Tunable Wireless Resonator for Outdoor Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless energy transfer methods are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as traditional induction schemes have limited range and radiative schemes pose hazards and require line-of-sight and complex tracking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power, where energy exchange is mediated primarily by the resonant magnetic or electric near-field, enabling efficient wireless energy transfer over mid-range distances with high-quality factor resonators and sub-wavelength near-fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional induction schemes are used for wireless energy transfer, then power transfer is achieved over very short distances, but the transfer distance and alignment tolerance are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequencies matching between transmitter and receiver coils, operating in the near-field regime. This allows the system to achieve useful power transfer over mid-range distances (much larger than traditional induction) while maintaining high efficiency through resonant coupling, resolving the contradiction between distance and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies resonant oscillation principles where both transmitter and receiver coils are tuned to the same resonant frequency. This resonant vibration of electromagnetic fields enables energy transfer over extended distances compared to traditional induction, while the resonance condition maintains high transfer efficiency by minimizing energy loss
2Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used to extend transmission distance, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but hazards are created and line-of-sight with complex tracking is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission regime from far-field radiative to near-field resonant coupling. By operating in the near-field at resonant frequencies, the system achieves mid-range transmission distances without the hazards of high-power radiative beams, eliminating the need for line-of-sight and complex tracking mechanisms while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces resonant electromagnetic coupling as an intermediary mechanism between transmitter and receiver. This resonant near-field coupling acts as a mediator that enables power transfer over mid-range distances without requiring direct line-of-sight radiative paths, thus avoiding the safety hazards and tracking complexity of radiative schemes
3Loss of energy
If radiative directional antennas are used to improve power transfer efficiency, then directed energy transmission is achieved, but tracking and steering mechanisms become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling mechanism from directional radiative antennas to resonant near-field coils. This parameter change achieves high power transfer efficiency through resonant coupling without requiring directional alignment or tracking mechanisms, thereby eliminating the complexity of steering systems while maintaining efficient energy transfer
4Loss of energy
If traditional induction is used for wireless power transfer, then short-range power transfer is achieved, but offset tolerance between transmitter and receiver is very small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating regime from traditional induction to resonant near-field coupling. This enables the system to maintain high power transfer capability over mid-range distances while providing significantly improved offset and alignment tolerance, making the system more adaptable to positioning variations and easier to deploy in practical applications
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 allows for efficient power delivery from picowatts to kilowatts over distances much larger than traditional induction techniques, with improved efficiencies and offset tolerances, enabling wireless power transfer for various applications without the limitations of radiative schemes.
Implementation Method 1
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power
Implementation Method 2
energy exchange is mediated primarily by the resonant magnetic or electric near-field
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply includes a load associated with an outdoor lighting unit that draws energy from the load to power a light source associated with the outdoor lighting unit, and a second electromagnetic resonator configured to be coupled to the load and moveable relative to the first electromagnetic resonator, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator, and wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be tunable during system operation so as to at least one of tune the power provided to the second electromagnetic resonator and tune the power delivered to the load.