Resonant Wireless Energy Transfer for Distributed Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies fail to provide efficient power and communication solutions for highly distributed networks of electronic devices without wired connections or batteries, particularly in medical and military applications where continuous operation is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A wireless energy transfer system utilizing resonant frequency coupling between coils and insulators to transfer electromagnetic energy nonradiatively, enabling power and data communication to devices such as sensors and implants, with adjustable resonant frequencies for efficient energy transfer and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If wireless energy transfer is implemented using conventional methods, then energy can be transferred without wired connections, but the transfer efficiency is insufficient for highly distributed networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes resonant frequency coupling as a key parameter change to dramatically improve wireless energy transfer efficiency. By tuning the resonant frequencies of transmitting and receiving coils to match, the system achieves efficient energy transfer over distance without requiring wired connections or batteries, directly resolving the contradiction between wireless operation and energy transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless energy transfer system is designed to serve multiple functions including power transfer, data communication, and device synchronization across highly distributed networks. This multi-functionality allows the same resonant coupling mechanism to handle various operational requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If batteries are used to power devices in distributed networks, then continuous operation can be maintained, but frequent battery replacements and manual recharging are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation durationVSAvoidbattery maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-charging capability for implanted and portable devices through wireless resonant energy transfer. Devices automatically receive power when in proximity to transmitting sources, eliminating the need for manual recharging or battery replacement operations. This self-service mechanism dramatically extends effective operation duration while simplifying user interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical battery replacement and manual recharging operations with wireless resonant energy transfer. By substituting the mechanical insertion/removal of batteries with contactless electromagnetic energy transfer, the system maintains continuous device operation while eliminating all associated maintenance activities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If resonant frequency coupling is used for wireless energy transfer, then efficient power transfer is achieved, but precise frequency matching is required between transmitting and receiving units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency matching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic frequency tuning mechanisms that allow transmitting and receiving units to adapt their resonant frequencies in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability compensates for manufacturing variations and environmental factors, maintaining precise frequency matching without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while preserving high power transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the resonant coupling between transmitting and receiving units. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts frequencies to maintain optimal coupling conditions, thereby achieving efficient power transfer while reducing the stringency of initial frequency matching requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If wireless sensors and implants are deployed in highly distributed networks, then monitoring and communication capabilities are enhanced, but power supply and data communication solutions are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork distribution capabilityVSAvoidpower supply adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The resonant wireless energy transfer system simultaneously provides power supply, data communication, and device synchronization functions across highly distributed sensor networks and implants. This multi-functionality enables enhanced network distribution capability while adequately addressing power supply requirements through a single unified mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes resonant coupling connections in advance between transmitting sources and receiving devices, enabling power and data transfer before actual operational needs arise. This preliminary establishment of energy transfer pathways ensures that distributed sensors and implants have adequate power supply ready for immediate 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

Enables continuous operation of devices by wirelessly transferring power and data, reducing the need for battery replacements and manual recharging, and facilitating the integration of sensors and implants with adjustable resonant frequencies for efficient energy transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil magnetically coupled to a first wireless energy transfer cell, wherein the first wireless energy transfer cell comprises a first LC resonant tank including a first conductor coil coupled to at least one first insulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Wireless energy transfer system, and wireless energy transfer units and cells employed thereby, that allows energy, such as RF energy, to be transferred wirelessly using nonradiative resonant coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant coupling: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

a second coil magnetically coupled to a second wireless energy transfer cell, wherein the second wireless energy transfer cell comprises a second LC resonant tank including a second conductor coil coupled to at least one second insulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

allows energy, such as RF energy, to be transferred wirelessly using nonradiative resonant coupling for power transfer and/or data communications purposes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant coupling: Resonance

Implementation Method 5

the first wireless energy transfer cell comprises a first LC resonant tank including a first conductor coil coupled to at least one first insulator, and wherein the at least one first insulator forms a part of at least one capacitor of the first LC resonant tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8922065B2Wireless energy transfer system
Publication Date: 2014.12.30 UNIV OF PITTSBURGH OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYST OF HIGHER EDUCATION
  • US8922065B2 patent drawing
  • US8922065B2 patent drawing
  • US8922065B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless energy transfer system includes a first energy transfer unit having at least one resonant frequency, a second energy transfer unit having the at least one resonant frequency, and a load. The first wireless energy transfer unit includes a first coil magnetically coupled to a first wireless energy transfer cell, and the second wireless energy transfer unit includes a second coil magnetically coupled to a second wireless energy transfer cell. The first coil receives first energy and through the magnetic coupling between the first coil and the first wireless energy transfer cell, the first wireless energy transfer cell is caused to generate second energy, wherein the second wireless energy transfer cell receives the second energy and through the magnetic coupling between the second wireless energy transfer cell and the second coil, the second coil is caused to provide third electromagnetic wave energy to the load.