Integrated Circuit for Near-Field RF Wireless Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless charging pads are inefficient as they require precise device placement and operate slowly due to distributed components across multiple integrated circuits, leading to user dissatisfaction and wasted energy transmission.

Innovation Solution

A near-field RF charging pad with components integrated on a single chip, selectively activating antenna zones to optimize energy transfer to devices placed anywhere on the pad, using adaptive antenna elements that adjust impedance and frequency for efficient power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional charging pads use distributed components across multiple integrated circuits, then device functionality is achieved, but processing delays occur causing slower operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoiddistributed components configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple integrated circuits into a single integrated circuit that manages all antenna zones. This merging eliminates the processing delays caused by distributed components while maintaining full functionality, directly resolving the speed-complexity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional charging pads require precise device placement, then energy transfer efficiency is maximized at specific positions, but user convenience deteriorates as devices cannot be moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging pad is divided into multiple antenna zones, each managed independently by the integrated circuit. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the zone containing the device, maintaining high energy transfer efficiency while enabling device movement across the entire pad surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different antenna zones based on device location. The integrated circuit monitors and adapts the active antenna zone in real-time, allowing the charging pad to maintain efficiency regardless of device position, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If conventional charging pads transmit RF power continuously, then power delivery is maintained, but energy waste increases when devices are not properly positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidwasted RF power

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of activating all antenna zones continuously, the system activates only the necessary portion (specific antenna zone) where a device is detected. This partial action maintains power delivery to the device while significantly reducing energy waste from transmitting to empty zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Productivity

If antenna zones are selectively activated to locate efficient transmission zones, then energy transfer is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidantenna zone management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple antenna zone management functions are merged into a single integrated circuit. This consolidation maintains the productivity benefits of selective zone activation while reducing system complexity by centralizing control in one chip rather than distributing it across multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 charging at any position on the pad by maximizing energy transfer and minimizing waste, improving user satisfaction and charging speed.

Implementation Method 1

a near-field charging pad that includes a wireless communication component, a plurality of antenna zones that each respectively include at least one antenna element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field RF transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using adaptive antenna elements that adjust impedance and frequency for efficient power delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance adjustment: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS11245289B2Circuit for managing wireless power transmitting devices

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 ENERGOUS CORP

AI summary

An example integrated circuit includes: (i) a processing subsystem configured to control operation of the integrated circuit, (ii) a waveform generator, operatively coupled to the processing subsystem, configured to generate radio frequency (RF) power transmission signals using an input current, (iii) a first digital interface that couples the integrated circuit with a plurality of power amplifiers that are external to the integrated circuit, and (iv) a second digital interface, distinct from the first digital interface, that couples the integrated circuit with a wireless communication component that is external to the integrated circuit. The processing subsystem is configured to: receive, via the second digital interface, an indication that a receiver is within transmission range of a transmitting device controlled by the circuit, and in response to receiving the indication: provide, via the first digital interface, the RF power transmission signals to at least one of the plurality of power amplifiers.