Three-Resonator Wireless Energy Transfer via Adiabatic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless energy transfer methods face inefficiencies and limitations, particularly in transferring energy over long distances without line-of-sight and with minimal energy loss, especially for autonomous electronic devices that require reliable and efficient power supply.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a three-resonator system where energy is transferred from a first resonator to an intermediate resonator and then to a second resonator, with adjustable coupling rates to minimize energy accumulation in the intermediate resonator, optimizing energy transfer efficiency and reducing radiation losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radiative modes of omni-directional antennas are used for wireless energy transfer, then energy can be transferred without line-of-sight requirements, but a vast majority of energy is wasted into free space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless energy transfer capabilityVSAvoidenergy waste into free space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the energy transfer path into two stages: first from the source resonator to an intermediate resonator, then from the intermediate resonator to the target resonator. This segmentation allows the use of directed resonant coupling modes rather than omnidirectional radiation, significantly reducing energy waste into free space while maintaining wireless transfer capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate resonator is introduced as a mediator between the source and target resonators. This intermediate structure enables efficient energy transfer by providing a resonant coupling pathway that concentrates energy transfer in specific directions rather than radiating energy omnidirectionally into free space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If directed radiation modes using lasers or highly-directional antennas are used for energy transfer, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but an uninterruptible line-of-sight and complicated tracking system are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtracking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses resonant oscillations at specific frequencies to enable energy transfer. By tuning the resonators to match frequencies, the system achieves directed energy transfer through resonant coupling without requiring mechanical tracking systems or line-of-sight constraints, as the resonant fields naturally guide the energy transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequencies and coupling rates rather than continuous directed radiation. By adjusting the resonant frequencies and coupling strengths of the resonators, efficient energy transfer is achieved without requiring complex tracking mechanisms or uninterrupted line-of-sight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If induction-based transfer schemes are used, then energy transfer is achieved, but the transfer is restricted to very close-range or low power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer reliabilityVSAvoidtransfer distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using traditional induction-based close-range transfer, the system inverts the approach by using resonant coupling at higher frequencies with intermediate resonators. This inversion of the traditional induction method enables energy transfer over extended distances while maintaining reliability, overcoming the close-range limitation of conventional induction schemes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This approach enables efficient wireless energy transfer with reduced radiation losses and fewer interactions with extraneous objects, achieving higher efficiency and longer range than traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

transferring energy wirelessly from a first resonator structure to an intermediate resonator structure, wherein the coupling rate between the first resonator structure and the intermediate resonator structure is κ1B

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first resonator structure to an intermediate resonator structure... transferring energy wirelessly from the intermediate resonator structure to a second resonator structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2345100B1Efficient near-field wireless energy transfer using adiabatic system variations
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH
  • EP2345100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2345100B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2
  • EP2345100B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for transferring energy wirelessly including transferring energy wirelessly from a first resonator structure to an intermediate resonator structure, wherein the coupling rate between the first resonator structure and the intermediate resonator structure is ?1 B , transferring energy wirelessly from the intermediate resonator structure to a second resonator structure, wherein the coupling rate between the intermediate resonator structure and the second resonator structure is ? B 2 and during the wireless energy transfers, adjusting at least one of the coupling rates ?1 B and ? B 2 to reduce energy accumulation in the intermediate resonator structure and improve wireless energy transfer from the first resonator structure to the second resonator structure through the intermediate resonator structure.