Molecule-Based Wireless Charging Antenna for Large-Area Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transmission systems face challenges in achieving uniform power transmission over large areas, particularly when the receiver is in motion, due to variations in the strength of the emitted field, and often require costly and environmentally impactful materials like ferrites for shielding.

Innovation Solution

The use of molecule-based transmission antennas with internal repeaters and inter-turn capacitors, configured to maximize uniformity ratio and metal resiliency, reduces the need for additional shielding materials and enhances manufacturing efficiency by simplifying the production process and reducing electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional wireless power transmission systems are used to cover large areas, then the coverage area is increased, but the uniformity of power transmission deteriorates due to field strength variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge areaVSAvoidfield uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission antenna is divided into multiple antenna molecules (e.g., 9 molecules arranged in a 3x3 grid), each contributing to the overall field. This segmentation allows the large charge area to be covered while maintaining uniformity through coordinated operation of individual molecules, resolving the contradiction between large area coverage and field uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If more conductive materials are used to enhance uniformity ratio, then the uniformity of power transmission is improved, but the cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity ratioVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters such as operating frequency (e.g., 6.78 MHz), coil geometry, and molecular arrangement to optimize uniformity ratio without increasing material usage. This resolves the contradiction by achieving improved uniformity through parameter optimization rather than material quantity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple identical antenna molecules are used instead of complex single-antenna designs. This copying approach achieves uniformity through replication of simple, cost-effective units rather than using expensive materials, resolving the contradiction between uniformity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Object-affected harmful factors

If ferrite shielding materials are used to reduce electromagnetic interference, then the EMI protection is improved, but the material cost and environmental impact worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of metallic objects into a beneficial feature by designing the antenna molecules to be inherently resilient to metal interference. The molecular design and frequency selection transform the EMI challenge into an opportunity for creating a more robust system without expensive ferrite shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Ease of operation

If the receiver is allowed to move freely within the charge area, then the ease of operation is improved, but the power transfer consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver mobilityVSAvoidpower transfer consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to dynamically adapt to receiver position changes within the charge area. The multiple antenna molecules can be independently controlled to maintain optimal power transfer as the receiver moves, resolving the contradiction between receiver mobility and power transfer consistency through dynamic system adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration ensures consistent and efficient wireless power transfer over a large area with reduced material costs and environmental impact, while maintaining performance even in the presence of metallic objects.

Implementation Method 1

inductive and/or resonant inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field and, hence, an electric current, in a receiving element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

resonant inductive wireless power transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonant inductive coupling: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

inter-turn capacitors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11831176B2Wireless power transfer systems with substantial uniformity over a large area

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 NUCURRENT INC

AI summary

A system for wireless power transfer includes a wireless transmission system and a wireless receiver system. The wireless transmission system includes a transmission antenna configured to transmit one or both of wireless power signals and wireless data signals within a large charge area, the large charge area having a length of in a range of 50 millimeters (mm) to 300 mm and a width in a range of 150 to 500 mm. The wireless receiver system includes a receiver antenna, the receiver antenna including a plurality of receiver coils, each of the plurality of receiver coils configured to receive one or both of the wireless power signals and the wireless data signals within the large charge area.