Wireless Charging Coil Segmentation for Flexible Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems for devices like electric vehicles and robots require precise alignment of charger and receiver coils, leading to high position dependence, inefficiencies, and excessive electromagnetic emissions, making them difficult to use and safe for mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates field guiding and magnetic coupling techniques with extended magnetic layers to create a low reluctance path for magnetic flux, allowing for flexible positioning and reduced EM emissions, and uses crossed coil geometries to enhance power transfer efficiency and alignment tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If charger and receiver coils are aligned and of comparable size for safe and efficient operation, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but positioning flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging area into multiple independently controllable coil segments. Each coil can be individually activated or deactivated based on the receiver's position, allowing the system to maintain efficient coupling while accommodating various positioning scenarios. This segmentation enables dynamic adaptation to different receiver locations without requiring precise manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which coils are active based on real-time detection of receiver position and coupling conditions. The controller continuously monitors power transfer efficiency and activates specific coil combinations to maintain optimal performance regardless of receiver placement. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by automatically optimizing efficiency while maintaining positioning flexibility.
2Loss of energy
If precise alignment of charger and receiver coils is required, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment through automatic detection of receiver position and autonomous selection of optimal coil combinations. The controller independently determines which coils to activate based on detected coupling conditions, eliminating the need for complex external alignment control mechanisms. This self-service capability maintains high efficiency while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power transfer efficiency and receiver position, using this feedback to dynamically adjust which coils are active. This closed-loop control automatically optimizes alignment without requiring complex external control systems, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and complexity.
3Loss of energy
If charger and receiver coils are closely positioned for efficient power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic emissions and safety concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and concentrates electromagnetic energy into specific localized regions between active charger coils and the receiver, rather than allowing diffuse emissions across the entire charger surface. By selectively activating only the coils nearest to the receiver, the system maintains efficient power transfer while minimizing unnecessary electromagnetic emissions to surrounding areas, thus reducing safety concerns.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices with different power requirements are charged simultaneously, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but power distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging surface into multiple independently controllable coil segments, each capable of serving different devices with varying power requirements. This segmentation allows simultaneous charging of multiple devices by activating specific coil combinations based on detected device positions and power needs, managing complexity through modular independent control rather than centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
Each coil segment is designed to be universally applicable to multiple device types and power requirements. The same coil infrastructure can serve different devices by dynamically adjusting which coils are active and at what power levels, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate charging systems for each device type, thus managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
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 approach results in higher efficiency, lower EM emissions, and safer operation by allowing for flexible positioning and reduced susceptibility to metal interference, meeting regulatory guidelines and improving power transfer across a range of alignments.
Implementation Method 1
a first charger or transmitter part, and a second receiver part. The charger or transmitter may generate a repetitive power signal pattern
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic layers may be extended beyond the charger and receiver coil areas to allow for overlap of the magnetic layers and to allow for return paths of the magnetic flux
Implementation Method 3
Wireless technologies for powering and charging mobile electric or electronic device or system generally use a wireless power charger or transmitter, and a wireless power receiver in combination, to provide a means for transfer of power across a distance
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with various embodiments, described herein are systems and methods for enabling efficient wireless power transfer and charging of devices and/or batteries, including in some embodiments freedom of placement of the devices and/or batteries in one or multiple (e.g. one, two or three) dimensions, and/or improved features such as ease of use and compatibility. Exemplary applications include beam inductive or magnetic charging and power for use in, e.g., mobile, electronic, electric, lighting or other devices, batteries, power tools, kitchen, military, medical, industrial tools or systems, robots, trains, buses, trucks and/or vehicles, and other environments.