Self-Regulating Wireless Power Receiver with Auto-Tuning Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power systems face challenges in regulating power delivery to prevent damage to receivers and neighboring components, managing metal object detection, and complying with electromagnetic compatibility regulations due to wide frequency operation and latency issues in communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A self-regulating wireless power receiver with an auto-tuning network that dynamically controls power using passive and active electronic components and electronic switches, along with a receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm to detect metal objects and optimize power transmission, eliminating the need for conventional communication protocols and simplifying transmitter design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional communication protocol is used for power transfer control, then the transmitter can regulate power delivery, but the system experiences latency and time delay in responding to receiver needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power regulation control function from the communication protocol and implements it directly in the transmitter's power control circuitry. The transmitter now autonomously regulates power based on real-time detection of receiver impedance changes, eliminating the need for bidirectional communication for power control and thereby removing the inherent latency of protocol-based regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter performs self-regulation of power delivery by continuously monitoring receiver impedance and automatically adjusting its output. This self-service mechanism allows the transmitter to respond instantaneously to receiver power needs without external communication, achieving both reliable power regulation and zero latency response.
2Reliability
If conventional communication protocol is used to send control messages, then power can be regulated, but the system complexity and cost increase due to additional protection circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate over-voltage protection circuitry by integrating the protection function into the primary power control mechanism. The same impedance-based feedback system that regulates normal power delivery also inherently prevents over-voltage conditions, eliminating redundant protection components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance monitoring and power regulation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls normal power delivery, detects over-voltage conditions, and provides protection. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate circuits into a single integrated mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wide frequency operation is implemented for power transfer, then communication flexibility is improved, but FCC compliance testing becomes difficult due to varying frequency and harmonics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the ability to operate across different frequencies by implementing adaptive impedance tuning that works effectively across a range of frequency values. The system can adjust its operating frequency parameter as needed while the underlying control mechanism remains frequency-agnostic, preserving communication flexibility without creating FCC compliance issues.
4Reliability
If additional over voltage protection circuitry is added to the receiver, then protection from excessive power is improved, but the circuitry causes temperature rise that is detrimental to neighboring components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional protection circuitry in the receiver by moving the protection function to the transmitter side. The transmitter's impedance-based control prevents over-voltage conditions before they occur, removing the thermal burden of protection circuitry from the receiver and its neighboring components such as batteries.
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 solution provides faster and more effective over-voltage protection, reduces system complexity and cost, enhances safety by preventing metal object heating, and facilitates electromagnetic compliance, enabling efficient and stable wireless power delivery without the need for conventional communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver coil operably coupled to a bridge rectifier. The wireless power receiver receives wirelessly transmitted power from a transmitter
Implementation Method 2
The auto-tuning network is configured to detect changes in one or more of a load of a rectifier operably disposed in the self-regulating wireless power receiver, and in an output voltage of the rectifier
Implementation Method 3
The impedance network comprises one or more of passive electronic components, active electronic components, and electronic switches. The auto-tuning network is configured to control and regulate the received wirelessly transmitted power
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for self-regulating wireless power transmitted to a wireless power receiver (WPR) is provided. An auto-tuning network is operably coupled within the WPR. The auto-tuning network comprises an impedance network that dynamically increases, decreases, or maintains amount of the received wirelessly transmitted power by detecting changes in a rectifier load disposed in the WPR and/or in an output voltage of the rectifier in the WPR. The auto-tuning network self-regulates the wireless power received from a wireless power transmitter (WPT) obviating the need for conventional communication messages. The WPT is hence free from a modulator/demodulator block and an out-of-band communication block and can operate over a limited operating range to enable simpler design for passing EMC regulation. Additionally, the WPR implements a receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm for enabling the WPT to detect unsupported receivers, configure its operating point and range, and terminate power transmission when not needed by WPR.