Wireless Power Sensor Network for Resonator Coil Fault Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power systems face challenges in efficiently managing power transfer and protecting against hazardous conditions such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and load disconnects, which can lead to dangerous operation and damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor network with differential voltage and current sensing circuits, coupled with a protection network that includes fault protection circuitry, to monitor and control the wireless power transfer system, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wireless power systems use tunable impedance matching circuits to efficiently transmit power, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to hazardous conditions from uncontrolled load behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by placing overvoltage protection circuits and current limiting circuits in advance within the wireless power transmission system. These protection circuits are pre-configured to automatically activate when hazardous conditions are detected, preventing damage before it occurs. The system includes pre-installed sensors and control mechanisms that monitor power transmission parameters and trigger protective measures proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary protection circuits between the impedance matching circuit and the load. These intermediary components include overvoltage protection circuits that act as mediators to block harmful voltage spikes, current limiting circuits that mediate current flow to prevent overcurrent conditions, and isolation circuits that serve as intermediaries to isolate faults. These intermediary elements protect the efficient impedance matching functionality while shielding the system from load-induced hazards.
2Reliability
If the system monitors and protects against hazardous conditions, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protection functions into integrated protection circuits. The overvoltage protection circuit is combined with the impedance matching circuit, and current limiting functionality is integrated within the power transmission path. The control system consolidates monitoring of multiple parameters (voltage, current, power) into a unified control architecture that manages all protection functions through coordinated control signals, reducing the overall system complexity despite the multiple protection layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection circuits are designed to operate autonomously without requiring complex external control systems. The overvoltage protection circuit automatically activates when voltage thresholds are exceeded, current limiting circuits self-regulate based on detected current levels, and the system includes self-diagnostic capabilities that automatically identify and respond to faults. This self-service approach simplifies the control architecture while maintaining comprehensive protection.
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
The solution effectively monitors and controls the wireless power transfer system, preventing hazardous conditions and ensuring safe and efficient operation, thereby protecting the system and its components.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator coil, an impedance matching network coupled to the resonator coil
Implementation Method 2
The differential voltage sensing circuit is arranged within a wireless power transfer system to measure a rate of change of a voltage difference between portions of an impedance matching network and generate a first signal representing the rate of change of the voltage difference... The current sensing circuit is coupled to the differential voltage sensing circuit and configured to calculate, based on the first signal, a current through a resonator coil
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for protecting a wireless power transfer system. One aspect features a sensor network for a wireless power transfer system. The sensor network includes a differential voltage sensing circuit and a current sensing circuit. The differential voltage sensing circuit is arranged within a wireless power transfer system to measure a rate of change of a voltage difference between portions of an impedance matching network and generate a first signal representing the rate of change of the voltage difference. The current sensing circuit is coupled to the differential voltage sensing circuit and configured to calculate, based on the first signal, a current through a resonator coil coupled to the wireless power transfer system.