Reconfigurable Coil Switching for Wireless Charging Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer technologies, such as wireless charging and near field communications (NFC), face inefficiencies due to coil misalignment, leading to reduced energy transfer and signal strength.
Innovation Solution
Reconfigurable coils with switchable configurations, such as circular and figure eight arrangements, are employed based on alignment and energy transfer characteristics, using sensors like Hall Effect sensors to adjust the coil configuration for optimal alignment and energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed coil configuration is used for wireless energy transfer, then the device structure is simple, but energy transfer efficiency decreases when coils are misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable coil system that can dynamically switch between different configurations (e.g., circular, figure-eight, rectangular) based on the alignment status with the transmitting coil. A sensor detects the alignment condition, and a controller adjusts the coil configuration in real-time to maintain optimal magnetic coupling, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high energy transfer efficiency and avoiding excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coil by switching between different configurations. Each configuration has different spatial characteristics that are optimized for specific alignment conditions. By adjusting the coil's geometric parameter (configuration type) based on detected alignment, the system maintains efficient energy transfer without requiring a completely complex device architecture.
2Productivity
If reconfigurable coils are used to maintain energy transfer efficiency, then wireless charging efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a sensor-controller-actuator loop where a sensor detects coil alignment status, a controller processes this information, and switches reconfigure the coil accordingly. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain high wireless charging efficiency across varying alignment conditions while managing complexity through a modular, controlled reconfiguration approach rather than entirely complex architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the alignment between transmitting and receiving coils. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the coil configuration to optimize energy transfer. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high charging efficiency while keeping the complexity manageable through intelligent control rather than purely complex hardware design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coil alignment is strictly required for efficient energy transfer, then energy transfer efficiency is high, but the read range of NFC devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable coil system dynamically adapts its configuration based on the relative position and alignment with the transmitting coil. When misalignment is detected, the coil switches to a configuration better suited for that orientation, thereby extending the effective read range of NFC devices without sacrificing energy transfer efficiency in aligned positions.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the geometric configuration parameters of the coil (e.g., from circular to figure-eight), the system expands its operational versatility and read range. Different configurations have different magnetic field patterns that are effective at different orientations and distances, allowing the NFC device to maintain efficient energy transfer across a broader range of positions.
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 wireless charging efficiency and NFC performance by maintaining effective energy transfer at various degrees of misalignment and distances between devices, increasing the read range of NFC devices.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors like Hall Effect sensors to adjust the coil configuration for optimal alignment and energy transfer
Implementation Method 2
When an electrical current flows through the transmitting coil, a magnetic field is generated. In turn, this magnetic field may induce an electrical current in the receiving coil
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed involving reconfigurable coils. Such coils may be used in applications, including (but not limited to) wireless charging and near field communications (NFC). For instance, a reconfigurable coil may include a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. Two or more configurations may be established. These configurations may correspond to particular current paths. For example, in a circular configuration, a path is provided having the same rotational sense in both first and second conductive portions. However, in a figure eight configuration, a path is provided having a first rotational sense in the first conductive portion and a second rotational sense in the second conductive portion. A switch coupled between these portions may set the coil's configuration. Configurations may be selected based on one or more operating conditions involving the coil.