Retrodirective Wireless Power Delivery via Adaptive Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transmission technologies face challenges in delivering efficient and convenient power to portable devices without access to AC power outlets, particularly in environments where direct line of sight is obstructed, leading to inefficient energy transmission and potential human exposure to excessive radiation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of retrodirective wireless RF power delivery techniques using adaptively-phased antenna arrays that match the client device's radiation and reception patterns in a three-dimensional space, allowing for efficient power transmission via multiple paths, including non-line of sight paths, and reducing unnecessary human exposure by directing power only where it can be effectively received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional wireless power transmission is used, then power can be delivered to portable devices, but energy transmission efficiency deteriorates when direct line of sight is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless power transmission into multiple independent paths (direct path and reflected paths). Instead of relying on a single direct line-of-sight path, the system divides the transmission into multiple segments that can travel through different routes (direct, reflected off walls, furniture, etc.), allowing power delivery to continue even when some paths are obstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by utilizing reflected paths in three-dimensional space. By incorporating reflections from walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture, the system transforms the problem from a two-dimensional line-of-sight constraint to a multi-dimensional spatial problem, enabling power transmission through multiple angular and spatial routes.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power is transmitted in all directions, then power delivery coverage is improved, but human exposure to excessive radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting power with specific directional characteristics tailored to each path. Instead of uniform omnidirectional transmission, the system creates localized power beams that follow specific reflected paths to the target device, concentrating energy where needed while leaving other areas with minimal radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the client device to determine optimal transmission paths and characteristics. The client device provides information about its location, orientation, and reception capabilities, allowing the base station to adjust transmission paths and power distribution dynamically, ensuring coverage while minimizing unnecessary radiation in areas without devices.
3Reliability
If multiple transmission paths are used, then power delivery reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the environment itself (walls, furniture, surfaces) to serve as passive reflectors. The system doesn't require active components or complex control mechanisms at the reflecting surfaces - they naturally reflect the power signals according to their physical properties, reducing system complexity while maintaining multiple transmission paths.
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 enhances wireless energy transmission efficiency, enabling power delivery to both mobile and immobile devices while minimizing human exposure to wireless energy by directing power signals according to the client device's radiation and reception patterns, thus optimizing energy transfer and safety.
Implementation Method 1
delivering retrodirective wireless RF power to a client device... deliver directed wireless RF power to a client device... transmit the wireless power signal
Implementation Method 2
delivering retrodirective wireless RF power... retrodirective fashion... techniques identify the wireless power delivery paths over which wireless power signals can be delivered
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein for delivering retrodirective wireless radio frequency (RF) power to a client device in a wireless power delivery environment. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for delivering directed wireless RF power to a client device in a wireless power delivery environment via multiple wireless power signals over multiple wireless power delivery paths. The client device includes one or more RF client transceivers that collectively have a radiation and reception pattern in a three-dimensional space proximate to the client device. The techniques identify the wireless power delivery paths over which wireless power signals can be delivered and deliver the wireless power in a manner that matches the client radiation and reception pattern in the three-dimensional space proximate to the client device.