Optical Beamforming Transmitter for Selective Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wireless power transfer systems face challenges in providing direct, individualized, and selective power transfer to non-stationary electric vehicles and devices, as they often rely on electromagnetic induction, which cannot distinguish target devices and may inadvertently charge unauthorized equipment, limiting mobility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical beamforming transmitter network that includes network edge devices capable of recognizing and tracking moving equipment, authorizing specific devices for wireless power transfer, and using laser-based power transfer to ensure direct and efficient charging without the need for physical cables or electromagnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electromagnetic induction is used for wireless power transfer, then power transfer can be achieved without physical cables, but the system cannot distinguish target devices and may charge unauthorized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless power transferVSAvoiddevice authorization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical beamforming transmitter as an intermediary between the power source and target devices. This transmitter uses optical signals to selectively identify and communicate with authorized devices before enabling power transfer, thereby ensuring device authorization while maintaining wireless operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the optical beamforming transmitter continuously monitors device presence, authorization status, and power transfer conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts beamforming patterns to maintain selective power transfer to authorized devices only

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If optical beamforming is used for selective power transfer, then direct and efficient charging is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidoptical beamforming transmitter

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical beamforming transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions: device identification, authorization verification, communication, and power transfer control. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high power transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If users rely on vehicle battery system to recharge user equipment, then convenience is improved, but the power draw from battery system increases and depletes current electric charge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice rechargingVSAvoidbattery power draw

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables user equipment to recharge itself wirelessly by receiving optical power transfer directly from the optical beamforming transmitter. This self-service capability eliminates the need to draw power from the vehicle battery system, thereby maintaining convenience while preserving battery charge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enables continuous, selective, and efficient wireless power transfer to specific devices, enhancing their operating range and reducing energy waste by ensuring only authorized equipment receives power, while maintaining network communication integrity.

Implementation Method 1

using laser-based power transfer to ensure direct and efficient charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11677275B2Wireless power transfer network management

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Concepts and technologies directed to wireless power transfer network management are disclosed herein. Embodiments of a system can include an optical beamforming transmitter, a processor, and a memory that stores computer-executable instructions that configure a processor to perform operations. The operations can include receiving a power charge message that requests wireless power transfer to charge a battery system of a wirelessly chargeable equipment. The operations can include detecting that the wirelessly chargeable equipment is within a power transfer range of the optical beamforming transmitter. The operations can include determining that the wirelessly chargeable equipment is not stationary. The operations can include tracking movement of the wirelessly chargeable equipment and activating the optical beamforming transmitter that provides wireless power transfer to the wirelessly chargeable equipment while the wirelessly chargeable equipment is within the power transfer range.