Wireless Charging Array Phase Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies in charging multiple portable electronic devices simultaneously due to exponential power transfer reduction with distance and interference from internal device structures, which can lead to blockages and reduced charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging system with adjacent charging holders equipped with transmit coils, shields, and sensors that synchronize magnetic fields to efficiently transfer power to multiple devices, using phase synchronization and infrared transceivers to manage power distribution and overcome potential blockages by switching to repeater modes when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer systems use inductive coupling or magnetic resonance coupling to recharge batteries, then portable electronic devices can be recharged without wired connections, but power transfer efficiency decreases exponentially with distance and is reduced by interference from internal device structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging convenienceVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the charging function across multiple transmit coils arranged in an array, allowing selective activation of individual coils or coil groups based on device position. This segmentation enables maintaining efficient power transfer by directing energy through the most effective path rather than relying on a single distant coil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces sensors and control circuitry as intermediaries between the power source and the receiving device. These intermediaries detect device position, determine optimal coil combinations, and dynamically adjust power distribution to maximize transfer efficiency while minimizing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple transmit coils are used to charge multiple devices simultaneously, then charging capacity increases, but system complexity increases due to the need for phase synchronization and power distribution management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous charging capacityVSAvoidsystem control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the control functions of multiple transmit coils into a unified control architecture that manages phase synchronization and power distribution across all coils. This consolidation reduces the complexity that would arise from independently controlling each coil while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmit coil array is designed with universal functionality where each coil can operate independently or in combination with others, serving multiple charging scenarios. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various device placements and charging requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If internal device structures are present during wireless charging, then devices can be charged in normal usage positions, but these structures cause interference and blockages that reduce charging efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice placement flexibilityVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by using sensors to identify specific regions around each transmit coil and adjusting power distribution based on local device characteristics and positioning. This allows the system to compensate for interference from internal device structures by concentrating power through optimal local paths while maintaining flexibility in device placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables efficient simultaneous charging of multiple portable electronic devices by synchronizing magnetic fields and adapting power transfer modes to maintain effective charging even with device placement variations, enhancing overall charging efficiency and speed.

Implementation Method 1

Wireless power transfer systems transfer electrical power, without wired connections, using inductive coupling or magnetic resonance coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a shield positioned between the first transmit coil and the second transmit coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a sensor configured to sense a presence of a portable electronic device on an adjacent charging holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10797504B2System, method and device for wireless power transfer
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • US10797504B2 patent drawing
  • US10797504B2 patent drawing
  • US10797504B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and device for wireless power transfer is provided. The device includes a plurality of charging holders positioned adjacent to each other. The method includes generating a first magnetic field using a first transmit coil in a first charging holder. The method further includes generating a second magnetic field using a second transmit coil in a second charging holder positioned adjacent to the first charging holder. The method further includes magnetically coupling the first and second magnetic field to a receive coil of a portable electronic device, wherein magnetically coupling includes transferring power from the first and second magnetic field to the receive coil of the portable electronic device, the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field configured to have a synchronized phase.