Modular Wireless Power Transmitters With In-Band Signal Repeating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems require additional antennas and circuitry for data communication, leading to inefficiencies, increased Bill of Materials (BOM), and potential interference issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular wireless power transmitters that can repeat a wireless power signal, eliminating the need for additional data transmission antennas and circuitry by using a simplified communications system for in-band communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication in wireless power transfer systems, then data communication capability is improved, but device complexity and Bill of Materials cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data communication and power transfer functions into a single antenna system. The same antenna used for wireless power transfer also handles data communication by modulating and demodulating signals on the power carrier frequency, eliminating the need for separate communication antennas and circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the power transfer antenna and the data communication antenna. By implementing in-band communication where data signals are superimposed on the power signal, the system achieves multi-functionality with a single antenna structure.
2Loss of information
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication, then data communication capability is improved, but Bill of Materials cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data communication and power transfer into a single antenna system, significantly reducing the Bill of Materials. By eliminating separate communication antennas, RF amplifiers, and associated circuitry, the system achieves cost-effective implementation while maintaining data communication capability through signal modulation on the power carrier.
3Productivity
If multiple transmitter coils and driving circuits are used to power multiple devices simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and interference issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission antenna into multiple independently controllable coil segments. Each coil can be individually driven to create separate power transfer zones, enabling multiple devices to be powered simultaneously. The segmentation allows independent control of each coil's driving circuit, reducing interference between adjacent power zones while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices at once.
4Area of stationary object
If the wireless power transmission area is increased by adding more antennas, then area coverage is improved, but device complexity and potential interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission antenna into multiple coils that can be arranged to cover larger areas. By controlling the phase and amplitude of each coil segment, the system can create extended power transfer zones without requiring a single large complex antenna structure, thus expanding coverage while managing complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the power transmission area by utilizing spatial arrangement of multiple coil segments in different positions and orientations. By strategically placing coils in two or three-dimensional configurations, the system expands the effective power transfer area without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the coils share common control infrastructure.
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 solution enables efficient and stable wireless power transfer to multiple devices, reduces BOM costs, minimizes interference, and allows for customizable and expandable wireless power transmission areas.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission antenna is configured to generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly transmit electrical signals including power and data signals
Implementation Method 2
which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field and, hence, an electric current, in a receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A modular wireless power transfer system includes a first wireless transmission system and one or more secondary wireless transmission systems. The first wireless transmission system is configured to receive input power from an input power source, generate AC wireless signals, and couple with one or more other antennas. Each of the one or more secondary wireless transmission systems includes a secondary transmission antenna, the secondary transmission antenna configured to couple with one or more of another secondary transmission antenna, the first transmission antenna, one or more receiver antennas, or combinations thereof. The one or more secondary wireless transmission systems are configured to receive the AC wireless signals from one or more of the first wireless transmission system, another secondary wireless transmission system, or combinations thereof and repeat the AC wireless signals to one or more of the secondary transmission antennas, the one or more receiver antennas, or combinations thereof.