Wireless Energy Transfer Using Electromagnetic Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless energy transfer faces challenges in safely transferring power in complex electromagnetic environments and minimizing interference, especially when not in free space, and achieving efficient energy transfer between resonators.
Innovation Solution
The use of high Q-factor LC resonators with an electromagnetic energy reflector to redirect reflected electromagnetic waves back to the receiving resonator, ensuring frequency matching and alignment for efficient absorption of sub-wavelength electromagnetic energy, facilitating nearly complete energy transfer between resonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless energy transfer is implemented using resonators in complex electromagnetic environments, then energy transfer can be achieved, but transfer efficiency decreases and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflected electromagnetic waves that cause interference and reduce efficiency into a beneficial element by using a reflector to redirect them back to the receiving resonator. This allows the previously wasted reflected energy to contribute to the overall energy transfer, improving efficiency while maintaining reliable operation in complex electromagnetic environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If resonators are placed at greater distances for practical applications, then application versatility increases, but energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by placing a reflector at a specific angular position (approximately 45 degrees) relative to the transmitting and receiving resonators. This three-dimensional geometric arrangement creates an additional energy path for reflected waves to reach the receiver, enabling efficient energy transfer at greater distances and improving application versatility without sacrificing efficiency
3Device complexity
If reflected electromagnetic waves are allowed to return to the transmitting resonator, then device complexity is reduced, but energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic reflected waves from the system by using a reflector to redirect them away from the transmitting resonator and toward the receiving resonator. This separation of the reflected wave path from the transmitting resonator prevents energy loss and interference while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
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 achieves a transfer efficiency of at least 90%, with embodiments demonstrating up to 97% efficiency, maintaining high efficiency at distances shorter than one-tenth of the wavelength, and effectively handling interference from external dielectric objects.
Implementation Method 1
a first resonator circuit that transmits electromagnetic energy using an electromagnetic wave, based on frequency matching and alignment of an electromagnetic field with a second resonator circuit
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnetic energy reflector is located adjacent the first resonator redirects reflected portions of the electromagnetic wave, which are reflected towards the first resonator circuit, back towards the second resonator circuit
Implementation Method 3
frequency matching and alignment of an electromagnetic field with a second resonator circuit... facilitate highly efficient absorption of the electromagnetic energy wave by the second resonator circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Electromagnetic energy transfer is facilitated. In accordance with an example embodiment, a first resonator transmits electromagnetic energy using an electromagnetic wave, based on frequency matching and alignment of an electromagnetic field with a second resonator within a distance of one wavelength of the electromagnetic wave from the first resonator. An electromagnetic energy reflector adjacent the first resonator redirects reflected portions of the electromagnetic wave back towards the first resonator.