Interdigitated Electrode Structure for Contactless Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless electric power supply devices face challenges in increasing power supply capacity and efficiency while minimizing weight, particularly due to limitations in electrostatic coupling methods that require larger electrodes, leading to increased weight and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of interdigitated array electrodes with a conducting layer and a core made from material with lower specific gravity, allowing for a larger electrostatic capacity and improved surface area opposition, reducing unnecessary electric field emission and enhancing power supply efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electrodes are made large to increase the electrostatic capacity, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the weight of the movable section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple tooth sections that extend in the moving direction, creating an interdigitated array structure. This segmentation allows the electrode to achieve large surface area and electrostatic capacity without requiring a single large continuous electrode, thereby reducing the weight of the movable section while maintaining power supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure transitions from a planar two-dimensional configuration to a three-dimensional interdigitated array structure with teeth extending in the moving direction. This dimensional change increases the effective surface area and electrostatic capacity without proportionally increasing the weight of the movable section.
2Power
If the total surface area of the electrodes is increased to improve power supply capacity, then the electrostatic capacity is improved, but the electric power supply efficiency decreases due to non-opposing sections emitting unnecessary electric fields
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple tooth sections arranged in an interdigitated array, where adjacent teeth from opposing electrodes face each other. This segmentation ensures that only the necessary opposing sections emit electric fields for power transfer, eliminating waste from non-opposing sections and improving power supply efficiency while maintaining adequate power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interdigitated array structure creates localized opposing regions between adjacent teeth where electric fields are concentrated and utilized effectively. This local quality optimization ensures that electric field emission occurs only where needed for power transfer, reducing energy loss from unnecessary emissions.
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 configuration increases power supply capacity and efficiency while reducing the weight of the movable section, making the device lighter and more cost-effective for applications like board manufacturing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic coupling methods using a capacitor configuration with opposing electrode plates
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention of an electrostatic coupling type contactless electric power supply device 1 has multiple electrodes for contactless electric power supply 41 and a high-frequency power source circuit 5 provided on a fixed section 2, multiple electrodes for contactless electric power reception 61 and an electric power reception circuit 7 on a movable section 3, wherein the electrode for contactless electric power supply 41 and the electrode for contactless electric power reception 61 have base sections 441, 611 with a perpendicular cross sectional shape to the moving direction of the movable section 3 and there are multiple extending tooth sections 412, 612, and fellow tooth sections 412, 612 are mutually alternating and separated to fit together in an interdigitated array electrode, furthermore, the electrode for contactless electric power reception 61 is an interdigitated array electrode with the outer surface of the tooth section 612 covered with a conducting layer 613 and the tooth section 612 internal section and the base section 613 are formed from material that has a smaller specific gravity than the conducting layer. And from this, the electric power supply capacity and electric power supply efficiency of the contactless electric power supply is improved from that conventionally, and the movable section 3 which is the power supply target can be lighter.