Segmented Magnetic Shielding for Wide-Area Wireless Power Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems are expensive and prone to interference, limiting their ability to efficiently charge multiple devices simultaneously and requiring additional transmitters for increased charging areas, while also being inflexible in form factor configurations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmission system with a transmitter antenna configured to generate a wider charging area using a conductive wire with multiple turns and intelligent placement of magnetic shielding material, allowing for modular and customizable form factors, and utilizing a ferrite magnetic shielding material to enhance efficiency and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transmitter coils and driver circuits are used to charge multiple devices simultaneously, then the charging capability is improved, but the bill of materials cost increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter antenna is divided into multiple segmented coils (first transmitter coil, second transmitter coil, third transmitter coil) that can independently couple with different receiver devices. This segmentation allows a single transmitter system to charge multiple devices simultaneously without requiring multiple complete transmitter systems, thereby reducing the bill of materials while maintaining enhanced charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented transmitter antenna structure serves multiple functions: it can couple with multiple receiver devices simultaneously, provide uniform charging across different positions, and eliminate dead spots. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate transmitter systems, reducing overall system cost while maintaining productivity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas and driving circuitry are used, then the charging area is increased, but interference between systems increases leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter antenna is segmented into multiple coils with specific spatial arrangements (concentric and radial configurations). This segmentation allows each coil to operate semi-independently, reducing interference between adjacent coils while collectively providing expanded charging coverage. The segmented structure enables better electromagnetic field management compared to a single large antenna or multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the transmitter antenna are positioned to provide optimized local charging zones. The first, second, and third transmitter coils are arranged to cover different spatial regions, with each coil providing targeted charging capability. This local optimization reduces interference while maintaining overall charging area expansion.
3Area of stationary object
If the charging area is increased by adding more transmitters, then the coverage is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transmitter coil segments are merged into a single integrated transmitter antenna structure that shares common support infrastructure (substrate, shielding, housing). This merging approach expands charging coverage while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent transmitter systems, as the coils share power input and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transmitter antenna with multiple coils performs the function of multiple transmitters by providing expanded charging area, simultaneous multi-device charging, and uniform field distribution. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional transmitter units, reducing system complexity while maintaining enhanced coverage.
4Device complexity
If a single transmitter is used with limited area, then the system is simple, but the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter antenna is segmented into multiple coils (first, second, and third transmitter coils) with different configurations (concentric and radial). This segmentation enables the single transmitter system to couple with multiple receiver devices simultaneously, enhancing productivity while maintaining relative system simplicity through shared infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter antenna utilizes two-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple coils (concentric rings and radial segments) to expand charging capacity. This dimensional approach allows a single transmitter to provide multi-device charging capability without requiring multiple separate transmitter units, balancing simplicity and productivity.
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 system enables efficient and flexible wireless power transfer to multiple devices with a single transmitter, preventing dead spots and ensuring uniform charging, while reducing material costs and interference, thus improving spatial freedom and charging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
positioned between the substrate and the transmitter antenna... ferrite magnetic shielding material to enhance efficiency and reduce interference
Implementation Method 2
inductive and/or resonant inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field and, hence, an electric current, in a receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna for wireless power transfer includes a first antenna terminal, a second antenna terminal, at least one inner turn, the at least one inner turn having an inner turn width, and at least one outer turn, the at least one outer turn having an outer turn width, the outer turn width greater than the inner turn width. The antenna further includes a substrate positioned underneath the at least one inner turn and the at least one outer turn and a plurality of separate panes of a magnetic shielding material. Each of the plurality of separate panes are positioned substantially co-planar, with respect to each other, and positioned between the substrate and both the at least one inner turns and the at least one outer turns.