Base Station Relay Positioning for Wireless Power Beaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems face challenges in efficiently supplying power to a large number of terminal apparatuses, particularly in scenarios where wired power lines are unavailable, and the development of power supply infrastructure to support the increasing number of IoT devices and user apparatuses is underdeveloped.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a base station with an array antenna to estimate the position of relay apparatuses and target apparatuses through near-field radio waves, calculating angles and distances, and form a beam for wireless power transfer to efficiently supply electrical power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired power lines are used to supply power to terminal apparatuses, then power supply reliability is improved, but adaptability to various locations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to various locations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired power connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. The base station transmits power wirelessly through radio waves to terminal apparatuses, eliminating the need for physical power lines while maintaining reliable power supply and enabling operation in any location within the base station's coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If battery-powered terminal apparatuses are used, then adaptability to various locations is improved, but operational duration deteriorates due to limited battery capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various locationsVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous power supply to terminal apparatuses through wireless power transfer from the base station. Instead of relying on finite battery capacity, the system provides ongoing power replenishment through electromagnetic field transmission, allowing terminal apparatuses to operate continuously without being constrained by battery life or requiring frequent charging interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Quantity of substance

If the number of terminal apparatuses connecting to base stations increases, then network coverage and service capability are improved, but power supply efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of terminal apparatusesVSAvoidpower supply efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply process by first estimating the positions of terminal apparatuses using signal reception data from multiple antenna elements, then directing power transmission specifically to the identified locations. This segmentation enables the base station to efficiently manage power distribution to multiple terminal apparatuses simultaneously by targeting power transmission to specific spatial positions rather than broadcasting power omnidirectionally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the base station by dynamically adjusting power transmission based on estimated positions of terminal apparatuses. By calculating angles and positions using signal data from multiple antenna elements, the system optimizes power transmission parameters (direction, intensity, timing) to efficiently serve multiple terminal apparatuses with varying positions and power needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate positioning of target apparatuses for efficient wireless power transfer, addressing the power supply challenges in conventional systems and supporting the growing number of IoT devices and user apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

receiving near-field radio waves from a relay apparatus positioned in an area between a base station and a target apparatus by plural antenna elements of an antenna apparatus of the base station

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field radio wave reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260012914A1System, method and program for estimating position of apparatus, base station, relay apparatus, and, system, method and program for wireless power transfer

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SOFTBANK CORPORATION

AI summary

Provided is a method capable of accurately estimating a position of a target apparatus for wireless power transfer, etc. Near-field radio waves are received from a relay apparatus positioned in an area between the base station and a target apparatus by plural antenna elements of an antenna apparatus of a base station, for each of the plural antenna elements, an angle of a direction of the relay apparatus with respect to a position of the antenna element is calculated based on a reception result of radio waves from the relay apparatus, and a position of the relay apparatus is estimated based on a calculation result of the angle of each of the plural antenna elements and position information on the antenna element in the antenna apparatus.