Thin Optical Receiver Using Front-Surface Reflection for Safe Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed resonator laser systems for optical power transmission are not optimized for modern portable electronic devices, as they are too large and deep, and their safety features are compromised by reflections from the front surface, which can lead to safety hazards and inefficiencies due to the need for anti-reflective coatings that are prone to degradation.
Innovation Solution
A novel receiver configuration with a durable, scratch-resistant front surface acting as an output coupler, combined with a smart beam block that collects and converts reflected light, and a dynamic focusing system to adjust the beam size, allowing for efficient power transmission while minimizing safety risks and maintaining system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If anti-reflective coatings are applied to the front surface of the receiver, then reflection losses are reduced and power transmission efficiency is improved, but the coatings are prone to degradation from fingerprints, dirt, and spills, compromising safety and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflection from the front surface into a useful signal by placing a photodetector to detect the reflected light. This allows the system to use the reflection for output coupling and power extraction while maintaining safety through detection and control, eliminating the need for fragile anti-reflective coatings.
2Length of moving object
If the receiver is made thinner to fit portable devices, then device integration is improved, but the receiver may not be able to generate sufficient power or meet safety requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the front protective surface, output coupler, and detection element into an integrated structure. The front surface itself serves as the output coupler, and the photodetector is positioned to detect reflections from this surface, eliminating the need for separate thick components and enabling thin receiver design while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the power extraction mechanism from relying on thickness to utilizing angular separation of reflected beams. By detecting light reflected at specific angles from the front surface, the system can extract power efficiently in a thin configuration without compromising safety or power generation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reflections from the front surface are blocked to meet safety standards, then safety hazards are reduced, but system efficiency and power transmission are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflected light into a useful resource by using a photodetector to detect and measure the reflected beam. This allows the system to safely utilize the reflection for power extraction through output coupling while maintaining safety through active detection and control, eliminating the need to block reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector provides feedback about the reflected light intensity and position, allowing the system to adjust and control the output coupling to maintain safety standards while maximizing power transmission efficiency. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic optimization of the safety-efficiency trade-off.
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 enables a thin, safe, and efficient optical receiver for portable devices, capable of transmitting sufficient power with reduced reflections and increased durability, addressing the limitations of prior art systems by utilizing the front surface reflection for output coupling and incorporating a smart beam block for energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic cell disposed behind the transparent optical impingement surface, to convert light from the reflections of part of the incident beam into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a retro reflector acting as one mirror of the lasing system
Implementation Method 3
at least one beam block, disposed such that it intercepts reflections of part of the incident beam off the front surface of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver for receiving an incident beam of optical power from a remote transmitter over a predefined field of view, comprising an input lens having a high durability coating that can withstand domestic handling and contamination. Such a high durability coating may reflect a non-insignificant part of the light incident thereon. Behind the lens, there is fitted a retroreflector disposed such that it reflects that part of the incident beam traversing the lens, back through the lens to the transmitter. Reflections from the front surface of the lens impinge on one or more transparent beam catchers appropriately located, and equipped with energy conversion devices, such as photovoltaic cells, to convert light from the reflections of the incident beam into electricity. Additional energy conversion devices may be located inward of the lens, to collect and convert reflections from the inner surface of the lens, of light returning from the retroreflector.