RF Lens Array Phase Control for Long-Range Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer using magnetic inductive coils is inefficient at longer distances and is limited by the size of the coils, which must be less than the wavelength of the radiated electromagnetic wave.
Innovation Solution
An RF lens system comprising a multitude of radiators arranged in an array, where each radiator operates at the same frequency and adjusts its phase based on its distance from the device to be charged, ensuring constructive interference and focused power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If magnetic inductive coils are used for wireless power transfer, then power can be transferred wirelessly, but the transfer efficiency strongly diminishes as distance increases and coil size must be less than wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single coil system into multiple radiating elements arranged in an array. Each element radiates electromagnetic waves that are phase-controlled to constructively interfere at the target device location. This segmentation enables focused power delivery over longer distances while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies phase and amplitude control to individual radiating elements based on their specific positions in the array. Each element's radiation characteristics are locally optimized to contribute to constructive interference at the focal point, enabling efficient power transfer at distance.
2Power
If coil size is increased to improve power transfer at distance, then more power can be transmitted, but the coil size must remain less than the wavelength of the radiated electromagnetic wave
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large coil, the patent segments the radiating structure into multiple smaller elements distributed across an array. The collective radiation from these segmented elements achieves the desired power transmission capability without any single element exceeding wavelength constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional coil structure to a two-dimensional array of radiating elements. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve equivalent or greater power transmission capability while maintaining individual element sizes below the wavelength threshold.
3Loss of energy
If phase control is applied to each radiator to achieve focused power delivery, then power transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple radiators and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each radiating element with integrated phase and amplitude control capabilities, allowing each element to perform multiple functions (radiation, phase adjustment, amplitude modulation) independently. This universal design simplifies the overall control architecture despite the increased number of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic phase and amplitude control of radiating elements based on real-time tracking of the charging device position. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain focused power delivery efficiently while the control system learns and adjusts to optimal configurations.
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
The RF lens system achieves efficient wireless power transfer over longer distances by concentrating radiated power in a small volume, allowing for dynamic tracking of moving devices and improved power transfer efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a multitude of radiators adapted to radiate electromagnetic waves to power a device positioned away from the RF lens
Implementation Method 2
The phase of the electromagnetic wave radiated by each of the multitude of radiators is selected to be representative of the distance between that radiator and the device
Data Source
AI summary
An RF lens includes a multitude of radiators adapted to transmit radio frequency electromagnetic EM waves whose phases are modulated so as to concentrate the radiated power in a small volume of space in order to power an electronic device positioned in that space. Accordingly, the waves emitted by the radiators are caused to interfere constructively at that space. The multitude of radiators are optionally formed in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiators have the same frequency but variable amplitudes.