Systems and methods for providing over-the-air power to charging pads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging solutions for electronic devices, such as wired outlets and Qi charging pads, require costly and disruptive installations, limiting their convenience and flexibility in facilities like coffee shops and homes.

Innovation Solution

A system that transduces over-the-air energy into electric power using RF antennas, energy harvesters, and batteries, allowing wireless charging pads to be integrated into furniture and surfaces without wired connections, enabling flexible and cost-effective power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wired connections are installed in facilities to provide charging sources, then charging capability is provided, but installation cost and disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost and disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic energy transmission. The system uses RF antennas to transmit power wirelessly through the air to charging pads, eliminating the need for physical wiring installations in facilities while maintaining charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RF antennas and energy harvester circuits as intermediary components that capture over-the-air RF energy and convert it to electrical power. This intermediary system enables wireless power delivery without requiring direct wired connections between power sources and charging locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wired charging pads are integrated into furniture, then charging function is provided, but flexibility and mobility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionVSAvoidflexibility and mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired connections in furniture with wireless RF energy reception. Charging pads integrated into furniture use RF antennas to receive power wirelessly from external transmitters, allowing furniture to be moved freely without being constrained by electrical wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If over-the-air RF energy is used for power delivery, then wired connections are eliminated, but power delivery distance and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of wired connectionsVSAvoidpower delivery distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses energy harvester circuits as intermediaries that capture RF energy from the air and convert it to usable electrical power. This intermediary conversion process enables efficient power transfer over practical distances by harvesting ambient RF energy rather than requiring direct line-of-sight transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Eliminates the need for wired connections, improving safety and ergonomics, allowing furniture to be moved freely and reducing installation costs, while providing convenient charging without disrupting facilities.

Implementation Method 1

means for transducing over-the-air energy into electric power... the means for transducing may include at least one radio frequency (RF) antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an energy harvester circuit to convert an AC current from the at least one RF antenna to a DC current for transmission to the at least one battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Data Source

PatentUS12542453B2Systems and methods for providing over-the-air power to charging pads

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 OSSIA INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing over-the-air power to charging pads. A system may include means for transducing over-the-air energy into electric power, at least one rechargeable battery coupled to the means for transducing, and at least one charging pad coupled to the at least one battery. The system may be positioned at least in part in at least one cavity positioned underneath a user-accessible surface of an apparatus. A method may include the steps of transducing over-the-air energy into electric power, inducing a first direct current from the electric power, transmitting the first direct current to at least one rechargeable battery, and transmitting a second direct current from the at least one rechargeable battery to at least one charging pad. Improvement of spaces used by people in need of charging various electronic devices may be achieved without such facility spaces having to undergo costly structural modifications.