Multipoint Wireless Power Transfer with Obstacle-Aware Transmitter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to power transfer being blocked by obstacles, such as humans or pets, and lack adaptive mechanisms to optimize power distribution based on multiple factors like presence of obstacles and priority levels.
Innovation Solution
A multipoint wireless power transfer system with multiple transmitters and receivers that selectively activate or deactivate based on obstacle presence, using proximity sensors and a master device to optimize power distribution, ensuring safety and efficiency by activating additional transmitters as needed and prioritizing power delivery to devices with lower battery levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wireless power transmitter is used, then the system is simple, but power transfer is blocked by obstacles such as humans or pets
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power transmission function into multiple independent transmitters positioned at different locations and orientations. Each transmitter can independently detect obstacles and adjust its operation, allowing power transfer to continue through alternative paths when one transmitter is blocked by obstacles such as humans or pets.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wireless power transmitters are combined into a coordinated system that shares detection and control resources. The transmitters work together as a unified system, with a master device managing obstacle detection across all transmitters and coordinating their power transmission to achieve reliable power delivery despite individual blockages.
2Productivity
If multiple transmitters are activated simultaneously, then power distribution is optimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which transmitters are active based on real-time conditions. The master device continuously monitors obstacle presence and receiver needs, activating only the necessary number of transmitters to achieve the required charging speed. This dynamic adjustment optimizes charging performance while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary simultaneous operation of all transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including the number of active transmitters, power transmission levels, and transmitter selection based on detected conditions. When obstacles are present or charging demand is high, more transmitters are activated; when conditions are favorable, fewer transmitters operate at reduced power levels, thereby optimizing the balance between charging speed and energy consumption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If transmitters are selectively activated based on obstacle presence, then safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where each transmitter and the master device monitor obstacle presence in real-time. When obstacles are detected, the system automatically adjusts transmitter activation and power levels to maintain safety. This feedback mechanism enables safety improvements through automated responses to changing conditions without requiring complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitters are equipped with autonomous obstacle detection and self-adjustment capabilities. Each transmitter can independently detect obstacles in its transmission path and adjust its operation accordingly, reducing the need for complex centralized control. The system serves itself by automatically making safety decisions based on real-time environmental conditions.
4Productivity
If priority-based power distribution is implemented, then device charging efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different power distribution strategies to different receivers based on their specific needs and conditions. Priority levels are assigned to individual devices based on factors such as battery status and charging demand, allowing the system to optimize power allocation locally for each receiver rather than using a uniform approach. This enables improved charging efficiency for priority devices while maintaining adequate service for others.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device dynamically changes power distribution parameters including transmission power levels and transmitter assignment based on receiver priority levels. When multiple receivers are present, the system adjusts parameters to allocate more power to high-priority devices while reducing power to lower-priority devices, thereby improving overall charging efficiency through intelligent parameter adjustment rather than complex control logic.
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 system enhances safety and power transfer efficiency by distributing power effectively around obstacles and prioritizing devices, improving overall charging performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of wireless power transmitters configured to wirelessly transmit power
Implementation Method 2
using proximity sensors and a master device to optimize power distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A system, an apparatus, and a method for wireless power transfer are provided. The system includes a plurality of wireless power transmitters and at least one receiver. The at least one receiver is configured to receive the power wirelessly transmitted at least one wireless power transmitter of the plurality of wireless power transmitters. The plurality of wireless transmitters is configured to wirelessly transmit power. Each wireless power transmitter is positioned at a different location and/or orientation. Each wireless power transmitter is an active power source or a passive relay power source. The one or more wireless power transmitters are identified for power transmission based on a plurality of factors including at least presence of obstacles in transmission paths.