Multi-element Driver Topology for Wireless Power Transmitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-coil wireless power transmitter topologies require additional circuit components, occupying more space, which can be minimized by using a configuration where multiple selectable circuit elements share a common power supply with high-side switching elements of an inverter.

Innovation Solution

A multi-coil wireless power transmitter topology that reduces the number of circuit components by using a switch and high-side switching elements driven by a common voltage source, allowing for efficient selection and operation of multiple coils or capacitors with a single inverter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuit components are used for each additional TX coil, then coil selection capability is improved, but circuit board space and component quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil selection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit board space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply function by using a common voltage source to drive both the high-side switching elements of the inverter and the load switches for coil selection. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate power supply circuits for each coil, thereby reducing circuit board space while maintaining the capability to select between multiple TX coils

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common voltage source serves multiple functions simultaneously: it powers the high-side switching elements of the inverter and also drives the load switches for selecting different TX coils. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain coil selection capability without adding dedicated power supply components for each coil

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuit components are used for each additional TX coil, then coil selection capability is improved, but number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil selection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single common voltage source that serves both the inverter's high-side switching elements and the load switches for coil selection. This merging reduces the total number of components in the system while preserving the ability to select between multiple TX coils

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration minimizes circuit board space usage and reduces the number of components required for each additional coil, while maintaining efficient power transmission and control capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitter and the receiver can be brought close to one another in order for the TX coil and the RX coil to form a transformer that can facilitate inductive transmission of alternating current (AC) power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11715979B2Multi-element driver topology for element selection
Publication Date: 2023.08.01 RENESAS ELECTRONICS AMERICA INC
  • US11715979B2 patent drawing
  • US11715979B2 patent drawing
  • US11715979B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses including multiple selectable circuit elements are described. In an example, an apparatus may include a power supply configured to output a voltage. The apparatus may further include a controller connected to the power supply and a transmission unit connected to the controller. The transmission unit may be configured to output power. The transmission unit may include comprising an inverter connected to the power supply. The inverter may include a high-side switching element. The transmission unit may further include a circuit element a circuit connected to the power supply. The circuit may be configured to select the circuit element. The circuit may include a switch connected between the inverter and the circuit element. The switch and the high-side switching element may be configured to be driven by the voltage outputted by power supply. The controller may be configured to control the power being outputted by the transmission unit.