Variable Resonator Wireless Power for Implants
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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 are limited by short range and require precise alignment, while radiative transmission schemes pose hazards and are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power, where the 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 employs dynamically adjustable resonant frequency matching between transmitter and receiver coils, allowing the system to adapt to varying distances and alignments. The resonant coupling mechanism dynamically adjusts the magnetic field interaction to maintain efficient power transfer over mid-range distances with relaxed alignment requirements compared to traditional induction
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by utilizing resonant frequency matching at specific frequencies (e.g., 6.78 MHz) to enhance the magnetic coupling between coils. This parameter change enables the system to overcome the distance and alignment limitations of traditional induction by operating in the resonant near-field regime
2Length of stationary object
If radiative transmission schemes are used for wireless energy transfer, then power can be transmitted over longer distances, but efficiency is very low and hazards are posed to objects or people in the beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful radiative energy into beneficial near-field magnetic coupling by operating in the resonant near-field regime. The magnetic resonant coupling confines the energy transfer to the near-field region, preventing far-field radiation hazards while maintaining efficient power transfer over mid-range distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic resonant coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the transmitter and receiver coils. This magnetic near-field coupling acts as a mediator that enables efficient energy transfer without the need for direct line-of-sight or the hazards associated with radiative transmission
3Loss of energy
If radiative transmission schemes are used for wireless energy transfer, then directional antennas can confine energy towards the receiver, but complicated tracking and steering mechanisms are required for mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant coupling system dynamically adapts to mobile device positions through frequency matching and magnetic field interaction, eliminating the need for complex tracking and steering mechanisms. The magnetic near-field coupling naturally maintains energy confinement without requiring active directional control
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 efficiency 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 medical device-powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver including a load is configured to power the medical device using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed within the medical device and configured to be coupled to the load, 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, the area circumscribed by the inductive element of at least one of the electromagnetic resonators can be varied to improve performance.