RF Power Generator Phase Control for Adaptive Wireless Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices require frequent plugging into electrical outlets for charging, as existing wireless power transmission methods like inductive coupling and electromagnetic waves are inefficient and lack adaptability to varying environments.

Innovation Solution

An RF signal generator that uses multiple generating elements and a control unit to adaptively control the phases and amplitudes of RF signals for efficient wireless power transfer, incorporating time-domain multiplexing and environmental awareness to maximize power delivery to multiple devices while minimizing losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If inductive coupling is used for wireless power transmission, then power can be delivered wirelessly to portable devices, but the transmission range is limited to short distances only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power transmissionVSAvoidtransmission range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines inductive coupling and electromagnetic wave transmission into a single hybrid system. The system uses inductive coupling for short-range high-efficiency power transfer and electromagnetic waves for extended range transmission, merging the advantages of both methods to overcome their individual limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of stationary object

If electromagnetic waves are used for wireless power transmission, then power can be transmitted over longer distances, but transmission efficiency decreases and adaptability to varying environments is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between inductive coupling and electromagnetic wave transmission modes based on real-time environmental conditions, device position, and power requirements. This dynamic adaptation optimizes transmission efficiency across varying ranges and environments, preventing energy loss that would occur with a fixed transmission method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor transmission efficiency, device reception status, and environmental conditions. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the transmission method, power level, and modulation parameters to maintain optimal efficiency and adapt to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If fixed power transmission methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different devices and environments is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid wireless power transmission system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in inductive coupling mode for short-range device charging, switch to electromagnetic wave mode for extended range transmission, and adapt its parameters based on environmental conditions. This multi-functionality provides universal applicability across different devices and environments without requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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, adaptive, and flexible wireless power transfer over short to medium ranges, optimizing power delivery to devices and reducing radiation losses, even in the presence of obstacles, thereby extending battery life and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

An RF signal generator adapted to wirelessly transfer power to a first wireless device includes a multitude of generating elements adapted to generate a multitude of RF signals transmitted by a multitude of antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a control unit adapted to control the phases of the RF signals generated by the generating elements in accordance with a signal received by the receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase control: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

a detector adapted to detect an RF signal caused by scattering or reflection of the RF signal transmitted by the first multitude of antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

a detector adapted to detect an RF signal caused by scattering or reflection of the RF signal transmitted by the first multitude of antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11843260B2Generator unit for wireless power transfer
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH
  • US11843260B2 patent drawing
  • US11843260B2 patent drawing
  • US11843260B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An RF signal generator wirelessly transferring power to a wireless device includes, in part, a multitude of generating elements generating a multitude of RF signals transmitted by a multitude of antennas, a wireless signal receiver, and a control unit controlling the phases and/or amplitudes of the RF signals in accordance with a signal received by the receiver. The signal received by the receiver includes, in part, information representative of the amount of RF power the first wireless device receives. The RF signal generator further includes, in part, a detector detecting an RF signal caused by scattering or reflection of the RF signal transmitted by the antennas. The control unit further controls the phase and/or amplitude of the RF signals in accordance with the signal detected by the detector.