Planar Spiral Coil Array for Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power solutions for portable electronic devices are inefficient and bulky due to the need for specific device positioning and the use of ferromagnetic cores, which add bulk and waste power, especially when charging devices in non-central positions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of spiral coils for magnetic coupling to transfer power wirelessly, allowing devices to be charged in any position or orientation, with a planar base station and receiver modules that eliminate the need for power cables and reduce bulk, using high-frequency power supplies and PCB transformers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If ferromagnetic cores are used in wireless power transfer systems, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ferromagnetic core from the wireless power transfer system, extracting the problematic component that caused weight and bulk issues. The system achieves power transfer through air coupling between coils without requiring a magnetic core, thus eliminating the weight penalty while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using high-frequency AC power (20-100 kHz) and optimizing coil geometry (spiral shape with specific dimensions) to achieve efficient power transfer without ferromagnetic materials. This parameter optimization compensates for the removal of the core.
2Loss of energy
If ferromagnetic cores are used to guide magnetic fields, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ferromagnetic core component that was responsible for guiding magnetic fields, replacing it with air coupling between coils. This eliminates the need for bulky magnetic shielding and core structures, significantly reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses planar spiral coil geometry that creates a distributed magnetic field pattern extending across the charging surface. This dimensional approach allows multiple devices to be charged simultaneously in different positions without requiring vertical stacking or complex three-dimensional magnetic routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two perpendicular coils are used to create even magnetic field distribution, then charging versatility is improved, but power waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging surface into multiple independent spiral coil segments that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the specific coil regions needed for current charging tasks, rather than continuously powering all coils, thus reducing energy waste while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of coil activation based on detected device positions and power requirements. The system continuously monitors and adjusts which coils are active, optimizing power distribution in real-time to match actual charging needs and minimize energy consumption.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple layers of inductive coils are used, then magnetic field evenness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves magnetic field evenness by optimizing the two-dimensional planar geometry of single-layer spiral coils rather than stacking multiple layers. The spiral pattern and dimensional proportions are carefully designed to create uniform field distribution across the charging surface, simplifying manufacturing to single-layer PCB construction.
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
Enables efficient and versatile wireless charging of multiple devices, including laptops and cell phones, without the need for specific positioning, reducing power waste and bulk, while maintaining high efficiency and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
A transmitter, such as those used in wireless computer and cell phone memory cards, generates an oscillating magnetic field that inductively couples to a receiver coil
Implementation Method 2
The oscillating magnetic field inductively couples to a receiver coil, which then powers electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for transferring power wirelessly to electronic devices. The system can utilize magnetic coupling between two coils at close proximity to transfer sufficient power to charge an electronic device. Embodiments of the invention pertain to an array of spiral coils that can be used to transmit power for transfer to receiver coils. Potential applications of this technology include charging consumer electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, PDAs, etc), developing hermetically sealed devices for extreme environments, and less invasive transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems. Various embodiments of the subject system can be referred to as PowerPad system. Embodiments can incorporate one or more of the following: planar inductors, PCB transformers, and very high frequency power supplies. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to planar inductors having characteristics that allow the production of even magnetic field, as well as systems that incorporate such planar inductors.