Resonator-Shield Structures 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 traditional induction schemes are limited by short range and require precise alignment, while radiative methods are inefficient and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate energy transfer through near-field interactions, allowing for efficient power exchange over mid-range distances and varied orientations, utilizing high-Q resonators and near-field coupling to achieve efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but transfer distance is limited to very short ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency coupling instead of traditional induction. The resonators are tuned to specific frequencies (e.g., 6.78 MHz ISM band) to enable mid-range power transfer while maintaining efficiency through resonant enhancement of the coupling coefficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs oscillating electromagnetic fields at resonant frequencies to transfer power. The resonators are designed to oscillate at specific frequencies, creating strong near-field coupling that extends the transfer distance beyond traditional induction while maintaining efficiency through resonant amplification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but alignment tolerance is very small
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant coupling mechanism changes the system parameters such that the coupling coefficient remains high over larger spatial separations and angular offsets. The resonant frequency matching provides a tolerance window that accommodates misalignment while maintaining efficient power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to misalignment through the resonant coupling mechanism, which maintains strong interaction over a range of positions and orientations. The resonant enhancement provides robustness against alignment variations without requiring precise positioning.
3Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then transfer distance is extended, but power transfer efficiency becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resonant near-field coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the transmitter and receiver. This intermediate resonant coupling allows power to be transferred over mid-range distances with high efficiency, avoiding the inefficiencies of both traditional induction and radiative far-field transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the transition from evanescent near-field to radiative far-field by operating in the resonant near-field regime. This phase transition in the electromagnetic field behavior enables efficient power transfer at intermediate distances where neither traditional induction nor radiative transfer is effective.
4Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to improve radiative transfer efficiency, then tracking and steering mechanisms become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tracking and steering systems with a resonant coupling mechanism. Instead of physically directing beams using movable antennas, the system uses resonant near-field coupling that naturally provides omnidirectional or wide-beam coverage, eliminating the need for complex mechanical systems.
5Power
If high power radiative transmission is used, then useful energy transfer is achieved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant near-field coupling concentrates the electromagnetic energy in the near-field region between the resonators, creating a localized energy transfer channel. This local concentration of energy allows high power transmission without the broad radiation patterns that create safety hazards, as the energy remains confined to the near-field interaction zone.
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 efficient wireless energy transfer over distances of centimeters to meters with improved efficiency and tolerance to alignment offsets, capable of transferring power levels from picowatts to kilowatts, and is safer than radiative methods.
Implementation Method 1
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate energy transfer through near-field interactions
Implementation Method 2
uses coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are configurations for an integrated resonator-shield structure for wireless power transfer. In embodiments a conductor shield is used to shield the resonator from perturbing objects. In embodiments the conductor shield is used for a current return path for the conductors of the resonator. The resonator shield can be divided into separate conductor segments to tailor the current distributions in the conductor shield.