Optical Charging Transmitter with Reflected-Light User Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless optical charging systems using laser light pose a safety risk to humans due to direct exposure, necessitating a method to detect the presence of individuals in the laser path and control laser output accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A transmission unit comprising a light source, reflected light output, and a light generation control unit that uses reflected light to determine the presence of users and adjust laser output based on detected current levels, including components like a photo detector, laser controller, and circulator to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser light is used for wireless optical charging, then power transmission efficiency and distance are improved, but user safety deteriorates due to harmful effects on human body
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of users in the laser path before initiating full power transmission. The detection unit scans the area ahead of the laser beam, and only when no users are detected does the system activate the light source unit for charging, preventing harmful exposure before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the laser path using a detection unit that tracks user presence in real-time. When a user is detected in the path, the system immediately adjusts or stops laser output, and when the path is clear, it resumes transmission, creating a closed-loop safety control mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If detection and control mechanisms are added to ensure safety, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects users in the laser path, determines whether the area is safe for charging, and provides control signals to the light source unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit integrates the detection results directly into the power transmission control logic, merging the safety monitoring and power management functions into a unified control system that makes real-time decisions based on detected conditions
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
Ensures user safety by detecting and preventing harmful laser exposure, allowing safe operation of wireless optical charging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photo detector that generates a current corresponding to the reflected light
Implementation Method 2
a circulator that is located on the single mode fiber path and outputs the generated laser light to the output unit
Implementation Method 3
the reflected light output unit may output the reflected light, which is reflected from the reception unit and returned, using a beam splitter
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission unit of a wireless optical charging system considering user safety according to the present disclosure includes: a light source unit that generates laser light; an output unit that outputs the laser light to an outside; a reflected light output unit that is located between the light source unit and the output unit and outputs reflected light in which the output laser light is reflected from a reception unit and returned; and a light generation control unit that controls a generation of the laser light from the light source unit according to a result of determining whether a user is located between the transmission unit and the reception unit based on the reflected light.