Multi-Coil Receiver Unit for Misaligned Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face efficiency issues due to misalignment between transmitter and receiver coils, leading to complex systems with power losses and packaging challenges.
Innovation Solution
A receiver unit with a main receiver coil and multiple auxiliary receiver coils disposed about its central axis, coupled with a receiver drive subunit that includes main and auxiliary converters, allowing for efficient power transfer even with misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single receiver coil is used in a wireless power transfer system, then the system structure is simple, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to misalignment between transmitter and receiver coils
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver coil is segmented into multiple coils (first receiver coil, second receiver coil, third receiver coil, fourth receiver coil) arranged in a circular pattern. Each coil can independently couple with the transmitter coil, allowing the system to maintain efficient power transfer even when misaligned. The segmentation enables selective activation of coils based on alignment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which receiver coil to activate based on real-time alignment conditions. The controller determines which coil has optimal coupling with the transmitter coil and activates only that coil, adapting to changing alignment conditions. This dynamic adaptation maintains power transfer efficiency without requiring fixed alignment.
2Loss of energy
If multiple auxiliary receiver coils are added to improve power transfer during misalignment, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but device complexity and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiver coils are merged into a single integrated receiver unit with a common controller and shared power management circuitry. The coils share common magnetic core structures and are controlled by a single controller that selectively activates appropriate coils. This merging approach maintains power transfer efficiency while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate coil assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver unit is designed with multi-functionality where the same structural framework supports multiple receiver coils that can serve different alignment conditions. The common controller and power management system handle all coils universally, allowing the structure to perform multiple functions (receiving power from transmitter at various orientations) without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional receiver coil designs are used, then the electronic component footprint is small, but alignment sensitivity increases leading to power transfer losses
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver coils are arranged in a circular pattern around a central axis, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement rather than a single linear configuration. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to receive power from the transmitter regardless of angular misalignment, as at least one coil in the circular array will maintain optimal coupling. The footprint remains compact because the coils are arranged concentrically rather than linearly.
4Loss of energy
If sensors and complex detection techniques are added to detect alignment and adjust positioning, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but device complexity and power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver unit autonomously determines optimal coil activation without external sensors or complex detection systems. The controller monitors power transfer conditions and automatically selects which receiver coil to activate based on coupling efficiency with the transmitter. This self-service approach maintains power transfer efficiency while avoiding the complexity and power consumption of external sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors power transfer efficiency and adjusts coil activation accordingly. Based on detected power transfer conditions, the controller provides feedback to select the optimal receiver coil configuration. This closed-loop feedback maintains efficient power transfer without requiring complex external detection systems, as the feedback is derived from the power transfer process itself.
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 enhances communication and maintains efficient power transfer between the transmitter and receiver coils, even during misalignment, without the need for sensors or complex detection techniques, and reduces the footprint of electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
inducing a first voltage at least one of a main receiver coil and a plurality of auxiliary receiver coils based on an alignment of the main receiver coil and the plurality of auxiliary receiver coils with a transmitter coil
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver unit of a wireless power transfer system is presented. The receiver unit includes a main receiver coil, a plurality of auxiliary receiver coils disposed about a central axis of the main receiver coil, and a receiver drive subunit. The receiver drive subunit includes a main converter operatively coupled to the main receiver coil and having a main output terminal. The receiver drive subunit may include a plurality of auxiliary converters operatively coupled to the plurality of auxiliary receiver coils. The plurality of auxiliary converters may be operatively coupled to each other to form an auxiliary output terminal coupled in series to the main output terminal to form a common output terminal. In some implementations, the receiver drive unit may be formed on a substrate of an integrated electronic component. The integrated electronic component may further include a communication subunit and a controller disposed.