Modular Wireless Power Transmitters for Expandable Peripheral Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for computer peripherals are expensive due to increased Bill of Materials (BOM) and are prone to interference, leading to inefficiencies and complications in communications.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable wireless power transfer system using modular wireless power transmitters that can repeat a wireless power signal, eliminating the need for additional antennas and circuitry for data communication, and allowing for a nearly unlimited combination of wireless power transmission areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication in wireless power systems, then communication capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireless power transfer and data communication functions into a single antenna system. The same antenna used for power transfer also handles data communication by modulating the load on the power receiving coil, eliminating the need for separate communication antennas and circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission and receiving coils serve dual purposes: they transfer wireless power and simultaneously enable data communication. The system uses the power transfer magnetic field to also carry communication signals through load modulation, making the hardware universal for both functions.
2Reliability
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication, then communication capability is improved, but Bill of Materials cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transfer and communication functions into existing antenna components, eliminating the need for additional communication-specific antennas and circuitry. This reuse of existing components directly reduces the Bill of Materials cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own power transfer infrastructure to provide communication services. The power receiving coil's load variations naturally modulate the magnetic field to encode data, allowing the system to communicate using its existing hardware without requiring separate communication subsystems.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple transmitter coils are used to power multiple devices simultaneously, then charging area is improved, but system cost and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging area into multiple zones, each associated with a specific receiver coil. Multiple devices can be charged simultaneously in different zones using the same transmitter, with each receiver coil independently detecting and communicating with its associated device.
Solution Approach 2:
A single transmitter with multiple receiver coils serves multiple devices simultaneously across different charging zones. The system uses the same basic transmitter architecture to handle multiple receivers, avoiding the need for separate transmitter systems for each device.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple transmitter coils are used to expand charging area, then charging area is improved, but interference between systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging area is segmented into distinct zones, each with its own receiver coil that independently detects and communicates with receivers in its zone. This spatial segmentation reduces magnetic field interference between different charging locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled magnetic field coupling as an intermediary mechanism. By managing the coupling between transmitter and receiver coils, the system can selectively activate specific receiver coils based on receiver presence and position, minimizing interference between multiple charging zones.
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 provides a cost-effective and efficient method for powering multiple computer peripherals simultaneously, with improved fidelity of wireless power and data signals, and simplifies supply chain and manufacturing processes by allowing modular expansion of charging areas.
Implementation Method 1
inductive and/or resonant inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field and, hence, an electric current, in a receiving element
Implementation Method 2
resonant inductive wireless power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable wireless power transfer system includes a first wireless transmission system, one or more secondary wireless transmission systems, and at least one wireless receiver system. The first wireless transmission system is configured to receive input power from an input power source, generate wireless power signals, and couple with one or more other antennas. Each secondary wireless transmission systems is configured to couple with one or more of another secondary transmission antenna, the first transmission antenna, and/or one or more receiver antennas. The secondary wireless transmission systems receive the AC wireless signals from the first wireless transmission system and repeat the AC wireless signals to one or more secondary transmission antennas, receiver antennas, or combinations thereof. The one or more receiver antennas are configured to receive the AC wireless signals to provide electrical power to a load operatively associated with a computer peripheral.