Laser Beam Switching for Receiver Location and Safe Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based wireless power systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently locating remote receivers, as scanning methods are time-consuming and may cause damage to sensitive devices due to high intensity laser spots, and conventional safety controls fail to prevent unintended high-power emission from short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A system that switches between scanning and charging modes using a single laser, with controlled optical parameters and safety features to minimize spot size during scanning, ensure accurate receiver location, and prevent unsafe high-power emission by using insulated connections and gated switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning techniques are used to locate receivers, then accurate receiver detection is achieved, but the time required to locate a receiver increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into multiple operational modes (search mode with larger beam area, charging mode with smaller beam area) to segment the receiver location task. This allows the system to quickly scan large areas initially, then focus on specific regions, reducing overall location time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the beam area and power levels based on the scanning stage. The beam area is changed from a larger area during search/scanning to a smaller area during charging mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between coverage speed and detection precision at different operational phases.
2Power
If high power laser beam is used for power transmission, then efficient power delivery to receiver is achieved, but damage to sensitive devices such as cameras may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power level adjustment where the laser operates at high power only during charging mode when a receiver is confirmed, and at reduced power during search and scanning modes. This dynamic control enables efficient power transmission when needed while minimizing harmful effects during exploration phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from receiver detection (identifying legitimate receivers that can handle the laser beam) to control power levels. Power is increased to high levels only after confirmation that a legitimate receiver is present, preventing damage to sensitive devices while ensuring efficient power delivery when appropriate.
3Ease of operation
If conventional safety controls are used, then basic laser operation is maintained, but unintended high-power emission from short circuits cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety actions by electrically isolating the high-voltage laser power supply from the low-voltage control circuitry before operation begins. This pre-isolation measure ensures that even if control circuits fail or short circuits occur, the high-power laser cannot be activated unintentionally, as the electrical pathways are physically separated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical isolation as an intermediary barrier between the control system and the high-power laser supply. This isolation layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct electrical connection, thereby blocking potential fault propagation from low-voltage control circuits to the high-voltage power system while still allowing controlled operation through proper interface design.
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 system efficiently locates remote receivers quickly and safely, minimizing damage to devices and ensuring reliable power transmission by optimizing beam size and power levels, while preventing unsafe laser emission from short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
transmission of laser power to a remote receiver
Implementation Method 2
A power receiving element, such as a photovoltaic cell, converts the laser beam into electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transmitter for powering a remote receiver using a laser beam, the laser beam generator having current inputs and outputs electrically insulated from their surroundings, and each including a separate controlled gated switch. The transmitter has a beam adjustment element for switching the beam between a collimated beam for power transfer, and a more divergent beam for scanning, which is performed by a beam deflector. A detection system detect the presence of a receiver, and is used to ensure accurate beam impingement on the power receiving element. A controller senses when the beam is centered on the power receiving element, switches from the divergent scanning beam to the collimated beam, and instructs the beam generator to raise the power of the laser beam to a level for powering the receiver. The gate controller operates at a higher voltage than the other system control circuits.