RF Wireless Power Transmitter With Authenticated 3D Energy Pockets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transmission methods are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring direct placement of devices under charging mats or pads, with energy attenuation over distance and interference from objects, and necessitate boosting power, which is wasteful and hazardous, and are not suitable for non-stationary devices.

Innovation Solution

A transmitter generates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF waves, controlled by an algorithm to direct and focus energy to receivers, allowing for wireless charging of multiple devices without wires, using Bluetooth technology for location and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If electromagnetic signal power is boosted to increase received power over distance, then received signal power is improved, but energy wastage increases and hazard to living tissue occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceived signal powerVSAvoidenergy wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating concentrated pockets of electromagnetic energy at specific three-dimensional locations where receivers are positioned, rather than broadcasting energy uniformly in all directions. This allows high power delivery to targeted devices while minimizing energy wastage in surrounding spaces and reducing hazard to living tissue outside the designated pockets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar charging surfaces to three-dimensional energy pockets that can be positioned at various heights and locations in space. This dimensional expansion allows receivers to be located anywhere within the three-dimensional field, eliminating the need for direct contact with charging surfaces and enabling more efficient power transmission without excessive energy wastage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If directional power transmission is used to enhance power transmission efficiency, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but device location knowledge is required and interference from objects in path occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidlocation tracking and alignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having receivers continuously broadcast their location information and power requirements before power transmission begins. The transmitter uses this advance information to pre-position energy pockets at the correct three-dimensional locations, eliminating the need for real-time tracking and alignment adjustments, and reducing complexity of location management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces communication signals as an intermediary between transmitters and receivers. These signals carry location, device type, and power requirement information, allowing the transmitter to accurately position energy pockets without complex direct sensing or alignment mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining high transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple devices are charged simultaneously using traditional methods, then charging capacity is improved, but devices must be placed in specific locations and direct alignment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoiddevice placement and alignment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single transmitter capable of generating multiple independent three-dimensional energy pockets simultaneously, each capable of charging different device types at different locations and orientations. This multi-functional capability allows the system to charge multiple devices without requiring specific placement locations or alignment, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining high charging capacity.

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 and flexible wireless power transmission to multiple devices, reducing energy wastage and interference, and allowing charging without direct device-transmitter alignment, suitable for both stationary and non-stationary devices.

Implementation Method 1

A transmitter generates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The receiver converts the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10103552B1Protocols for authenticated wireless power transmission
Publication Date: 2018.10.16 ENERGOUS CORP
  • US10103552B1 patent drawing
  • US10103552B1 patent drawing
  • US10103552B1 patent drawing

AI summary

One example embodiment of a wireless power transmitter described herein includes: a plurality of radio frequency (RF) antennas configured to transmit RF power waves such that they converge to form controlled constructive interference. The example embodiment also includes: a micro-controller configured to: receive from a user device a coded signature signal (and the user device is coupled with a receiver), authenticate the receiver as authorized to receive wireless power from the transmitter according to the coded signature signal, in accordance with determining that the receiver is authorized, obtain from the receiver a set of user-defined restrictions used to determine when wireless power may be transmitted to the receiver; and cause the RF antennas to transmit the RF power waves when the set of user-defined restrictions indicate that wireless power may be transmitted. The example embodiment also includes: a communication component configured to receive from the receiver the coded signature signal.