Wireless Charger In-Band Communication for Foreign Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless charging systems face limitations due to the need for specific device orientation and physical connections, which restrict portability and efficiency in charging multiple devices simultaneously, and lack effective foreign-object detection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging system utilizing an in-band communication module that enables power management and foreign-object detection through a magnetic field, allowing devices to communicate power needs without unique identification and supporting arbitrary device orientations, using dedicated preamble synchronization and channel coding for error correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wireless charging systems use specific device orientation and physical connections, then charging reliability is improved, but portability and efficiency in charging multiple devices simultaneously deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidportability and efficiency in charging multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system is designed to charge multiple types of portable devices simultaneously without requiring specific device orientations or physical connections. The system uses a magnetic field for wireless power transfer and includes an in-band communication module that can communicate with multiple devices at once, making the charging system universal and adaptable to various device types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the power transfer function from the identification function. Power is transferred through the magnetic field to multiple devices simultaneously, while device identification and communication are handled separately through the in-band communication module. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through proper power management while achieving versatility in handling multiple devices with arbitrary orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If wireless charging system charges multiple devices simultaneously without unique identification, then portability and efficiency are improved, but power management accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency in charging multiple devicesVSAvoidpower management accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs an in-band communication module that receives communications from portable devices using a random access mode. Each communication includes information about the amount of energy received since the device last transmitted. The charger portion uses this feedback information to determine how much power is needed to charge each device, enabling accurate power management without requiring unique device identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If in-band communication module uses random access mode without unique device identification, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication system complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dedicated preamble synchronization mechanism before data transmission. This preliminary action establishes timing and frequency synchronization between the charger and portable devices, ensuring that random access communications occur at the correct times and frequencies. This pre-synchronization maintains communication reliability while allowing devices to communicate without unique identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical identification systems with signal-based communication. Instead of using unique device identifiers or complex pairing protocols, the system uses the in-band communication module to exchange power status information directly through the magnetic field channel. This substitution simplifies the communication system while maintaining reliability through the use of dedicated preamble synchronization and channel coding for error correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient, portable, and simultaneous charging of multiple devices with robust communication and accurate foreign-object detection, optimizing power delivery and minimizing energy consumption and emissions.

Implementation Method 1

a charger portion configured to receive one or more portable elements for charging wirelessly using a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

An inband communication module is configured to receive communication from one or more portable elements using a random access mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2984734B1Foreign-object detection for resonant wireless power system

Publication Date: 2019.05.08 MEDIATEK SINGAPORE PTE LTD

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AI summary

A wireless charging system is provided that includes a charger portion that receives one or more portable elements for charging wirelessly. The charger portion controls the amount of power needed to charge the one or more portable elements. An inband communication module receives inband communications with the one or more portable elements using a random access mode. The charger portion utilizes the inband communications to determine how much power is needed, via energy based reporting, to charge the one or more portable elements that avoids conveying identification information.