Multi-Mode Antenna for Wireless Power via Dynamic Inductance Tuning

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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 power and data transfer, 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, capable of operating across various frequency bands, including Qi, Rezence, and PMA standards, with dynamic adjustment of operating frequency and inductance through strategic connections, allowing for flexible orientation and reduced size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If prior art antennas are used for near-field communication, then wireless power and data transfer can be achieved, but the transfer efficiency is low and the antenna size is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless transfer efficiencyVSAvoidantenna size
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into multiple discrete inductor coils (first coil, second coil, third coil, fourth coil) with different inductance values. Each coil can be independently connected to the circuit through switching elements, allowing the system to select the appropriate coil for different operating conditions and frequency bands, thereby optimizing transfer efficiency without requiring a large antenna structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability through switching elements that can connect different inductor coils to the circuit based on operating requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the antenna to adapt its inductance and resonant frequency, maintaining high transfer efficiency across various operating conditions while using a compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If prior art antennas are used for near-field communication, then wireless power and data transfer can be achieved, but precise alignment between transmitting and receiving antennas is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidalignment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is designed with multiple inductor coils covering different inductance ranges to support multiple wireless power transfer standards including Qi, Rezence, and PMA. This multi-functionality allows the same antenna structure to reliably operate across different standards and frequency bands, reducing the need for precise alignment and manual configuration while maintaining communication reliability.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating frequency bands are required, then versatile wireless communication is achieved, but antenna structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-frequency operation capabilityVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple inductor coils with different inductance values are integrated into a single antenna structure sharing common terminals and magnetic core. The coils are arranged to occupy different spatial regions, and through switching elements, any combination of coils can be connected to achieve different total inductance values and resonant frequencies, supporting multiple wireless power transfer standards without requiring separate antennas for each frequency band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If inductor coils are electrically connected in series, then inductance can be adjusted for different frequency bands, but the antenna footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinductance adjustment capabilityVSAvoidantenna footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor coils are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller coils are positioned within or adjacent to larger coils, all sharing a common magnetic core. This nested arrangement allows multiple coils with different inductance values to be integrated into a compact footprint, and through series or parallel connections of these nested coils, the total inductance can be adjusted to support different frequency bands without significantly increasing the overall antenna area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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, reduces the need for precise alignment, and supports multiple standards and protocols with a compact design, 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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10636563B2Method of fabricating a single structure multi mode antenna for wireless power transmission using magnetic field coupling
Publication Date: 2020.04.28 NUCURRENT INC
  • US10636563B2 patent drawing
  • US10636563B2 patent drawing
  • US10636563B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of fabricating a single structure multiple mode antenna is described. The antenna is preferably constructed having a first inductor coil that is electrically connected in series with a second inductor coil. The antenna is constructed having a plurality of electrical connections positioned along the first and second inductor coils. A plurality of terminals is connected to the electrical connections that facilitate numerous electrical connections and enables the antenna to be selectively tuned to various frequencies and frequency bands.