Rectenna Battery Charging Case for Device-Compatible RF Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging methods require physical connection and modification of electronic devices to accommodate rechargeable batteries, limiting their form factor and compatibility with wireless charging technologies.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system utilizing RF lensing and rectenna boards to convert RF signals into DC power for charging rechargeable batteries without modifying the electronic device, incorporating a ground plane, rectenna boards, and a cover board to enclose the battery, with integrated circuitry for power management and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If wireless charging systems are implemented with modifications to electronic devices, then wireless charging capability is achieved, but device compatibility and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system is divided into separate functional modules: a charging base unit with transmitting antennas and a receiving battery unit with rectenna boards. This segmentation allows the charging functionality to be added to batteries without modifying the electronic devices themselves, maintaining device compatibility while enabling wireless charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless charging system that mediates between the power source and the electronic device. The system uses RF signals as an intermediary carrier to transfer energy wirelessly through the air, eliminating the need for direct modification of electronic devices while achieving wireless charging.
2Ease of operation
If RF energy is transmitted wirelessly over distance, then charging flexibility is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system focuses RF energy transmission locally between the charging base and the receiving battery unit. The rectenna boards are positioned to receive RF signals directly from the base, creating a localized energy transfer zone that minimizes energy dispersion and loss while maintaining charging flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous RF signal transmission and reception during the charging process. The rectenna boards continuously convert RF energy to electrical energy as long as the battery is within range of the charging base, ensuring uninterrupted energy transfer and reducing overall energy loss compared to intermittent charging.
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 charging of rechargeable batteries with the same form factor as commercially available batteries, maintaining compatibility with existing devices and allowing seamless integration of power management and communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each rectenna board includes, in part, a multitude of receive antennas for receiving the RF signal. The circuitry is adapted to convert the RF signal to a DC voltage for delivery to the rechargeable battery.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless charging system includes, in part, a first board, a multitude of rectenna boards, and a second board. The first board is adapted to receive a bottom portion of a rechargeable battery, and includes, in part, a ground plane, a first multitude of receptacles positioned along a perimeter of the first board, and circuitry adapted to convert a received RF signal to a DC voltage for delivery to the rechargeable battery. Each rectenna board is associated with and adapted to be inserted into a different one of the first multitude of receptacles. Each rectenna board includes, in part, a multitude of receive antennas for receiving the RF signal. The rectenna boards are adapted to enclose the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery is positioned over the first board. The second board is adapted to engage with the rectenna boards to cover a top portion of the rechargeable battery.