Retrodirective Antenna Phase Control for Distance Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging technologies require close proximity and are limited in range, lacking efficient mechanisms for wireless power transmission over larger distances, and often necessitate access to AC power outlets for battery recharging.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmission system utilizing an antenna array with adaptive phase control to deliver power to devices over longer distances through multipath environments, employing beacon signals and retrodirective communication to track and direct power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic or inductive charging is used, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but the transmitter and receiver must be in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses beacon signals as intermediaries to establish communication and tracking between the transmitter and receiver. These signals enable the system to maintain coherent power transmission over longer distances by providing feedback for phase and amplitude adjustment, effectively mediating the power transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs beacon signals that provide feedback information about the receiver's position and status. This feedback mechanism allows the transmitter to dynamically adjust its transmission parameters, maintaining reliable power delivery despite increased distance between transmitter and receiver.
2Length of moving object
If RF signals or ultrasonic transmissions are used for long-distance power transmission, then transmission range is extended, but safety and reliability concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon signal mechanism provides continuous feedback that enables the system to monitor and adjust transmission parameters in real-time. This feedback loop ensures safe and reliable operation by allowing the transmitter to respond to changing conditions, preventing unsafe power levels or misalignment issues that could arise over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the receiver's own beacon signals to guide the power transmission process. The receiver actively participates in establishing the optimal transmission parameters by transmitting beacon signals that contain information about its position, orientation, and power needs, enabling self-regulating safe operation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional battery chargers are used, then batteries can be recharged, but access to AC power outlets is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system provides multi-functional capability by enabling power transfer without AC outlets. It can operate in diverse environments including locations without electrical infrastructure, making the charging process universal and adaptable to various operational contexts beyond traditional plug-and-charge scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection required by conventional chargers (physical plug insertion into AC outlets) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with electrical infrastructure, significantly improving ease of operation and environmental flexibility.
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 power delivery to devices at a distance without direct line of sight, allowing for battery charging and operation in environments without AC outlets, enhancing user convenience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
transmission via radio frequency (RF) signals
Implementation Method 2
a controller configured to measure a phase of each of the plurality of beaconing signals and determine a transmit phase configuration for each of the antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Circuits, systems and computer readable media transmission of wireless signals in response to incoming signals in a wireless signaling environment. Such a system may include at least one transceiver for receiving an incoming signal via an antenna array from a device in the wireless signaling environment. The system may also include a controller operably coupled to the transceiver. The controller may measure a phase of the incoming signal, and determine, based on the phase, a transmit phase configuration for one or more antennas of the antenna array. The system may include at least one phase-locked loop (PLL) operably coupled to the transceiver(s). The PLL(s) may feed signals to the antenna(s) of the antenna array based on the transmit phase configuration for transmission of a responsive signal to the device.