Multi-Resonator Wireless Power Transfer for Compact Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional strongly coupled magnetic resonator (SCMR) systems for wireless power transmission require significant volume, making them unsuitable for consumer and medical devices due to the need for close coil proximity and large size.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple-resonator conformal strongly coupled magnetic resonance (CSCMR) systems, which use multiple loops as resonators on or within substrates, reducing the operating frequency, increasing the transmission range, and enhancing efficiency while maintaining or reducing the system's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional strongly coupled magnetic resonator (SCMR) systems are used for wireless power transmission, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but the system occupies significant volume and requires close coil proximity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsystem volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the resonator structure into multiple discrete resonant elements (first resonator and second resonator) that can be independently positioned on opposite surfaces of a substrate. This segmentation allows the system to achieve strong magnetic coupling without requiring the entire system to occupy large volume, as each segment can be compact while collectively providing the necessary resonant coupling for efficient power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar single-surface resonator configuration to a three-dimensional multi-surface configuration by placing resonators on opposite surfaces of a substrate. This dimensional change enables the system to achieve strong magnetic coupling in the z-direction (through the substrate) while maintaining a compact footprint in the x-y plane, effectively reducing the overall system volume while preserving power transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If traditional SCMR systems are used, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but the operating frequency is high and transmission range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power transmission capabilityVSAvoidoperating frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the resonant parameters of the system by introducing multiple resonators with different geometric configurations and positions. This changes the overall resonant frequency of the system from high to lower frequencies, while simultaneously extending the transmission range. The parameter changes in resonator geometry, spacing, and arrangement enable the system to operate at optimized frequencies suitable for extended-range wireless power transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If single-resonator systems are used, then system size is reduced, but transmission range and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple resonators (first resonator on first surface, second resonator on second surface) into a single integrated multi-resonator system. This merging approach maintains compact system size by utilizing both surfaces of a single substrate, while the combined resonant effect of multiple elements enhances the overall magnetic coupling and power transfer efficiency beyond what a single resonator could achieve.

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

CSCMR systems achieve a 30% decrease in operating frequency, a 20% increase in transmission range, and higher efficiency compared to single-resonator systems of the same size, making them suitable for portable applications.

Implementation Method 1

Wireless power transmission (WPT) often uses inductive power delivery, which is the use of non-radiating magnetic fields generated by a transmitter coil to induce a current in a receiver coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

strongly coupled magnetic resonator (SCMR) has been used since 2007. SCMR systems show good efficiency and range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9985460B2Miniaturized highly efficient wireless power transfer elements using multiple layers of resonators and/or tunable capacitors
Publication Date: 2018.05.29 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
  • US9985460B2 patent drawing
  • US9985460B2 patent drawing
  • US9985460B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Novel and advantageous systems and methods for wireless power transfer (WPT) via multiple-resonator conformal strongly coupledmagnetic resonance (CSCMR) are provided. Instead of using a single loop as a resonator, multiple resonators can be used. This leads to lower operating frequency (e.g., 30% decrease), extended WPT range (e.g., 20% increase), and higher WPT efficiency compared to single-resonator systems of the same size.