Repeater Antennas for In-Band Wireless Power and Data Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems require additional antennas and circuitry for data communication, leading to inefficiencies, increased Bill of Materials (BOM) costs, and potential interference issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of modular wireless power transmitters that can repeat wireless power signals, eliminating the need for additional data transmission antennas and circuitry by incorporating a simplified communications system for stable and efficient in-band communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication in wireless power transfer systems, then data communication capability is improved, but system complexity and Bill of Materials costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data communication and power transfer functions into a single antenna system. The same antenna used for wireless power transfer is also used for data communication by modulating the load on the power transfer circuit, eliminating the need for separate data communication antennas and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer antenna is designed to serve dual purposes: transferring power wirelessly and communicating data bidirectionally. The system can detect data by monitoring impedance changes during power transfer and can also transmit data by modulating the power transfer circuit, making the antenna universal for both power and communication functions
2Loss of information
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication, then data communication capability is improved, but Bill of Materials costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data communication hardware into the existing power transfer circuitry. By using the same antenna and power electronics for both power transfer and data communication, the Bill of Materials is reduced as separate data communication components are eliminated
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer system itself provides data communication capability through load modulation detection. The system uses its own power transfer circuit to encode and decode data, eliminating the need for dedicated data communication hardware and reducing component costs
3Loss of information
If additional antennas are used for out of band communications, then data communication capability is improved, but interference and cross-talk between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates interference by merging power and data functions into a single frequency band and antenna. Since both power transfer and data communication occur through the same antenna at the same frequency, there is no cross-talk or interference between separate antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of using the same antenna for both functions into a benefit by using load modulation detection. The impedance changes caused by data encoding are detected as part of the power transfer process, turning what could be interference into a useful data signal
4Area of stationary object
If additional antennas and circuitry are included to increase charging area, then wireless power transmission area is improved, but device area and build complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging area into multiple zones that can be independently activated. By segmenting the power transfer capability across different areas of the same antenna system, the device can provide extended charging coverage without adding separate antenna assemblies, reducing build complexity
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 solution enables a nearly unlimited combination of wireless power transmission areas, enhances the fidelity of both power and data signals, and reduces the Bill of Materials and computational resources required, thereby lowering costs and improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission antenna configured to transmit the AC wireless signals to other antennas
Implementation Method 2
receive the AC wireless signals from other antennas
Implementation Method 3
repeat the AC wireless signals to other antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless transmission system for transmitting AC wireless signals includes a transmission controller configured to provide first driving signals for driving the first transmission antenna. The wireless transmission system further includes a power conditioning system configured to receive the driving signals, receive input power from an input power source, and generate the AC wireless signals based, at least in part, on the first driving signal and the input power source. The wireless transmission system further includes a first transmission antenna configured for coupling with one or more other antennas and configured to transmit the AC wireless signals to the one or more other antennas, receive the AC wireless signals from one or more other antennas, and repeat the AC wireless signals to the one or more other antennas.