Shielded Container Wireless Charging for Multi-Device RF Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging technologies face challenges in efficiently and safely charging multiple electronic devices in electromagnetically shielded environments without the need for wired connections or precise device positioning, especially in scenarios like asset tracking and IoT device management.
Innovation Solution
A container-based wireless charging system that uses sensors and electromagnetic shielding to control wireless power transmission, allowing charging when the container is closed and stopping when it is open, enabling mass charging of devices like GPS trackers and IoT devices without cables or precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power is transmitted over relatively long distances using RF signals, then the need for wired charging cables and precise alignment is eliminated, but exposure to electromagnetic radiation increases and power transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetically shielded container as an intermediary between the wireless power transmitter and the devices being charged. The container with conductive walls acts as a mediator that allows controlled power transmission while blocking harmful electromagnetic radiation from escaping to the surrounding environment and human users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electromagnetic environment parameters by creating a controlled shielded space. Inside the container, electromagnetic fields are contained and directed, while outside the container, the fields are blocked by the conductive shielding, thus transforming the radiation exposure parameter from uncontrolled to controlled.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power is transmitted over relatively long distances using RF signals, then wired charging cables are eliminated, but power transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielded container creates a controlled electromagnetic environment that reduces energy loss by preventing radiation escape. The conductive walls reflect and contain electromagnetic energy within the container, ensuring that power is transmitted efficiently to devices inside without being lost to the surrounding environment.
3Ease of operation
If devices are charged in an open environment without shielding, then device access is easy, but electromagnetic radiation exposure to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielded container serves as a mediator that enables device access while protecting users. Devices can be placed inside and removed from the container easily, but when the container is closed, the conductive shielding blocks electromagnetic radiation, thus mediating between user convenience and radiation protection.
4Productivity
If multiple devices are charged simultaneously in a shielded environment, then charging efficiency increases, but control and monitoring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmitter is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple devices simultaneously. It can detect, communicate with, and power multiple devices at once using universal protocols, thus achieving high charging throughput without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient and safe wireless charging of multiple devices within an electromagnetically shielded container, optimizing power delivery and reducing exposure to humans, while allowing for easy device access and monitoring of charge states without mechanical assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitter transmits RF signals via an antenna (one or more antenna elements) to a wireless power receiver comprising an antenna and circuitry, in a suitable device, that converts the received RF signals into direct current (DC)
Implementation Method 2
the container comprises an electromagnetically shielded enclosure with respect to the wireless charging output when the container is in a closed state
Data Source
AI summary
The technology is generally directed towards wireless power charging of one or more receiver devices within a container that is electromagnetically shielded with respect to the frequency or frequencies used for the wireless charging. A controller determines, via signaling from one or more sensors, that the container is in the electromagnetically shielded state with respect to emitting external radiation at the charging frequency or frequencies. When electromagnetically shielded, the controller controls the output power state of a wireless power transmitter device to charge the one or more receiver devices. The controller can determine when to stop the charging of a receiver device, such as when sufficiently charged. The controller and wireless power transmitter device can charge the one or more receiver devices selectively, e.g., based on which one needs more charge or other criterion. The controller can obtain and externally communicate the state of charge of the receiver device(s).