Pocket-Forming Wireless Power Transmission for Selective Device Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transmission methods require electronic devices to be placed in a specific location for charging, limiting their mobility and portability, and often necessitate the use of extra chargers or plugs, which can render devices inoperable during charging.
Innovation Solution
The methodology of pocket-forming, which involves generating controlled Radio Frequency (RF) waves to create 'pockets of energy' through constructive and destructive interference patterns, allowing for wireless power transmission to electronic devices without the need for physical charging cables or plugs, using a transmitter with multiple antenna elements and receivers with rectifying circuits and power converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive pads with magnetic induction or resonating coils are used for wireless power transmission, then wireless charging capability is achieved, but electronic devices must be placed in a specific location and mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming that continuously tracks and adjusts the direction of RF energy transmission based on the real-time position of the electronic device. The transmitter dynamically reconfigures its antenna array to maintain optimal energy transfer regardless of device location or orientation, enabling wireless charging while preserving full device mobility and portability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements are used for pocket-forming, then selective power delivery to specific devices is achieved, but transmitter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmitter into multiple independent antenna elements that can be individually controlled and phased. This segmentation enables the formation of multiple independent energy pockets, allowing selective power delivery to multiple different devices simultaneously while maintaining manageable system architecture through modular antenna design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially distributed energy pockets at different locations and orientations. Each antenna element contributes to forming localized energy concentrations tailored to specific device positions, enabling selective power delivery to multiple devices with different spatial requirements while maintaining overall system coordination
3Length of stationary object
If RF waves are used for wireless power transmission, then charging range is extended beyond contactless charging limits, but energy loss and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates RF energy into localized pockets through constructive interference at target device locations while maintaining destructive interference in other regions. This spatial concentration minimizes energy dispersion and loss, enabling extended charging range while maintaining energy efficiency by directing power precisely where needed rather than broadcasting energy omnidirectionally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and power reception status of electronic devices to dynamically adjust RF transmission parameters. This feedback enables real-time optimization of energy pocket formation, maintaining efficient energy transfer over extended ranges by adapting transmission characteristics to actual device locations and reducing energy loss through intelligent power management
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 wireless power transmission to multiple electronic devices within a predefined range, enhancing their mobility and eliminating the need for extra chargers or plugs, while allowing devices to remain operational during charging, as demonstrated in retail and academic settings.
Implementation Method 1
generating controlled Radio Frequency (RF) waves to create 'pockets of energy'
Implementation Method 2
create 'pockets of energy' through constructive and destructive interference patterns
Implementation Method 3
receivers with rectifying circuits and power converters
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a methodology for wireless power transmission based on pocket-forming. This methodology may include one transmitter and at least one or more receivers, being the transmitter the sender of energy and the receiver the device that is desired to charge or power. In the present disclosures, transmitters may power devices within a predefined range out of which devices may not be operable. This configuration may be beneficial in retail store settings where improved interactivity between users and devices is required. In addition, the configuration provides a safety feature to avoid unauthorized usage of electronic devices. A variation of this configuration is given in an academic setting where electronic devices utilized for learning are required to stay within school premises. Finally, an example of how such devices may improve their own form factors by using the disclosed wireless power transmission may be provided.