Rectifier Time Shaping for Wireless Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer technologies face inefficiencies in maximizing power transfer and load regulation due to variations in device orientation and component tolerances, leading to suboptimal energy delivery to electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A tunable rectifier circuit with variable voltage sources and control circuitry that adjusts switching timing of switches, such as FETs, to introduce complex impedance, optimizing power transfer efficiency and load regulation by comparing wireless power signals to variable voltage sources and using multiple comparators to control switching in a full wave rectifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed switching timing is used in the rectifier circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but power transfer efficiency and load regulation deteriorate due to variations in device orientation and component tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structure simplicityVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching timing adjustment by introducing control circuitry that modifies the switching timing of rectifier switches based on detected power transfer conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize efficiency under varying device orientations and component tolerances, directly resolving the contradiction between fixed simple structure and variable performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter of switch operation in the rectifier circuit. By adjusting when switches turn on and off relative to the AC waveform, the system optimizes power transfer efficiency. This parameter modification enables the circuit to adapt to different operating conditions without changing the fundamental circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed switching timing is used in the rectifier circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but load regulation deteriorates due to variations in device orientation and component tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structure simplicityVSAvoidload regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry dynamically adjusts switching timing to maintain stable output voltage under varying load conditions. This dynamic response compensates for component tolerances and device orientation variations, ensuring reliable load regulation without requiring complex precision components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control circuitry monitors power transfer conditions and adjusts switching timing accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures stable output voltage and current despite variations in input conditions, component tolerances, or device orientation, thereby improving load regulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If switching timing is dynamically adjusted to optimize power transfer, then power transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry is pre-configured with the logic and parameters needed to optimize switching timing. By preparing the control mechanism in advance with appropriate timing sequences and adjustment capabilities, the system achieves efficient power transfer without requiring complex real-time computation or additional hardware during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution enhances wireless power transfer efficiency and load regulation by dynamically adjusting switching timing to match impedance, maximizing power transfer and maintaining stable output across varying loads, thereby improving overall energy delivery to electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting switching timing of a rectifier to purposefully introduce a complex impedance that facilitates meeting a currently selected operating goal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

The switches comprise a full wave rectifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2916468B1Resonant tuning through rectifier time shifting
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • EP2916468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2916468B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2916468B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device includes support for wireless power transfer. The device may control the timing of switching devices in a rectifier circuit and implement resonant tuning techniques that facilitate the wireless power transfer, e.g., by purposefully introducing a real or complex impedance chosen to meet a current operating goal. The device may use the techniques in connection with wireless charging or wireless provision of power to run the device, as examples.