Inductive Power Receiver Switching for Multi-Protocol Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive power transfer systems face challenges with fluctuations in resonant frequency due to environmental changes and coil alignment variations, leading to power losses and compatibility issues with different protocols.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a driver device with a toggling frequency that can operate at non-resonant frequencies, allowing for a range of toggle frequencies to maintain stable power transfer. Additionally, a multi-mode inductive power receiver is designed to operate with multiple inductance values and protocols, ensuring compatibility with various inductive power outlets.
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 the system becomes sensitive to environmental fluctuations and coil alignment variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameter from resonant frequency to non-resonant frequency to reduce sensitivity to environmental fluctuations and coil alignment variations. By operating at a frequency offset from resonance, the system maintains acceptable power transfer efficiency while significantly improving tolerance to perturbations in the magnetic coupling between coils.
2Device complexity
If a single protocol is used for inductive power transfer, then system simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with different inductive power outlets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-protocol capability in the inductive power receiver, allowing it to operate with multiple different control protocols. The receiver can detect which protocol the power outlet uses and switch accordingly, enabling universal compatibility across different wireless power standards while maintaining reasonable system complexity through intelligent protocol selection.
3Power
If inductive power transfer uses higher voltage, then power delivery capability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic frequency sweeping or modulation techniques to periodically adjust the operating frequency around the non-resonant point. This periodic action allows the system to maintain optimal power transfer by dynamically adapting to changing conditions while operating at power levels that balance delivery capability with energy efficiency.
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 the tolerance of inductive power transfer systems to environmental fluctuations and coil alignment variations, while also enabling efficient low-voltage transmissions and compatibility with multiple protocols, thus ensuring reliable and adaptable power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
An oscillating electric potential is applied across a primary inductor. This sets up an oscillating magnetic field in the vicinity of the primary inductor. The oscillating magnetic field may induce a secondary oscillating electrical potential in a secondary inductor placed close to the primary inductor.
Implementation Method 2
The oscillating magnetic field may induce a secondary oscillating electrical potential in a secondary inductor placed close to the primary inductor. In this way, electrical energy may be transmitted from the primary inductor to the secondary inductor by electromagnetic induction without a conductive connection between the inductors.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for inductively providing electrical power at a plurality of power levels to electrical devices. The system may include an inductive power outlet unit conductively coupled to a power supply and an inductive power receiver unit associated with the electrical device. The inductive power outlet unit includes a driver device operable to generate power at a plurality of power levels and electrical power is transferred to the electrical device at a power level selected from the plurality of power levels, in accordance with electrical power requirements of the electrical device. The power receiver may be operable in a plurality of modes having a secondary inductor configured to operate selectively with a plurality of inductance values.