LC Resonator with Timed Switch for Wireless Power Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LC resonators in wireless power transmission require multiple inductors and capacitors with varying values to adjust resonant frequencies, leading to increased size and inefficiency due to the need for frequent calibration and matching between transmission and reception ends.

Innovation Solution

A resonator design that includes an inductor, a capacitor, and a switch configured to maintain energy for specific periods, allowing for variable energy implementation to set resonant frequencies without additional components, using a controller to optimize switch operation and achieve resonance matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inductors and capacitors with varying values are used to adjust resonant frequencies, then resonant frequency adaptability is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency adaptabilityVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of existing inductor and capacitor components by dynamically adjusting their effective values through switching arrangements. Instead of using multiple physical components with different values, the system varies the parameters of single components by controlling which portions are active, thereby achieving frequency adaptability without increasing component count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the inductor and capacitor values to be adjusted in real-time during operation. The switching arrangement enables the system to transition between different resonant frequencies by dynamically reconfiguring the active portions of the inductor and capacitor, replacing static multiple-component solutions with a dynamic single-component approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inductors and capacitors with varying values are used to adjust resonant frequencies, then resonant frequency adaptability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple inductors and capacitors with different values into single inductor and capacitor components. By using switching arrangements to select different effective portions of these single components, the system achieves the functionality of multiple components while occupying the space of only one inductor and one capacitor, thereby reducing overall device size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If resonant frequency is changed using selectively switched in devices, then frequency calibration capability is improved, but the number of required devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency calibration capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the inductor and capacitor into multiple effective portions that can be selectively activated. Instead of using multiple complete inductor and capacitor devices, the system divides each component into segments and uses switching arrangements to activate only the necessary portions, achieving frequency calibration capability while minimizing the total number of devices required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enables more efficient and accurate resonance matching with reduced component count, allowing for smaller device size and more granular control over resonant frequencies, enhancing wireless power transmission efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A resonant frequency of an LC resonator is determined and fixed based on an inductance of an inductor and a capacitance of a capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic oscillation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

to properly tune the resonant frequency for each situation, the transmission end or the reception end needs to calibrate the resonant frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

a switch configured to maintain energy in at least one of the inductor and the capacitor for a select period of time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Inductor

Implementation Method 4

a switch configured to maintain energy in at least one of the inductor and the capacitor for a select period of time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3185417B1LC resonator and timed switch for resonance tuning and associated method
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3185417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3185417B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3185417B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A resonator and resonator method are provided. The resonator includes an inductor, a capacitor, and a switch configured to maintain energy in at least one of the inductor and the capacitor for a select period of time and to enable variability of energy in the at least one of the inductor and the capacitor for another period of time, to set a resonating frequency of the inductor and the capacitor.