Variable Capacitor Wireless Power Transmission Load Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless power transmission efficiency is reduced when the load state of a wireless power reception device transitions from a full load to a lighter load, as existing technologies are optimized for maximum efficiency only at full load, leading to decreased charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transmission device with a variable capacitor and a controller that adjusts capacitance based on the load state, using a combination of first and second capacitors in parallel to maintain optimal efficiency across full and light load states, and employing short-distance wireless communication or modulated magnetic fields to determine the load state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If resonant circuits are set for full load state, then transmission efficiency is optimized at full load, but transmission efficiency is reduced at light load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to different load states
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the capacitance value adjustable based on load state. The variable capacitor changes its capacitance dynamically - using a first capacitance value for full load state and a second capacitance value (lower than the first) for light load state. This allows the resonant circuit to adapt its parameters to different operating conditions, maintaining optimal transmission efficiency across varying load demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the capacitance parameter of the resonant circuit according to load state. The controller adjusts the capacitance value - setting it to a first capacitance when full load is detected and reducing it to a second capacitance when light load is detected. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain optimal efficiency across different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If capacitance is fixed for optimal full load performance, then rated output efficiency is maximized, but output current becomes excessive at light load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverated output efficiencyVSAvoidoutput current
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics by making the capacitance adjustable rather than fixed. The variable capacitor transitions between a first capacitance value (for full load) and a second capacitance value (for light load). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain appropriate output current levels matched to the actual load demand, preventing excessive current at light load while preserving rated output efficiency when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the capacitance value based on load state detection. When light load is detected, the controller reduces capacitance to the second value, which consequently reduces the output current to match the lower power demand. When full load is detected, capacitance is increased to the first value to maximize rated output efficiency. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high efficiency and avoiding excessive power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If single capacitance value is used, then device complexity is minimized, but transmission efficiency varies with load state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitance configurationVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the capacitance configuration into multiple discrete capacitance values - a first capacitance for full load state and a second capacitance for light load state. The variable capacitor is configured with switchable capacitance elements that can be selectively connected or disconnected to provide the appropriate capacitance value. This segmented approach maintains relatively simple device structure while enabling efficiency optimization across different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures consistent and high transmission efficiency by adjusting capacitance in response to changing load states, maintaining optimal power transfer even when the load demand is below the rated output, thereby improving overall charging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a resonant circuit magnetically coupled to a wireless power reception device and being configured to wirelessly transmit power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a variable capacitor connected to an output terminal of the AC generator and being configured to variably set capacitance, in response to a load state of the wireless power reception device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10749381B2Wireless power transmission device and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 WITS CO LTD
  • US10749381B2 patent drawing
  • US10749381B2 patent drawing
  • US10749381B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless power transmission device including a resonant circuit magnetically coupled to a wireless power reception device and being configured to wirelessly transmit power, an alternating current (AC) generator including switches and being configured to receive a direct current (DC) voltage and to generate an AC current, according to a switching operation of the switches, to be supplied to the resonant circuit, and a variable capacitor connected to an output terminal of the AC generator and having a first capacitance, when a load state of the wireless power reception device is provided as a full load state and a second capacitance lower than the first capacitance, when the load state is provided as a light load state.