Magnetic Alignment and Distance-Switched Wireless Power Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power supply systems face inefficiencies and wasteful power consumption due to varying inter-device distances and misalignment between power transmission and reception devices, particularly in mobile devices like smart watches, where the efficiency of power transfer decreases with increased distance and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that includes a power transmission device with a power transmission unit, a magnet for alignment, a magnetic sensor to detect the magnetic force from the reception device, and a control unit to adjust power transmission methods based on detected distance, switching between electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance, and radio wave reception to maximize efficiency and prevent wasteful power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If magnetic resonance method is used for wireless power transmission, then power can be transmitted over longer distances, but power supply efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between electromagnetic induction method and magnetic resonance method based on the detected inter-device distance. When devices are in close proximity, electromagnetic induction is used for high efficiency. When devices are farther apart, magnetic resonance is activated to maintain power transmission capability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between transmission distance and power supply efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If power transmission is performed without alignment control, then ease of operation improves, but power supply efficiency decreases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment adjustment with magnetic field-based alignment. Magnets are embedded in both power transmission and reception devices, generating attractive magnetic forces that automatically align the devices when brought near each other. This substitution maintains ease of operation as users simply need to bring devices close, while the magnetic force handles the precise alignment, thereby preventing efficiency loss due to misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system operates autonomously through the interaction of magnets in the power transmission device and power reception device. When the user brings the devices close together, the magnetic attraction automatically pulls them into proper alignment without requiring manual adjustment. This self-aligning mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining both operational simplicity and power supply efficiency.
3Device complexity
If wireless power transmission is performed without distance detection, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply efficiency decreases due to wasteful power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a distance detection function that continuously monitors the inter-device distance and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically switches between electromagnetic induction method (for short distances) and magnetic resonance method (for longer distances). This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying distances, preventing wasteful power transmission and maintaining efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in two different wireless power transmission modes: electromagnetic induction for close-range high-efficiency transmission and magnetic resonance for longer-range transmission. The control unit manages both modes, allowing a single device to handle various distance scenarios. This universal design resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient power transmission across different distances without requiring multiple separate devices.
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 effectively maintains high power supply efficiency by aligning devices magnetically and switching transmission methods according to distance, preventing unnecessary power consumption and ensuring stable operation across varying device positions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, and a radio wave reception method
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, and a radio wave reception method
Implementation Method 3
a power transmission side magnet for alignment with the power reception device; a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic force from a power reception side magnet
Data Source
AI summary
In a power supply system for wirelessly supplying power between a power transmission device and a power reception device, the power transmission device includes a power transmission unit for generating supply power and transmitting the generated supply power to the power reception device; a power transmission side magnet for alignment with the power reception device; a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic force from a power reception side magnet provided in the power reception device; and a control unit for controlling the power transmission device. The power reception device includes: a power reception unit for receiving the supply power supplied from the power transmission device; the power reception side magnet for alignment with the power transmission device; and a control unit for controlling the power reception device. When the power transmission device and the power reception device are in close contact with each other, power is wirelessly transmitted from the power transmission unit to the power reception unit in a state in which the power transmission unit and the power reception unit are aligned by an attractive magnetic force between the power transmission side magnet and the power reception side magnet. When the power transmission device and the power reception device are apart from each other, the control unit of the power transmission device starts or stops power transmission from the power transmission unit according to a magnetic force detection signal from the power reception side magnet detected by the magnetic sensor.