Resonator-Shield Structures for 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 hazards.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power wirelessly, where resonators are designed to mediate energy exchange primarily through electric or magnetic near-fields, enabling efficient energy transfer over mid-range distances with minimal losses and alignment flexibility.
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 frequencies matching between transmitter and receiver coils, enabling mid-range power transfer while maintaining efficiency. The resonant coupling allows energy to be transferred over distances of several feet rather than requiring direct contact or very close proximity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional induction schemes are used, then alignment precision requirements are high, but this limits ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
By operating at resonant frequencies, the system becomes much more tolerant of misalignment between transmitter and receiver. The resonant coupling creates a distributed magnetic field that maintains efficient energy transfer even when coils are not perfectly aligned, greatly easing operational requirements.
3Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then transfer distance is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant magnetic coupling as an intermediary mechanism between transmitter and receiver, creating a strongly coupled oscillating magnetic field that mediates energy transfer. This intermediary approach allows mid-range distances to be achieved while maintaining high efficiency, avoiding the inefficiencies of radiative far-field transfer.
4Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then transfer distance is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using resonant magnetic coupling as an intermediary, the system confines the electromagnetic energy transfer to near-field magnetic fields rather than allowing far-field radiation. This intermediary mechanism enables mid-range transfer distances while avoiding the safety hazards of high-power radiative beams that could affect objects or people in the path.
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 wireless energy transfer over distances of several centimeters to meters, achieving higher efficiencies and offset tolerances than traditional methods, with the potential to transfer power from picowatts to kilowatts, and is applicable to a wide range of electronic devices and systems.
Implementation Method 1
uses coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power from a power supply to a power drain
Implementation Method 2
the energy exchange is mediated primarily by the resonant magnetic near-field
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.