Orientable Repeater Resonator for Wireless Power Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems are limited by orientation and positional dependencies between components, leading to inefficient or non-existent power transfer, particularly in applications like implanted medical devices, where mobility and convenience are compromised.
Innovation Solution
An orientable repeater configured as an elongated strip with inductive and capacitive elements, allowing coupling with adjacent resonators independent of angular position and length, enabling efficient power transfer across greater distances and varied orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless power transfer systems are used with fixed component orientations, then power transfer can be maintained at specific positions, but the system loses coupling efficiency when orientation or position changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater is segmented into multiple discrete components: an elongated strip with inductive elements, capacitive elements, and resonant circuitry. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing orientation-independent power transfer through the distributed resonant coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar coil configurations to a three-dimensional resonant cavity structure using the elongated strip geometry. This dimensional change enables coupling through volumetric electromagnetic field distribution rather than planar magnetic coupling, providing immunity to orientation changes.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer systems operate at extended distances, then mobility is improved, but coupling between resonators becomes insufficient leading to power transfer failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs resonant oscillation at specific frequencies to enhance electromagnetic coupling between the repeater and adjacent resonators. By tuning the inductive and capacitive elements to resonate at the operating frequency, the system maintains strong coupling over extended distances through constructive interference and energy storage in the resonant fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater acts as an intermediary resonant structure between the primary power source and the implanted medical device. It receives electromagnetic energy from the external resonator, stores energy temporarily through its resonant circuit, and re-transmits it to the implanted device, effectively extending the power transfer distance while maintaining coupling efficiency.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If implanted medical devices require continuous power supply, then device functionality is maintained, but patient mobility is restricted due to tethering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tethering with wireless electromagnetic power transfer through resonant coupling. The implanted medical device receives continuous power through inductive coupling with external repeaters, eliminating the need for physical cables or wires while maintaining uninterrupted power supply for device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater system is designed with universal applicability to various implanted medical devices requiring continuous power. The elongated strip configuration with distributed inductive and capacitive elements can couple with multiple types of resonators and devices, providing a versatile solution that maintains device functionality across different applications while enabling patient mobility.
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 orientable repeater maintains coupling and facilitates continuous power transfer to implanted medical devices, enhancing mobility and convenience by allowing power transfer at various points and orientations, extending the operational distance of wireless power transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive element associated with the elongated strip and arranged to provide a coupling with an adjacent resonator through flux directed outward from a first surface of the elongated strip
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive element associated with the elongated strip and arranged to resonate electromagnetic energy with the inductive element when the electromagnetic energy is transferred from the adjacent resonator through the coupling provided by the inductive element
Data Source
AI summary
A repeater for a wireless power transfer system is disclosed. The repeaters includes an elongated strip of material arranged in a substantially circular configuration with opposing ends of the elongated strip disposed in close proximity to each other, an inductive element associated with the elongated strip and arranged to provide a coupling with an adjacent resonator through flux directed outward from a first surface of the elongated strip, and a capacitive element associated with the elongated strip and arranged to resonate electromagnetic energy with the inductive element when the electromagnetic energy is transferred from the adjacent resonator through the coupling provided by the inductive element.