Non-Planar Wireless Charging Coil for Alignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer techniques face inefficiencies and alignment challenges due to radiative methods wasting energy and requiring line-of-sight and complex tracking, while near-field induction methods have limited distance and tolerance issues.
Innovation Solution
A power transmitting apparatus with a housing containing non-planar coils positioned to generate a magnetic field dipole, allowing for efficient wireless power transfer over a wider area with improved tolerance and orientation flexibility, using a combination of coils and decoupling units to optimize magnetic field distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If radiative techniques with low-directionality antennas are used, then power transfer can be achieved without complex tracking mechanisms, but most of the energy is radiated away in directions other than toward the receiving device, resulting in insufficient transferred energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar coil configurations to a three-dimensional non-planar coil structure that conforms to the housing surface. This dimensional change allows the magnetic field to be distributed more effectively in three-dimensional space, improving coupling with the receiving device while reducing the need for complex tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the coil by making it non-planar and conforming to the housing surface. This parameter change optimizes the magnetic field distribution and improves power transfer efficiency without requiring complex tracking systems, thereby reducing both energy loss and device complexity.
2Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to confine and direct radiated energy towards the receiving device, then power transfer efficiency improves, but an uninterruptible line-of-sight and potentially complicated tracking and steering mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking and steering mechanisms with a stationary non-planar coil configuration. The magnetic field confinement is achieved through the geometric design of the coil itself rather than through mechanical adjustment of directional antennas, eliminating the need for complex tracking systems while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If traditional induction schemes are used, then modest to large amounts of power can be transferred over very short distances, but the offset tolerance between the power source and the receiving device is very small, requiring precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the traditional two-dimensional planar coil to a three-dimensional non-planar configuration that follows the housing surface. This additional dimension increases the effective coupling area and provides greater tolerance for misalignment between the transmitting and receiving devices, making the system easier to operate while maintaining high power transfer rates.
4Productivity
If non-planar coils conforming to housing surfaces are used, then wireless power transfer efficiency improves with better field distribution and orientation flexibility, but the coil structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-planar coil geometry locally to conform to the specific housing surface shape, rather than using a complex global structure. This localized adaptation improves magnetic field distribution and power transfer efficiency at the interface with the housing, while the overall system architecture remains relatively simple and manageable.
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 efficient and flexible wireless power transfer to receivers with improved field uniformity and reduced heating, allowing for charging of batteries without precise alignment, enhancing transfer efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
techniques known as traditional induction schemes do not (intentionally) radiate power, but uses an oscillating current passing through a primary coil, to generate an oscillating magnetic near-field that induces currents in a near-by receiving or secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure features power transmitting apparatus for wireless power transfer to a receiver that includes a housing having a form factor that corresponds to a container featuring lateral surfaces, a bottom surface, and an opening opposite the bottom surface, a first coil formed by a continuous path of electrically conductive material and featuring a plurality of non-planar loops that conform to a first pair of opposite lateral surfaces and to the bottom surface, and a second coil formed by a continuous path of electrically conductive material and featuring a plurality of non-planar loops that conform to a second pair of opposite lateral surfaces and to the bottom surface.