Multi-mode Wireless Power Transmitter with Tunable Resonant Drive Circuit

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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 for different frequency operations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode wireless power transmitter with a dynamically tunable resonant drive circuit that can operate at different frequencies, using an LC network and a class E amplifier to minimize switching losses, allowing power transmission to both magnetic induction and magnetic resonance receivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless power transmitter operates at a single fixed frequency, then the system achieves stable power transmission, but it cannot interoperable with devices designed for different wireless charging specifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteroperability with different wireless charging specificationsVSAvoidtransmitter frequency tuning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically tunable resonant drive circuit that can switch between different operating frequencies (e.g., 6.78 MHz for magnetic resonance and several hundred kHz for magnetic induction). The circuit uses variable capacitors and inductors that can be adjusted via switching mechanisms to change the resonant frequency, enabling the transmitter to adapt to different receiver types and wireless charging specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both magnetic induction and magnetic resonance power transfer modes. The single transmitter unit can serve different wireless charging standards (such as Qi and AirFuel) by dynamically adjusting its operating frequency, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated transmitters for different specifications.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmitters are used to support different frequencies, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of transmitters required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a single wireless power transmitter that can operate in multiple frequency modes to support both magnetic induction receivers and magnetic resonance receivers. This multi-functional design allows one transmitter to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate transmitters, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining broad device compatibility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter incorporates a controllable resonant drive circuit that can dynamically adjust its operating frequency based on the type of receiver detected. The circuit includes switching mechanisms that reconfigure the LC network parameters to match the resonant frequency of the target receiver, enabling a single transmitter to serve multiple device types without requiring multiple fixed-frequency transmitters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a wireless power transmitter uses frequency variation for power flow control, then power transmission flexibility is improved, but switching losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission flexibilityVSAvoidswitching losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a resonant drive circuit with variable LC parameters that can be adjusted to change the operating frequency. By using a class E amplifier topology with tuned output network, the circuit achieves efficient frequency switching with minimized switching losses. The resonant nature of the circuit allows for soft switching techniques that reduce parasitic losses during frequency transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical frequency adjustment mechanisms with electronic switching of capacitor and inductor configurations. The use of solid-state switching devices (such as MOSFETs or IGBTs) in a class E amplifier configuration allows for electronic control of frequency without the mechanical wear and energy losses associated with traditional mechanical tuning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 by dynamically adjusting frequencies, reducing the need for multiple transmitters and enhancing compatibility with different wireless charging specifications, thus facilitating broader adoption of wireless power technology.

Implementation Method 1

a resonant drive circuit, responsive to a control signal from the controller, having an inductor and a capacitor in parallel with each other and configured to drive the coil to transmit wireless power to the receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A multi-mode wireless power transmitter with a dynamically tunable resonant drive circuit that can operate at different frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3142211B1Multi-mode resonant wireless power transmitter
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP3142211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3142211B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3142211B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A wireless power transmitter includes a multi-mode drive circuit having a controllable resonant frequency. The multi-mode drive circuit is controlled to have a first resonant frequency to drive wireless power transmission at a first transmit frequency. The multi-mode drive circuit is also controlled to have a second resonant frequency higher than the first resonant frequency to drive wireless power transmission at a second transmit frequency higher than the first transmit frequency.