Wireless Charger Cross Connection Avoidance via Out-of-Band Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless power transfer systems, cross connections can occur when a receiver is within the wireless charging region of a transmitter but communicates with another transmitter, leading to unstable operation and loss of efficiency, due to the different characteristics of in-band power transfer and out-of-band communication channels.

Innovation Solution

Establishing an out-of-band communication channel independent of the wireless power field, allowing the receiver to communicate with the optimal transmitter for power transfer, and using load sensing and presence detection to prevent cross connections by uniquely identifying and managing power signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a receiver is positioned within the wireless charging region of a transmitter, then power transfer capability is improved, but cross connection with other transmitters occurs leading to unstable operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication and power transfer functions by introducing an out-of-band communication channel that is independent from the in-band power transfer channel. This allows the receiver to communicate with transmitters using a separate communication field (e.g., radio frequency) while power is transferred through the magnetic coupling field, preventing cross-connection between communication and power transfer targets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an out-of-band communication channel as an intermediary to establish proper pairing between receivers and transmitters before power transfer. The communication channel acts as a mediator that verifies the receiver is communicating with the correct transmitter that is also providing power, preventing cross-connection issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If wireless power transfer uses the same channel for communication and power, then device complexity is reduced, but cross connection and efficiency loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel configurationVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates communication functions from power transfer functions by using different frequency bands or channels. The out-of-band communication uses one frequency range while power transfer uses another, allowing independent optimization of each function and preventing interference between communication and power transfer operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple transmitters are present in the charging region, then power availability is improved, but cross connection between receiver and wrong transmitter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidconnection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiver uses the out-of-band communication channel to verify which transmitter it is communicating with, and the transmitter receives feedback about the receiver's communication status. This feedback loop ensures that power is only transferred when the communication and power transfer targets match, preventing cross-connection even when multiple transmitters are present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution prevents cross connections, ensuring stable and efficient wireless power transfer by enabling proper communication between devices and reducing user experience degradation.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless power transmitter configured to generate a wireless charging field in at least one charging region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a communication transceiver coupled to the communication antenna and configured to communicate with the chargeable device via the communication antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2932617B1System and method for facilitating avoidance of wireless charging cross connection

Publication Date: 2022.11.23 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

A system and method for charging a chargeable device is provided. The system can include a wireless charger including a wireless power antenna and a wireless power transmitter coupled to the wireless power antenna and configured to generate a wireless charging field in at least one charging region. The wireless charging field includes a plurality of power signals. The wireless charger further includes a communication antenna and a transceiver coupled to the communication antenna and configured to communicate with the chargeable device via the communication antenna. The wireless charger further includes a controller configured to facilitate avoidance of cross connection of the chargeable device with the wireless charger and at least one other wireless charger in which the chargeable device receives power from the wireless power transmitter of the wireless charger while communicating with at least one other wireless charger. The system can include a chargeable device including a controller configured to generate a load pulse configured to be received by the wireless charger.