Wireless Power Transfer Presence Detection With Dual Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems face limitations in communication capacity and reliability, especially at higher power levels, with unidirectional communication using the power transfer signal as a carrier resulting in suboptimal performance and potential error scenarios when devices are moved, removed, or replaced.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual communication system with a low data rate in-band communication link using the power transfer signal for proximity detection and a high data rate out-of-band communication link for control data, ensuring reliable operation and error detection by restricting power transfer when the receiver is absent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unidirectional communication using the power transfer signal as a carrier is used, then the system can operate with simpler architecture, but the communication capacity and reliability deteriorate especially at higher power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two independent channels: an in-band communication channel using the power transfer signal carrier for proximity detection, and an out-of-band communication channel independent of the power transfer signal for control data transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer signal serves as an intermediary carrier for the in-band communication channel, enabling proximity detection without requiring a separate dedicated communication signal. This intermediary approach maintains system simplicity while enabling reliable presence detection functionality.
2Device complexity
If a single communication channel using the power transfer signal is used, then the system architecture remains simple, but the communication capacity is limited and insufficient for high power level operations
Solution Approach 1:
The communication functionality is segmented into two independent channels with different data rates and purposes. The in-band channel handles presence detection data while the out-of-band channel handles control data, thereby increasing overall communication capacity without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer signal serves dual purposes: both power transfer and in-band communication carrier. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplicity while the added out-of-band channel provides enhanced communication capacity for control operations.
3Ease of operation
If only in-band communication using the power transfer signal is used, then the system can detect presence through load modulation, but error scenarios occur when devices are moved, removed, or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from both communication channels to continuously monitor the operational state. The in-band channel provides presence detection feedback while the out-of-band channel provides control data feedback, allowing the system to detect and respond to device movement, removal, or replacement errors reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual communication channel architecture provides a cushion against errors by having redundant communication paths. If one channel experiences errors due to device movement or removal, the other channel can still provide operational status information, preventing system failures.
4Productivity
If wireless power transfer is enabled without presence verification, then the system operates continuously, but power may be transferred to absent or incorrect devices causing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary presence verification using the in-band communication channel before initiating power transfer. This preliminary action ensures that power is only transferred to present and correct devices, preventing errors while maintaining continuous operation through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous feedback from the in-band communication channel monitors the presence status during power transfer. This feedback mechanism ensures power transfer accuracy by detecting when devices are moved or removed, allowing the system to maintain productivity while preventing erroneous power transfer.
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 approach enhances the reliability and flexibility of wireless power transfer, reducing errors and maintaining optimal operation by using separate communication channels for data and control, thereby supporting higher power levels and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a power transfer coil for transferring power with a complementary power transfer coil of a complementary power transfer apparatus via a power transfer signal
Implementation Method 2
a first communicator for, during power transfer, communicating first data with the complementary power transfer apparatus via a first communication channel using modulation of the power transfer signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power transfer apparatus being a power transmitter (101) or power receiver (103) of a power transfer via a power transfer signal comprises a power coil (103, 107) for transferring power with a complementary power transfer coil (107, 103) being the other apparatus of the power transfer operation. A first communicator (205, 305) communicates data with the complementary power transfer apparatus using modulation of the power transfer signal. A second communicator (207, 307) communicates power transfer control data via a second communication channel that is independent of the power transfer signal and has a communication data rate at least ten times higher. A presence detector (209, 309) determines whether the complementary power transfer apparatus is present in a proximity of the power transfer coil (103, 107) in response to the first data; and a power transfer controller (201, 301) restricts the wireless power transfer from the power transmitter (101) to the power receiver (103) in response to a detection of an absence of the complementary power transfer apparatus.