Wireless Laser Power Transmission Beam Shaping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless power transmission efficiency is degraded due to mismatches in alignment between transmitting and receiving sides, leading to performance degradation, especially in long-range wireless power transmission technologies.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transmission apparatus and method that includes a laser light source unit and a control unit to shape the emitted light based on the angle of arrival at the receiving unit, optimizing power density and reducing overfill loss by adaptively adjusting the cross-sectional area of the emitted light to match the effective light receiving area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the alignment between transmitting and receiving sides is adjusted to improve power transmission efficiency, then the efficiency is improved, but it is difficult to realistically match the alignment in practice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power transmission efficiencyVSAvoidalignment matching difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the light beam adaptive and adjustable in real-time. The control unit dynamically changes the beam parameters (such as beam width and direction) based on feedback about the receiving side's position and orientation, allowing the system to maintain optimal alignment without manual adjustment. This resolves the contradiction by making the alignment process automatic and adaptable rather than static and difficult to match.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiving side communicates its position, orientation, and effective light receiving area to the transmitting side. The control unit uses this feedback information to adjust the beam shaping and direction continuously, ensuring optimal power transmission efficiency without requiring manual alignment matching. This feedback loop eliminates the practical difficulty of alignment while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If the cross-sectional area of emitted light is reduced to match the effective light receiving area, then overfill loss is reduced, but the power density distribution becomes more critical to optimize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverfill lossVSAvoidpower density optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform power density distributions within the light beam. Instead of uniform illumination, the system concentrates power density in specific regions that correspond to the effective light receiving area of the receiver. This allows the beam to match the receiver's geometry precisely, reducing overfill loss while the controlled variations in local power density ensure optimal coupling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters of the emitted light including cross-sectional area, power density distribution, beam shape, and direction. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically based on the receiving side's characteristics and position. By optimizing the combination of these parameters rather than just the cross-sectional area, the system reduces overfill loss while maintaining effective power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the beam direction is changed to track the receiving side, then alignment is maintained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment maintenanceVSAvoidbeam tracking system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by integrating multiple functions into the control unit. The same control unit that manages power transmission also handles beam direction adjustment, beam shaping, and coordination with the receiving side. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated subsystems for each function, while still maintaining reliable alignment through coordinated beam tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the effective light receiving area changes due to events during transmission, then power delivery must be adaptive, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback to monitor changes in the effective light receiving area and communicates these changes to the transmitting side. The control unit receives this information and automatically adjusts beam parameters to maintain optimal power delivery. This feedback-based adaptation handles dynamic conditions without requiring overly complex control systems, as the adjustments are driven by real-time information from the receiving side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the power delivery system adaptive and responsive to changing conditions. The beam parameters (direction, shape, power density distribution) are dynamically adjusted based on real-time feedback about the receiving side's state and environment. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous optimal performance without requiring a statically complex control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Improves wireless power transmission efficiency by preventing degradation due to alignment changes and ensuring optimal power delivery even during events that alter the effective light receiving area, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the wireless power system.

Implementation Method 1

a laser light source unit; a light output unit configured to emit laser light generated by the laser light source unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a control unit configured to control shaping of the emitted light based on an angle of arrival at the light receiving unit such that overfill loss becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight shaping:

Data Source

PatentUS10992186B2Wireless power transmission device and method
Publication Date: 2021.04.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US10992186B2 patent drawing
  • US10992186B2 patent drawing
  • US10992186B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present specification discloses a wireless power transmission device and method thereof. Here, the wireless power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a laser light source unit; a light output unit which emits laser light generated from the laser light source to a light receiving unit of the wireless power receiving device; and a control unit which controls shaping of the emitted light according to the angle of arrival with the light receiving unit so that an overfill loss is less than a predetermined threshold value. Here, the control unit detects the point at which the power conversion efficiency of the light receiving unit is highest, and sets and controls the power density value of the emitted light at the detected point.