Resonator Array Frequency Tuning for Uniform Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems suffer from the 'checkerboard effect', where uneven power distribution occurs due to interference between resonators, leading to areas with insufficient power transfer, especially when multiple devices are charged simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an array of resonators with individually tuned frequencies and modified connections to minimize interference, ensuring uniform power distribution across a surface by adjusting capacitance and inductance values and using wired or electromagnetic connections between resonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple resonators are used to power multiple devices simultaneously, then the power delivery area is increased, but the checkerboard effect causes uneven power distribution with dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operating frequencies to different resonators within the array. Specifically, resonators are configured with alternating frequencies (e.g., first resonators at frequency f1, second resonators at frequency f2) to create complementary power delivery patterns that eliminate dead zones and achieve uniform power distribution across the entire surface area.
2Area of stationary object
If resonators are closely spaced to increase surface coverage, then the area is increased, but magnetic coupling between neighboring resonators creates frequency splitting and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring resonators with different operating frequencies before operation. This preliminary frequency differentiation prevents magnetic coupling interference and frequency splitting from occurring, allowing resonators to be closely spaced while maintaining reliable and efficient power transfer across the entire surface area.
3Area of stationary object
If a single large transmitter resonator is used, then the power delivery area is increased, but the inductance increases significantly reducing the capacitance and creating interference issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing a single large transmitter resonator into multiple smaller resonators arranged in an array. Each resonator maintains manageable inductance and capacitance values, avoiding the parasitic effects and interference issues that would occur with a single large resonator, while collectively providing the same or greater power delivery area.
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 approach achieves a more uniform and efficient wireless power transfer by optimizing resonant frequencies and reducing interference, enabling simultaneous charging of devices across a defined area without dead zones.
Implementation Method 1
resonant loosely-coupled coils transfer power with magnetic fields in the near field
Implementation Method 2
transfer power with magnetic fields in the near field
Implementation Method 3
each resonator of the array of resonators may be tuned to a resonant frequency
Implementation Method 4
resonant loosely-coupled coils transfer power with magnetic fields in the near field
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer apparatus for providing wireless power; it has an array of resonators; a powered resonator for providing power through electromagnetic resonance to said array of resonators; wherein said resonators transfer power from said powered resonator to any one of said array of resonators for delivering wireless power to said device by a modified connection between said array of resonators except the powered resonator; and/or wireless weak electromagnetic field coupling between neighboring resonators of said array of resonators each having a tuning frequency of resonance wherein said array of resonators has at least two distinct tuning frequencies from all the resonators constituting said array of resonators; wherein said modified connection is one of or a combination of: a wired connection; and a strong electromagnetic field coupling.