Multi-Beam Wireless Power Steering for Beam Intersection Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transmission systems face challenges in safely and efficiently managing multiple collimated beams directed at multiple targets, particularly in preventing hazardous beam intersections and reflections that can exceed safe exposure limits.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple beam steering modules and control units to detect and analyze beam intersections, calculate risks, and adjust beam power or direction to prevent hazardous conditions, using algorithms to determine intersection points and communicate safety information between systems to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple beams are transmitted simultaneously to multiple targets, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the risk of hazardous beam intersections and reflections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates potential beam intersections and reflections before beams are transmitted, and preemptively adjusts beam parameters or directs warnings to transmitters to prevent hazardous conditions from occurring
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors beam positions and trajectories, feeds this information back to control units, which then adjust beam parameters in real-time to avoid hazardous intersections while maintaining efficient power transmission
2Power
If beam power is increased to deliver more power to targets, then power transmission capability is improved, but safety exposure limits may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam power levels based on real-time calculations of beam intersections and reflections, allowing high power transmission when safe while reducing power when hazardous conditions are detected
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit modifies beam parameters such as power, direction, or timing to deliver adequate power to targets while preventing exposure limits from being exceeded at intersection points
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam steering modules are used to direct beams to multiple targets, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions including calculating beam trajectories, detecting potential intersections, determining reflection points, and coordinating with multiple transmitters, consolidating these capabilities into a single multi-functional system
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 approach effectively reduces the risk of hazardous beam intersections and reflections, ensuring safe and efficient power transmission to multiple targets by dynamically managing beam power and direction, thereby maintaining safe exposure levels.
Implementation Method 1
The beam is typically emitted from a laser or another beam generator source inside the transmitter unit
Implementation Method 2
The targets are generally photovoltaic cells for converting the optical power to electrical power
Implementation Method 3
The beam may be directed towards the target using a beam steering element, such as a moving or scanning mirror or an acousto-optic reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting wireless power from multiple sources to multiple receivers, in which the safety of the system is maintained in spite of the possibility that two beams may intersect in the transmission space, thereby generating power or power density levels which exceed those at which the safety mechanisms of the system were designed to operate. The paths of the beams are known from the transmission positions and directions, and from the positions and orientations of the receivers, as measured by positioning devices on them. When an intersection, or near intersection of beams is determined, the system is triggered to reduce the safety risk by attenuating or turning off, or by diverting, one or more of the beams. In addition, since a reflected beam's path may not be readily discernable, the system can ascertain if one of the beams has undergone a reflection, by looking for displayed mirror images.