Shared Antenna Wireless Charging System for Multiple Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging technologies, such as RF charging and inductive power transfer, result in bulky and expensive devices due to the need for separate antennas for power reception and communication, and are inefficient when multiple devices are in close proximity, with inductive power transfer being sensitive to coil alignment and not suitable for multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system that uses a single antenna for both power reception and communication, transmitting electromagnetic radio frequency waves for simultaneous charging of multiple devices within a confined enclosure, minimizing external energy transfer and reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antennas are used for power reception and communication in RF charging systems, then reliable power transfer and communication are achieved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power reception antenna and communication antenna into a single shared antenna. The transmitting terminal uses one antenna to simultaneously transmit both power signals and communication signals, while the receiving terminal uses a single antenna to receive both types of signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate antennas, reducing device size and cost while maintaining functional reliability through signal separation techniques at the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving both power transfer signals and communication signals, and serving as both a transmitting and receiving element. The antenna structure is optimized to handle different signal types (power and data) simultaneously or sequentially, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized antennas.
2Ease of operation
If inductive power transfer is used for wireless charging, then power can be transferred wirelessly, but efficiency drops when coils are misaligned or when multiple devices are charged simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment-dependent inductive coupling system with an RF-based electromagnetic wave transmission system. Instead of relying on precise coil-to-coil alignment through magnetic fields, the system uses RF signals that can be transmitted and received with much greater tolerance for positional and orientational variations, thereby maintaining high efficiency without strict alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters from low-frequency inductive coupling to RF frequency operation. This parameter change allows the use of electromagnetic waves instead of magnetic flux coupling, enabling power transfer over larger distances and with greater flexibility in device orientation and positioning, thus maintaining efficiency across varied configurations.
3Volume of moving object
If a single shared antenna is used for both power and communication, then device size and cost are reduced, but signal interference between power and communication signals may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission and reception process into distinct time slots or frequency channels. The transmitting terminal transmits power signals and communication signals separately in time or frequency, and the receiving terminal processes them through separate signal paths. This segmentation prevents interference between the high-power RF signals and the lower-power communication signals while using the same physical antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as filters, amplifiers, and signal processing circuits that mediate between the power signal path and the communication signal path. These intermediaries separate the mixed signals received by the shared antenna, ensuring that power signals do not interfere with communication signal reception and vice versa, thereby maintaining signal reliability.
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, cost-effective, and orientation-insensitive charging of multiple devices with reduced radiation exposure, suitable for small power requirements of devices like Bluetooth-enabled wearables, while maintaining communication functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting antenna 112 is configured to generate electromagnetic radio frequency waves 116
Implementation Method 2
The receiving antenna 124 receives the electromagnetic radio waves 116 generated by the transmitting antenna 112
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless charging system includes a power receiving antenna that also functions as a communication antenna. The wireless charging system includes a transmitter having a first antenna configured to transmit radio-frequency energy and a first electronic device. The first electronic device includes a second antenna, a first communication circuit operably connected to the second antenna, and a first power converter operably connected to the second antenna. The second antenna is configured to receive the radio frequency energy transmitted by the first antenna.