Single-Element Capacitive Power Transfer With Better Alignment Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power transfer systems using capacitive coupling require two pairs of plates, which can be difficult to align and may result in inefficient power transfer.

Innovation Solution

A power transfer system utilizing a single power transfer element and a single power reception element, with a different potential field formed by the power transfer element, allowing power transfer through a pair of plates or coils with improved efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If capacitive coupling power transfer uses two pairs of plates, then power can be transferred wirelessly, but alignment between plates becomes difficult and power transfer efficiency changes greatly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate plate pairs into a single integrated power transfer device. The power transfer device includes a first plate connected to a power source and a second plate connected to ground, where the second plate serves dual purposes: as part of the capacitive coupling structure and as a reference potential structure. This merging reduces the number of components from four plates to two plates, simplifying alignment requirements while maintaining effective power transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If inductive coupling is used for power transfer, then relatively high power can be transferred, but heat generation amount of circuit becomes great

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the inductive coupling mechanism with a capacitive coupling mechanism. Instead of using magnetic fields generated by coils (inductive coupling), the system uses electric fields between conductive plates (capacitive coupling). This substitution fundamentally changes the physical principle from electromagnetic induction to electrostatic field coupling, thereby reducing heat generation in the circuit while maintaining power transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If capacitive coupling is used for power transfer, then heat generation is reduced, but the amount of power that can be transferred is smaller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generationVSAvoidpower transfer amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the capacitive coupling system by adjusting key parameters: increasing the area of the conductive plates, decreasing the distance between plates, and optimizing the dielectric material properties. These parameter changes enhance the capacitance and coupling efficiency, allowing the system to transfer higher power levels while maintaining the low heat generation characteristics of capacitive coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 power transfer with improved alignment tolerance and reduced heat generation, suitable for devices like cardiac pacemakers and nerve stimulation devices.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless power transfer apparatus includes a power transfer device and a power reception device. The power transfer device includes an AC power source unit, and a single power transfer element connected to the AC power source unit. The power reception device includes a single power reception element electrically coupled to the power transfer element of the power transfer device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a different potential field that is disposed at a position that is an electric field formed by the power transfer element and at which intensity of the electric field is different from intensity of an electric field formed at a position of the power reception element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250309684A1Power transfer system, power transfer device, power reception device, and wireless power transfer method

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 INOPASE INC

AI summary

A power transfer device (10) including an AC power source unit (11) and a single power transfer element (13, 13′), and a power reception device (20) including a single power reception element (21, 21′) electrically coupled to the power transfer element (13, 13′) and a power reception circuit (22) outputting power are included. The power reception circuit (22) includes a different potential field (22C) disposed at a position that is an electric field formed by the power transfer element (13, 13′) and at which intensity of the electric field is different from intensity of an electric field formed at a position of the power reception element (21, 21′).