Omnidirectional Wireless Power Transfer via Rotating Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-field wireless power transfer systems are directional and inefficient when devices are placed in varying orientations, as the coupling coefficient between transmitter and receiver coils is not fixed due to user-dependent placement and orientation, leading to suboptimal power transfer.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional wireless power transfer system with a high-frequency power generator, transmitter-side resonant tank circuits, and a controller that activates individual coils to create a rotating magnetic field, ensuring efficient power transfer regardless of device orientation through coupling independent resonance and zero voltage switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional directional wireless power transfer systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the power transfer efficiency deteriorates when devices are placed in varying orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transfer system is segmented into multiple independent coil assemblies, each capable of generating magnetic fields in different spatial directions. This segmentation allows the system to address varying device orientations by activating appropriate coil segments, thereby maintaining high power transfer efficiency without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil assemblies are designed with multi-functionality, where each coil can serve different purposes depending on the device orientation. The same physical infrastructure (coil assemblies) performs multiple functions by selectively activating different coils or combinations of coils, achieving omnidirectional power transfer capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coil assemblies are used to achieve omnidirectional power transfer, then the adaptability to different device orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of coil activation, where the controller selectively activates specific coil assemblies based on the detected device orientation and position. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to various device orientations without permanently maintaining all coils in an active state, thereby achieving high adaptability while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than physical redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors device position and orientation, then adjusts which coil assemblies are activated accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to different device orientations efficiently, activating only the necessary coils to maintain optimal power transfer, thus balancing adaptability with controlled complexity.
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 enhanced power transfer efficiency by generating an omnidirectional magnetic field, allowing for effective charging of devices placed in various orientations, with the ability to adjust magnetic field direction and magnitude based on device position and orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a number of transmitter-side resonant tank circuits electrically coupled to the high frequency power generator; a receptacle including a number of coils arranged for omnidirectional power transfer to an electronic device placed in the receptacle through near-field resonant inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, an omnidirectional wireless power transfer system includes high frequency power generator configured to generate a supply of high frequency oscillating power, a number of transmitter-side resonant tank circuits electrically coupled to the high frequency power generator, a receptacle including a number of coils arranged for omnidirectional power transfer to an electronic device placed in the receptacle, and a controller configured to activate individual ones of the transmitter-side resonant tank circuits to wirelessly transmit power to the electronic device through near-field resonant inductive coupling. In one example, the receptacle can be embodied as a bowl, and the controller can activate individual ones of the transmitter-side resonant tank circuits over time to generate an omnidirectional field distribution for wireless power transmission. In other aspects, various transmitter-side and receiver-side tank circuits for coupling independent resonance and ZVS operation are described.