Multi-Mode Antenna with Nested Coils for Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-field communication antennas are inefficient due to low quality factors and large sizes, leading to unreliable and inefficient wireless transfer of energy and data, especially when multiple operating frequencies are required, as they demand precise alignment and proximity between transmitting and receiving antennas.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode antenna with a single structure comprising electrically connected inductor coils that can operate across various frequency bands, including Qi, Rezence, and PMA standards, allowing for dynamic adjustment of operating frequency and inductance, enabling efficient wireless transfer of energy and data with reduced size and increased flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If prior art near-field communication antennas are used, then wireless energy and data transfer can be achieved, but the transfer efficiency is low and the antenna size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inductor coils (first, second, and third coils) into a single integrated antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands. This merging approach achieves high transfer efficiency comparable to larger antennas while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed with multiple inductor coils that can be selectively activated to support multiple wireless power transfer standards (Qi, Rezence, PMA) and frequency bands. This multi-functionality allows a single compact antenna to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas, achieving high efficiency across diverse applications without increasing overall size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art antennas operate at multiple frequency bands, then versatility is improved, but antenna size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested coil configuration where the second inductor coil is positioned within the perimeter of the first coil, and the third coil is coupled to both. This nesting arrangement allows multiple frequency bands to be supported within a compact footprint, as each coil can resonate at different frequencies while sharing the same physical space, thus achieving multi-frequency versatility without proportional size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple inductor coils to achieve multi-frequency operation. By arranging coils in different layers and orientations (with some coils on top and bottom surfaces), the design compactly packs multiple functional elements that would traditionally require more horizontal space, resolving the versatility-size contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If inductive charging systems use prior art antennas, then wireless power transfer is enabled, but precise physical alignment between transmitting and receiving antennas is required
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates switchable configurations that can dynamically adjust its electrical characteristics and resonant frequency. This dynamic adaptability allows the antenna to maintain reliable wireless transfer across varying alignment conditions by optimizing its impedance and coupling characteristics, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple inductor coils with different inductance values that can be selectively activated based on operating conditions. By changing the electrical parameters (inductance, resonant frequency, impedance) of the antenna system, the design can compensate for misalignment between transmitting and receiving antennas, reducing the need for precise physical alignment while maintaining transfer reliability.
4Loss of energy
If prior art antennas are designed for high quality factor, then transfer efficiency improves, but the antenna structure becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple discrete inductor coils (first, second, and third coils) with specific turn counts and configurations. Each coil segment can be optimized for particular frequency ranges, allowing the overall system to achieve high quality factor across multiple bands. This segmentation enables modular optimization that would be difficult to achieve in a single monolithic structure, balancing performance with manageable complexity.
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 solution enhances wireless transfer efficiency and range while reducing the need for precise alignment, enabling efficient operation across multiple standards and frequencies, thus improving user experience and device compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
Near-field communication enables the transfer of electrical energy and/or data wirelessly through magnetic field induction between a transmitting antenna and a corresponding receiving antenna
Implementation Method 2
Resonant inductive coupling is defined herein as the near field wireless transmission of electrical energy between two magnetically coupled coils that are part of two spaced apart resonant circuits that are tuned to resonate at the same frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a single structure multiple mode antenna are described. The antenna is preferably of a single layer construction having a plurality of inductor coils positioned on respective opposing substrate sides that are electrically connected. The antenna is also constructed having a plurality of electrical connections positioned along the first and second inductor coils. A plurality of terminals facilitates connection of the electrical connections thereby providing numerous electrical connection configurations and enables the antenna to be selectively tuned to various frequencies and frequency bands.