Offset Electrode Resonators for Alignment-Tolerant Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face limitations in efficiency and alignment issues when transferring power through mediums like glass or in applications with moving parts, such as vehicle seats, where conventional power cables are prone to strain and damage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system utilizing one-dimensional transmitter and receiver electrodes with offset connections for the inverter and rectifier, respectively, to maintain consistent voltage and reduce wire length, thereby enhancing power transfer efficiency and minimizing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power cables are used to power moving components, then power can be delivered reliably, but the cables are prone to strain and damage reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical power cable connections with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. The transmitter and receiver coils eliminate physical cable connections that are subject to strain and damage, thereby improving reliability while removing the durability issue of cables entirely.
2Loss of energy
If magnetic induction systems use tightly coupled coils for efficient power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but the range is limited and alignment requirements are stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonant frequency coupling that allows the system to maintain efficient power transfer over varying distances and alignments. The resonant oscillation creates a dynamic coupling that is less sensitive to positional changes compared to static magnetic induction, enabling both efficiency and extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency matching between transmitter and receiver coils. This parameter adjustment allows the coupling factor to remain effective over longer distances and with greater alignment tolerance, simultaneously achieving efficiency and extended range.
3Length of moving object
If resonant magnetic systems use loose coupling to increase range, then alignment issues are rectified, but the system requires additional capacitors and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the resonant circuit components to serve multiple functions. The capacitors are selected to provide both the necessary resonant frequency matching and the voltage boosting function, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulation components and reducing overall system complexity despite the resonant architecture.
4Ease of manufacture
If electrode connection points are aligned for simple wiring, then installation is easier, but voltage variation increases and power transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately uses asymmetric offset connection points for the electrodes rather than symmetric aligned connections. This asymmetric configuration creates more uniform electric field distribution and reduces voltage variation during movement, thereby improving power transfer efficiency while maintaining reasonable wiring complexity.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If wire length is minimized for reduced interference, then electromagnetic interference is minimized, but connection flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wire connections with wireless electromagnetic field coupling. This substitution eliminates the electromagnetic interference associated with long wires while simultaneously providing greater adaptability and flexibility, as the wireless system can accommodate various positions and orientations without being constrained by wire length or routing.
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 achieves improved power transfer efficiency and reduced voltage variation by optimizing electrode connections, allowing for efficient power delivery across a range of motion while minimizing wire length and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
Power transfer occurs due to coupling of electric fields between the capacitive electrodes of the transmitter and receiver
Implementation Method 2
there exist resonant electric systems in which the capacitive electrodes of the transmitter and receiver are made resonant using at least one inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system is provided. The system comprises a transmitter comprising a transmitter resonator comprising a plurality of one-dimensional transmitter electrodes, and an inverter. The system further comprises a receiver comprising a receiver resonator comprising a plurality of one-dimensional receiver electrodes, and a rectifier. The inverter is electrically connected to each of the transmitter electrodes. The inverter is electrically connected at offset points on the transmitter electrodes. The rectifier is electrically connected to each of the receiver electrodes. The rectifier is electrically connected at offset points on the receiver electrodes.