Resonator Enclosure for Mid-Range Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless energy transfer methods are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as they either lose power in free space or require complex tracking and safety precautions.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power, where energy exchange is mediated primarily by resonant magnetic or electric near-fields, enabling efficient wireless energy transfer over mid-range distances with high-quality factor resonators and sub-wavelength near-fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional induction schemes are used for wireless energy transfer, then power transfer is achieved over very short distances, but alignment offsets must be very small and transfer distance is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonant oscillation at specific frequencies (e.g., 6.78 MHz) to both transmitting and receiving coils, creating a resonant coupling effect that extends the effective transfer distance from millimeters to meters while maintaining efficient power transfer and relaxed alignment requirements through frequency-matched resonance between transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using high-quality factor resonant circuits with specific inductance and capacitance values tuned to match frequencies, transforming the system from traditional induction to resonant inductive coupling, which enables extended transfer distances and improved alignment tolerance through parameter optimization
2Loss of energy
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used to improve transfer efficiency, then directional antennas can confine energy towards receiver, but complex tracking and steering mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant oscillation at matched frequencies between transmitting and receiving coils to create strong magnetic coupling, achieving efficient energy transfer over mid-range distances without requiring directional alignment or tracking mechanisms, as the resonant coupling is inherently omnidirectional and tolerant of misalignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resonant magnetic field as an intermediary medium between transmitter and receiver, where the oscillating magnetic field at resonant frequency acts as the coupling medium, enabling efficient energy transfer without direct line-of-sight or complex tracking, simplifying the system compared to radiative directional approaches
3Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used to transfer power over distance, then energy can be transmitted, but safety hazards exist for objects or people crossing the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonant oscillation at specific frequencies (e.g., 6.78 MHz ISM band) to create confined magnetic near-fields that decay rapidly with distance, enabling mid-range power transfer while minimizing far-field radiation exposure and reducing safety hazards for objects or people in the vicinity through frequency and field confinement selection
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 allows for efficient power delivery from picowatts to kilowatts over distances much larger than traditional induction techniques, with improved efficiency and offset tolerances, suitable for various applications including consumer electronics and industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
uses an oscillating current passing through a primary coil, to generate an oscillating magnetic near-field that induces currents in a near-by receiving or secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
uses coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power, where energy exchange is mediated primarily by resonant magnetic or electric near-fields
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosed resonator includes a generally planar plate having a top side and a bottom side wherein a pocket is recessed into the bottom side to produce a bottom surface and a periphery around the rectangular pocket including a first pair of parallel sides and a second pair of parallel sides, a plurality of generally parallel channels formed into the top side each channel extending generally in a direction of the second pair of parallel sides, a first plurality of holes extending along a first side of the first pair of parallel sides each hole extending from the bottom side to one of the plurality of generally parallel channels, a second plurality of holes extending along a second side of the first pair of parallel sides each hole extending from the bottom side to one of the plurality of generally parallel channels.