Resonating Circuits for Inductive Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to reliance on close proximity and high mutual inductance, limiting spatial freedom and precise control over power transfer efficiency, especially in variable resonant frequency systems which are not finely tunable.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless power supply system with a receiving unit featuring a secondary tank coil and multiple resonating circuits with different characteristics, allowing for improved power transfer efficiency at various distances by adjusting resonant frequencies and using switches to selectively engage or disengage resonating circuits based on mutual inductance effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If variable drive frequency solutions are used to control power transfer efficiency, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but spatial freedom between primary and secondary units is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidspatial freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple resonating circuits with different resonant frequencies based on the detected distance between primary and secondary units. The system transitions from static frequency operation to dynamic circuit selection, enabling adaptation to varying spatial conditions while maintaining efficient power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resonant frequency parameter by selecting different resonating circuits based on operating conditions. Instead of continuously varying frequency, the system discretely switches between predefined frequency configurations to optimize power transfer at different distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the distance between primary and secondary resonating coils is minimized to increase mutual inductance, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but spatial freedom and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddistance between units
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resonating coil system into multiple circuits with different characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate circuit configurations for different distance ranges, effectively dividing the operating space into multiple zones with optimized performance for each.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal power transfer system that can operate efficiently across multiple distance ranges by incorporating multiple resonating circuits. Each circuit is designed to handle specific distance conditions, making the overall system adaptable to various spatial configurations.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable resonant frequency systems are used, then adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but fine tunability and precision control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidfine tunability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection among multiple resonating circuits based on detected operating conditions such as distance. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, automatically selecting the most appropriate circuit configuration to maintain optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect operating conditions (such as distance between units) and use this information to select the appropriate resonating circuit. This closed-loop approach enables precise adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining fine tunability through intelligent circuit selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 configuration provides spatial freedom and enhances power transfer efficiency by accounting for changes in mutual inductance, allowing for precise tuning of operating frequencies and parameters to optimize power transfer across different distances.

Implementation Method 1

inductive power transfer between a primary coil and a secondary coil may be improved by incorporating an additional set of intermediate coils that function as 'resonating' coils to magnify the oscillations and communicate power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

resonating coils to magnify the oscillations and communicate power between a primary unit and a secondary unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10110069B2Coil configurations for inductive power transfer
Publication Date: 2018.10.23 PHILIPS IP VENTURES BV
  • US10110069B2 patent drawing
  • US10110069B2 patent drawing
  • US10110069B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An inductive power supply system in which the receiving unit includes a secondary coil and a plurality of resonating circuits with different characteristics. Each of the resonating circuits may include a resonating coil and a resonating capacitor. The resonating coils may be inductively coupled to the secondary coil so that energy may be transferred from one or more of the resonating coils to said receiving unit. The plurality of resonating circuits are configured to provide improved power transfer efficiency or performance at different distances between the primary coil and secondary coil. The present invention may also provide a method for tuning the wireless power system including the general steps of measuring an operating characteristic in the primary unit, measuring an operating characteristic in the receiver unit and tuning one or more of the components in the primary unit and the secondary unit based on a comparison of the two measurements.