Combined Wireless Charger and Interrogator for Simultaneous Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems lack the capability to simultaneously receive and transmit power wirelessly, and they do not efficiently integrate wireless interrogation functionality, limiting their versatility and efficiency in charging and identifying electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A combined wireless charger-and-interrogator system that includes both a wireless power-receiving device and a wireless power-transmitting device, along with interrogation circuitry, allowing for simultaneous power reception and transmission, and the ability to communicate with unattached transponders for identification and control purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless charger is placed on a surface (desktop/countertop) to charge electronic devices, then the charging function is provided, but the wireless charger is visible and occupies surface space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the wireless charger within the furniture structure (desktop or countertop), nesting the charging device inside the existing furniture. This allows the wireless charger to provide charging functionality while occupying no additional surface space, as it is integrated into the furniture's internal structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless interrogation functionality is added to the wireless charger, then device identification capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless charging functionality and wireless interrogation functionality into a single integrated system. The wireless charger and wireless interrogator share common components such as the transmit coil, controller, and power management circuitry, allowing device identification and charging to be performed simultaneously without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that can simultaneously perform wireless power transmission and wireless interrogation of electronic devices. The unified system can identify devices, determine charging requirements, and provide appropriate charging protocols through a single integrated unit, enhancing versatility without requiring separate independent systems
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 wireless power transfer and device identification, enhancing the system's versatility and usability by allowing simultaneous power reception and transmission, as well as communication with transponders for control and security features.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless power transmission or wireless energy transfer is generally the process that takes place in any system where electrical energy is transmitted from a power source to an electrical load, without interconnecting wires
Implementation Method 2
Devices that utilize wireless power transmission to charge or recharge a battery in an electronic device
Implementation Method 3
transceivers to generate wireless interrogation signals. Sometimes the transponders are referred to as 'readers.' Transponders within wireless range can be configured to generate a wireless reply signal in response to the wireless interrogation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, wireless chargers combined with wireless interrogators. The wireless chargers can transmit power wirelessly, while also wirelessly interrogating a nearby transponder, such as an RFID tag. The wireless chargers with wireless interrogators can also be programmable to allow user-implemented rules operable in response to an interrogation. Such rules can impose restrictions upon whether wireless charging is allowed to take place. Such rules can also be used to select a power-transmitting protocol that is particularly suited for the electronic device being charged. Other embodiments are disclosed.