Self-Aligning Wireless Power Transfer via Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems using magnetic resonance face inefficiencies due to misalignment between transmitter and receiver coils, with power transfer efficiency decreasing when coils are too close or too far apart, leading to overheating and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning wireless power transfer system that uses electromagnets and adjustable gate voltages to actively align transmitter and receiver coils in both in-plane and out-of-plane directions, optimizing the distance for maximum efficiency by adjusting the electromagnetic force to prevent over-coupling and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transmitter coil and receiver coil are placed close together to improve power transfer efficiency, then efficiency increases for electromagnetic induction, but efficiency decreases for magnetic resonance due to over-coupling and flux leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spacing between transmitter and receiver coils adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically modifies the air gap distance based on operating conditions to optimize power transfer efficiency, allowing the same system to adapt between electromagnetic induction mode (closer spacing) and magnetic resonance mode (larger spacing)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of air gap distance between coils to resolve the contradiction. By controlling and adjusting this spacing parameter, the system optimizes performance for different operating modes - smaller spacing for electromagnetic induction and larger spacing for magnetic resonance, thereby preventing over-coupling losses
2Productivity
If transmitter and receiver coils are aligned perfectly to maximize power transfer, then efficiency is optimized, but the system becomes sensitive to misalignment and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through self-aligning mechanisms that automatically adjust the relative positioning of transmitter and receiver coils. The system uses alignment features such as magnets, mechanical guides, or control algorithms to autonomously achieve optimal alignment without requiring precise manual positioning, thereby reducing alignment sensitivity while maintaining high efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic resonance is used to transmit power over longer distances, then versatility is improved, but efficiency decreases when coils are too close or too far apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adjustable spacing mechanisms that allow the system to dynamically optimize the air gap distance for magnetic resonance operation. This enables the system to maintain high efficiency across varying distances, achieving both the versatility of long-distance power transfer and the productivity of optimized efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a system that can operate in multiple modes (electromagnetic induction and magnetic resonance) with adjustable parameters. The same wireless power transfer system can adapt to different distance requirements and operating conditions, providing both short-distance high-efficiency induction mode and long-distance resonance mode capability
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 achieves consistent and optimized power transfer efficiency by dynamically adjusting the alignment of coils, improving energy transfer while preventing overheating and maintaining efficiency across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A self-aligning wireless power transfer system that uses electromagnets and adjustable gate voltages to actively align transmitter and receiver coils
Implementation Method 2
Transmitter 104 generates a time-varying current that is applied to transmitter coil 110 to generate a time-varying electromagnetic field that induces a current in receiver coil 112
Implementation Method 3
When a capacitor is added in series to the coil circuits, LC resonant circuits are created. Power is wirelessly transferred by matching the resonance frequency of the transmitter and receiver circuits. Magnetic resonance can transmit power wirelessly over longer distances
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transmitter has electromagnets and a transmitter coil mounted on a moving plate. Current in the main DC circuit is switched into the electromagnets by transistors that control the amount and direction of current through the electromagnets to control the strength and polarity of electromagnetic fields generated by the electromagnets. A controller initially drives a high gate voltage onto transistors to cause the electromagnets on the transmitter to generate a maximum attractive force with magnets on the receiver, causing the moving plate to move the transmitter coil into closer alignment with the receiver coil. A power factor is measured on both receiver and transmitter to estimate the power transfer efficiency. The controller then reduces the gate voltage by a step size and the power factors are measured again. The gate voltage continues to be adjusted to optimize the power transfer efficiency until reaching a maxima.