Optical Wireless Charging System with Dynamic Light Source Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging methods, particularly those using electromagnetic coupling, face issues such as interference with sensitive electronic devices and potential health hazards when attempting to charge multiple devices in large areas, and are inconvenient for public use due to the need for various charging accommodations and cables.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical charging infrastructure with a charger component that includes a light source component and a charger controller, which detects electronic devices and controls a subset of light sources to provide optical waves for charging, optimizing energy distribution and reducing interference by illuminating only necessary areas based on device location and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromagnetic coupling is used for wireless charging, then wireless charging functionality is achieved, but interference with sensitive electronic devices and magnetic responsive substances occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic coupling with optical coupling (light-based transmission) for wireless power transfer. The charging system uses light sources to transmit energy optically through the charging surface to the device, eliminating electromagnetic interference with sensitive electronics and magnetic substances while maintaining wireless charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light transmission medium) between the power source and the device. The charging surface acts as an intermediary that transmits optical energy from light sources below to the device above, enabling wireless charging without direct electromagnetic coupling that causes interference
2Area of stationary object
If higher power is supplied to cover large charging areas, then charging coverage is improved, but potential health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic radiation with optical radiation (visible light or near-visible wavelengths) for power transmission over large areas. This allows extensive charging coverage without the health concerns associated with high-power electromagnetic fields, as optical energy at these wavelengths is not known to pose the same biological risks
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging resources are provided for various device types, then compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal charging platform where a single optical charging surface can charge multiple types of devices simultaneously. The system uses light transmission through the surface, which is compatible with various device forms factors and sizes, eliminating the need for device-specific charging ports, cables, or docking stations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging surface into multiple independent illumination zones that can be individually controlled. Each zone can be activated independently based on device placement, allowing the system to provide targeted charging to multiple devices of different types and sizes across the surface area
4Area of stationary object
If all light sources are illuminated to cover large areas, then charging coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local illumination where only specific regions of the charging surface are lit based on where devices are actually placed. The system detects device presence and activates light sources only in the necessary zones, providing targeted charging coverage while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to illuminating the entire surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic control of light source activation based on real-time device detection and positioning. The system adjusts which light sources are on or off depending on device location, size, and charging requirements, allowing the charging coverage area to dynamically expand or contract based on actual need rather than maintaining constant full-area illumination
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 efficient and safe wireless charging of multiple devices without electromagnetic interference, supporting large charging areas and reducing energy consumption by illuminating only the necessary areas, thus addressing the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A charger component may include a light source component and a charger controller. The charger controller can control the light sources of the light source component to facilitate providing optical waves to the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
An electronic device can include a solar cell component and a battery. The solar cell component can convert the optical waves to electrical energy that can facilitate charging the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for charging electronic devices are presented. A charger controller component controls supplying power to an electronic device having a solar cell component using optical charging. The charger controller component detects a shape and position of the electronic device located on a charger substrate component. The charger controller component identifies a subset of a plurality of light sources associated with the charger substrate component that correspond to the shape and position of the electronic device, and controls illumination of the light sources to illuminate the subset of light sources. The illumination of the subset of light sources provides optical waves to the electronic device that are converted to electrical energy to charge a power component of the electronic device. An optical processing element can employ an array of lenticular lens or microlens that can expand coverage of each light source and enhance uniformity of the illuminated area.