Nested Coil Sensing for Multi-Device Wireless Charging Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging technologies are limited by the need for precise alignment, costly amplifiers, complex synchronization, high power consumption, and limited sensing distance, making them costly and inefficient for charging multiple devices over large areas.
Innovation Solution
A network of nested sensing coils with active and passive coils, coupled to a central controller, uses machine learning algorithms to detect device location and type, and a software-defined network to dynamically reconfigure impedance and resonance for efficient, multi-device charging across large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If isolated coil-based transmitters are used for wireless charging, then device charging is enabled, but charging coverage area is limited and multiple devices cannot be charged simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple isolated coil-based transmitters are merged into a unified wireless charging system with shared power management infrastructure. The patent combines multiple transmitter coils into arrays that can be controlled collectively, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple devices across extended coverage areas while reducing per-device complexity through resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system is designed with universal power management capabilities that can serve multiple functions: charging different device types simultaneously, providing both sensing and charging operations, and adapting to various charging scenarios. The system can dynamically allocate power resources across multiple devices and modes of operation.
2Area of stationary object
If pre-connected and synchronized multi-coil systems are used, then charging coverage is extended, but system complexity and cost increase due to required synchronization circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electrical synchronization circuits with software-based control mechanisms. A central controller or microprocessor manages multiple transmitter coils through digital signaling and software algorithms, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware synchronization circuits while maintaining coordinated operation across the charging array.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as frequency, power level, and phase relationships of multiple coils based on real-time sensing data and device locations. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve effective synchronization without requiring fixed hardware synchronization circuits, as parameters are modified through software control.
3Length of stationary object
If RF-based energy transfer is used, then power can be transferred over longer distances to multiple receivers, but path loss and power density limitations reduce transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless charging system into multiple transmitter coils arranged in arrays, where each coil operates at optimized power levels. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended coverage distances through cooperative transmission while maintaining efficiency, as each segment contributes to the overall energy transfer without requiring excessive power from a single source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of individual transmitter coils based on real-time conditions, including device location, power requirements, and interference levels. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize energy transfer efficiency across varying distances by activating only the necessary coils at appropriate power levels, reducing overall path loss.
4Power
If magnetic induction and resonance-based energy transfer are used, then higher deliverable power is achieved, but charging distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic induction or resonance transmitter coils into arrays that work cooperatively. By merging the output of multiple coils, the system achieves both high deliverable power and extended charging distance, as the combined magnetic fields constructively interfere to deliver sufficient power over longer distances while maintaining efficiency.
5Area of stationary object
If hundreds of coils are deployed to cover large surfaces, then charging coverage is extended, but cost and complexity increase due to required power management circuits per coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power management functions for hundreds of coils into a centralized or hierarchical control architecture. Instead of dedicating independent power management circuits to each coil, the system uses shared control resources that can dynamically allocate and manage power across the entire coil array, dramatically reducing the total number of power management circuits required.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system is designed with universal control capabilities that can manage any subset of the coil array through software configuration. A single power management unit can dynamically activate, deactivate, and adjust the operation of multiple coils based on charging demands, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware circuits for each coil while maintaining full control over the extended charging surface.
6Measurement precision
If specialized power sockets are installed for continuous sensing, then device detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases when no devices are present
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing operation is implemented as a periodic or on-demand activity rather than continuous operation. The system performs sensing at intervals or only when devices are detected in proximity, using low-power sensing modes during idle periods and transitioning to full-power operation only when charging is required. This periodic action maintains device detection capability while significantly reducing average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses passive sensing methods that do not require active power sockets or continuous power consumption. By utilizing the natural electromagnetic environment and detecting devices through their interaction with the charging field, the system maintains detection capability without requiring dedicated power-consuming sensing infrastructure when no devices are present.
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 cost-effective, scalable, and adaptable wireless charging over large surfaces, supporting multiple device types with low power consumption and efficient energy routing, without the need for complex synchronization or additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
sense coils disposed to: (a) magnetically couple to the one or more driven coils to receive the magnetic signal produced by the driven coils, and (b) produce a sense voltage as a function of its proximity to the device
Implementation Method 2
one or more driven coils to produce magnetic signals in response to drive signals
Data Source
AI summary
Sensing and charging of electronic devices using coils. A software-defined collaborative sensing approach can allow detection and location of multiple electronic devices with respect to a charging surface to allow for wireless charging thereof. Systems and methods can measure the interaction of devices with a generated magnetic field through a network of nested sensing coils that can sense the location of devices located around the network of coils based on their interaction with magnetic fields. Once the location of a device to be charged is determined, charging energy can be directed to the device based on its location on the charging surface. The charging surface can include one or more sensing nodes having a combination of nested active, or driven, and passive coils. These coils can be configured to transform existing two-dimensional (2D) surfaces or three-dimensional (3D) areas into a multi-device contactless wireless charger.