical wired connection with a wireless electromagnetic field-based communication channel. By substituting the physical wire mechanism with electromagnetic induction, the system achieves the same data transfer function without the mechanical complexity of plugs, sockets, and physical connectors, thereby maintaining wireless convenience while enabling high-speed communication.
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 allows for higher speed data communications during wireless power transfer, eliminating the need for wired connections while ensuring interoperability with legacy systems, and supports faster data transfer rates comparable to wired serial communications.
Implementation Method 1
inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field, and hence, an electric current, in a receiving element
Implementation Method 2
The power conditioning system is configured to receive the transmission from the at least one receiver antenna, convert the received transmission to a direct current (DC) power signal
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless power transfer systems, disclosed, include a wireless power transmission system and a wireless power receiver system. The wireless power transmission system includes a transmitter antenna configured to couple with a receiver antenna to transmit alternating current (AC) wireless signals to the receiver antenna. Antenna coupling may be inductive and may operate in conformance to a wireless power and data transfer protocol. A transmission controller drives the transmitter antenna at an operating frequency, and either the wireless power transmission system or the wireless power receiver system may damp the wireless power transmission to create a data signal containing a serial asynchronous data signal.