Wireless Energy Distribution via Tunable Repeater Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless energy transfer over large areas is challenging due to mismatches in source and device resonator sizes, leading to inefficiencies and practical difficulties in deploying wireless energy transfer systems, especially with moving devices and varying energy demands.
Innovation Solution
The use of repeater resonators positioned around source resonators to extend energy distribution, with tunable resonant frequencies and network routing algorithms to optimize energy delivery, integrated into flooring materials and adjustable components for precise energy routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wireless energy transfer is implemented over large areas, then energy distribution coverage is improved, but transfer efficiency deteriorates due to mismatches in source and device resonator sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-area energy distribution system into multiple smaller resonator units (source resonators and repeater resonators) distributed across the coverage area. Each resonator operates as an independent node, maintaining efficient energy transfer over short distances between adjacent resonators while collectively covering large areas. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by preserving local transfer efficiency while achieving global area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces repeater resonators as intermediary elements between source resonators and device resonators. These repeater resonators receive energy from source resonators and retransmit it to device resonators, enabling efficient energy transfer across large distances by breaking the transmission path into multiple short segments. This intermediary approach maintains high transfer efficiency while extending coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If repeater resonators are added to extend energy distribution, then coverage area is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs all resonator units (source, repeater, and device resonators) with identical or similar functional capabilities and operational characteristics. Each resonator can serve multiple roles depending on its position and configuration, simplifying the overall system architecture. This universality reduces complexity by eliminating the need for different types of resonator components while still enabling extended coverage through additional units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tunable repeaters are used to dynamically adjust resonant frequencies, then energy distribution adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tunable repeater resonators with adjustable resonant frequencies that can dynamically adapt to different operating conditions, device positions, and energy transfer requirements. This dynamic tuning capability allows the system to optimize performance for various scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple base resonator design, balancing adaptability with complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor energy transfer conditions and automatically adjust the resonant frequencies of repeater resonators to optimize performance. This feedback-based automatic tuning reduces the need for complex manual configuration while improving adaptability to changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
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 energy transfer over areas of up to 10 cm² or 2 m², with synchronized frequency and phase of multiple sources, and dynamically adjustable resonators to optimize energy distribution and reduce hotspots, improving transfer efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more source resonators is coupled to an energy source and generate an oscillating magnetic field which is transferred to the repeater resonators around the source resonators
Implementation Method 2
the repeater resonators may transfer the field to other repeaters around them thereby extending the energy over the defined area
Implementation Method 3
The distribution system may use tunable repeaters that have a tunable resonant frequency. The resonant frequencies of the repeaters may dynamically or periodically adjusted to change the magnetic field distribution within the defined area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
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AI summary
Described herein are systems for wireless energy transfer distribution over a defined area. Energy may be distributed over the area via a plurality of repeater, source, and device resonators. The resonators within the area may be tunable and the distribution of energy or magnetic fields within the area may be configured depending on device position and power needs.