Integrated Electrode Slot Antenna for Wireless Power Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power transmission systems that incorporate wireless communication modules are bulkier due to the need for separate components, leading to increased size and interference between power transmission and communication functions.

Innovation Solution

A power transmitting communication unit and device that integrates a flat plate-like electrode for non-contact electric power transmission and a slot or U-shaped folded monopole antenna for wireless communication, allowing for compact design and reduced interference between power transmission and communication functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate communication module is added to the power transmission system, then wireless communication function is achieved, but the system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power transmission electrode and communication antenna into a single integrated structure. The slot antenna is formed by creating a slit in the power transmission electrode, allowing both power transmission and communication functions to share the same physical component, thereby achieving downsizing of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power transmission electrode is designed to serve dual purposes: transmitting electric power through electric field coupling and transmitting/receiving radio waves for wireless communication. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication modules, reducing system volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate communication module is added to the power transmission system, then wireless communication function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power transmission electrode and communication antenna into a single integrated structure. The slot antenna is formed by creating a slit in the power transmission electrode, allowing both power transmission and communication functions to share the same physical component, thereby achieving downsizing of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If power transmission and communication functions are integrated, then system size is reduced, but interference between functions may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidinterference between power transmission and communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated electrode structure is divided into distinct functional regions: a power transmission region for efficient power transfer and a communication region for radio wave transmission. This spatial segmentation within the integrated structure helps reduce mutual interference while maintaining the compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the integrated electrode are optimized for different functions: the power transmission region is designed for electric field coupling efficiency, while the communication region (with the slot antenna) is optimized for radio wave transmission. This localized optimization minimizes interference between the two functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables a downsized power transmitting communication system with improved isolation between power transmission and communication functions, suppressing interference and enhancing communication bandwidth while maintaining efficient power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

causes an electrode of a power transmission module on a power transmission side to be opposed to an electrode of a power transmission module on a power reception side, and transmits electric power in a non-contact manner by electric field coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field coupling: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a slot antenna that transmits or receives radio waves via a slit formed on at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSlot antenna radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10396464B2Power transmitting communication unit and power transmitting communication device

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

An electric transmission communication unit and an electric reception communication unit are arranged on a base material, and include a flat plate-like first electrode that transmits electric power in a non-contact manner, a flat plate-like second electrode that is arranged side by side with the first electrode on the base material and transmits electric power in a non-contact manner, and a slot antenna that transmits or receives radio waves via a slit formed on the first electrode. For a power transmitting communication device, the first electrode and the second electrode of the electric transmission communication unit are arranged being opposed to the first electrode and the second electrode of the electric reception communication unit so that power transmission can be performed, and the slot antenna of the electric transmission communication unit is arranged being opposed to the slot antenna of the electric reception communication unit in a communicable manner.