Planar Coil Layout for Omnidirectional Wireless Power Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless power transfer systems are directional and inefficient when devices are not placed in a predetermined orientation, leading to varying coupling coefficients and power transfer degradation due to user-dependent placement and orientation of receiver coils.

Innovation Solution

A planar omnidirectional wireless power transfer system using a high-frequency power generator, transmitter-side resonant tank circuits, and a controller to generate and adjust omnidirectional magnetic fields through near-field inductive coupling, adapting to varying device orientations and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a directional magnetic field is used in conventional wireless power transfer systems, then the system structure is simple, but the power transfer efficiency degrades when there is angle misalignment between coupled coils

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter is divided into three orthogonal coils (X, Y, Z axes) that can be independently controlled. Each coil segment contributes to creating an omnidirectional magnetic field, allowing the system to maintain efficient power transfer regardless of receiver orientation by selectively activating appropriate coil segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts which coils are activated and their excitation parameters based on the detected orientation and position of the receiver device. This dynamic adaptation enables the magnetic field to reconfigure itself in real-time, maintaining optimal coupling efficiency without requiring fixed alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If directional coupling is used, then the transmitter coil design is simple, but the coupling coefficient varies with device orientation and placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling consistencyVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The three orthogonal coils serve multiple functions: they can individually provide directional coupling when needed, collectively create omnidirectional coverage, and be selectively activated based on receiver position. This multi-functionality allows the same transmitter structure to handle various placement scenarios reliably

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates detection circuitry that identifies the orientation and position of the receiver device, then feeds this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine which coils to activate and with what parameters, ensuring consistent coupling efficiency across different placements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If omnidirectional magnetic field generation is implemented, then power transfer efficiency is maintained across orientations, but the number of coils and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation independenceVSAvoidcoil arrangement and control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from single-directional (one-dimensional) coupling to three-dimensional omnidirectional coupling by adding coils along X, Y, and Z axes. This dimensional expansion enables the magnetic field to reach receivers from any orientation in 3D space, providing true orientation independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enhances power transfer efficiency by maintaining consistent coupling regardless of device placement and orientation, ensuring efficient charging across multiple orientations and positions.

Implementation Method 1

Wireless power transfer can be achieved using a various power transmission technologies using time-varying electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field inductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12407187B2Planar omnidirectional wireless power transfer system

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES INC

AI summary

In one example, a planar omnidirectional wireless power transfer system includes high frequency power generator configured to generate a supply of high frequency oscillating power, a number of transmitter-side resonant tank circuits electrically coupled to the high frequency power generator, a planar coil arrangement including a number of coils arranged for omnidirectional power transfer to a device placed over the planar coil arrangement, and a controller configured to activate individual ones of the transmitter-side resonant tank circuits to wirelessly transmit power to the device. In one aspect, the controller can activate individual ones of the transmitter-side resonant tank circuits over time to generate an omnidirectional field distribution for wireless power transmission.