Phased Array Wireless Charging System for Multi-Device Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote laser charging technologies face limitations due to low charging currents and stringent safety restrictions, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption, especially in environments requiring alignment and line of sight, and are not efficient for charging multiple devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A phased array system using photovoltaic elements that directs a beam of light to charge multiple devices from a single or limited light sources, eliminating alignment issues and enabling efficient charging of numerous devices by processing signals with phase differences, allowing for distributed device arrays and improved functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laser charging methods are used to provide power remotely, then the need for physical proximity between device and charging surface is eliminated, but charging current remains low and alignment requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple low-power laser charging units into a phased array system. By merging the output of multiple photovoltaic elements through coherent beam combining, the system achieves high power output while maintaining the remote charging advantage. The individual laser units work together to produce a unified high-intensity beam that can charge devices at a distance without requiring precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the charging function into multiple independent laser units, each with its own photovoltaic element. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently at low power levels while collectively providing high power through phased array combining. The modular structure reduces the alignment burden on individual components.
2Ease of operation
If laser charging methods are used, then physical coupling is avoided, but alignment between laser and photocell and line of sight requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple laser units are merged into a phased array system where their beams are combined coherently. This merging approach reduces the alignment requirements for individual units since they work together as a distributed array. The system can tolerate greater misalignment in individual elements while maintaining overall beam quality through phase control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces precise mechanical alignment systems with phase-controlled beam combining. Instead of relying on mechanical precision to align individual laser units with their photocells, the system uses phase modulation and signal processing to achieve coherent combining. This substitution of mechanical alignment with phase control significantly reduces system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are charged using separate laser units, then each device can be charged independently, but the number of required charging units increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging functions into a single phased array system. The array can dynamically steer and focus the combined beam to different devices, providing independent charging capability without requiring separate physical charging units for each device. The phase control system enables the beam to be directed to different locations sequentially or simultaneously, maintaining adaptability while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic phase control to steer the combined beam to different devices. By changing the phase relationships between array elements, the beam focus and direction can be dynamically adjusted to charge different devices as needed. This dynamic control provides versatile charging capability without requiring multiple fixed charging units.
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 practical remote charging of multiple devices with reduced alignment difficulties, enhancing functionality and performance by focusing on a single source while suppressing others, and allows for various applications such as personalized audio delivery and voice control systems.
Implementation Method 1
processing said received signals using at least one phase difference therebetween
Implementation Method 2
each receiver device comprises a photovoltaic element, said method further comprising directing a beam of light from a unit located within the zone to said photovoltaic elements, thereby providing power to said receiver devices
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of operating an array of receiver devices as a phased array. The receiver devices are in a fixed mutual relationship within a zone and each receiver device comprises a photovoltaic element. The method involves receiving a signal from within the zone at a plurality of the receiver devices to generate a plurality of received signals and processing the received signals using at least one phase difference therebetween. The method also involves directing a beam of light from a unit located within the zone to the photovoltaic elements, thereby providing power to said receiver devices. The invention extends to an array of transmitter devices and to an array of both transmitter and receiver devices.