Multi-mode Wireless Power Transmitter with Shared Inverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems are not interoperable due to differences in operating frequencies, limiting their use with devices designed for various wireless charging specifications and requiring multiple transmitters, which increases cost and size.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode wireless power transmitter with a shared inverter and matching networks that direct power to the appropriate transmit coil based on frequency, allowing power transmission to both magnetic induction and magnetic resonance receivers, and other specifications by selecting the appropriate impedance and configuration for each frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate transmitters are used to support different wireless power specifications, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single wireless power transmitter capable of operating in multiple modes (magnetic induction and magnetic resonance) by incorporating both a first transmit coil for MI and a second transmit coil for MR, along with switching circuitry that can connect either coil to a shared inverter. This multi-functional design allows one transmitter to replace what would traditionally require two separate transmitters, reducing system complexity while maintaining compatibility with devices designed for different wireless charging specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate transmitter systems into one unified system by combining the first transmit coil (for magnetic induction) and the second transmit coil (for magnetic resonance) into a single transmitter unit with a shared inverter and control circuitry. The switching mechanism allows the system to dynamically select which coil to activate based on the required operating mode, effectively merging the functionality of two independent transmitters into one integrated unit that reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate transmitters are used to support different wireless power specifications, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single wireless power transmitter capable of operating in multiple modes (magnetic induction and magnetic resonance) by incorporating both a first transmit coil for MI and a second transmit coil for MR, along with switching circuitry that can connect either coil to a shared inverter. This multi-functional design allows one transmitter to replace what would traditionally require two separate transmitters, reducing system complexity while maintaining compatibility with devices designed for different wireless charging specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate transmitter systems into one unified system by combining the first transmit coil (for magnetic induction) and the second transmit coil (for magnetic resonance) into a single transmitter unit with a shared inverter and control circuitry. The switching mechanism allows the system to dynamically select which coil to activate based on the required operating mode, effectively merging the functionality of two independent transmitters into one integrated unit that reduces overall system 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
Enables power delivery to a wider variety of devices without the need for multiple transmitters, reducing costs and size while ensuring efficient power transmission across different frequencies, thereby enhancing the interoperability of wireless power systems.
Implementation Method 1
a inverter that converts a direct current (DC) voltage to an alternating current (AC) voltage
Implementation Method 2
matching networks that direct the flow of power to the appropriate transmit coil depending on the transmission frequency
Implementation Method 3
MR WPTS typically operate on a single resonant frequency using input voltage regulation to regulate output power
Implementation Method 4
Both types of systems include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit... magnetic induction (MI) systems and magnetic resonance (MR) systems
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a multi-mode wireless power transmitter. The transmitter includes an inverter configured to produce at its output a first signal having a first frequency or a second signal having a second frequency. The transmitter also includes a first transmit coil coupled to the output of the inverter and configured to wirelessly transmit power at the first frequency. The transmitter also includes a second transmit coil coupled to the output of the inverter and configured to wirelessly transmit power at the second frequency. The transmitter further includes at least one matching network coupled to the first transmit coil, the second transmit coil, and the output of the inverter. The at least one matching network is configured to provide power to the first transmit coil in response to the first signal and inhibit providing power to the second transmit coil in response to the first signal.