Wireless Power Adapter for Cross-Standard Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices configured for the Qi wireless power standard are limited by its short-range and alignment-sensitive nature, preventing them from utilizing other wireless power transfer standards like AirFuel™, which allows longer-range power transmission and non-conductive material compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power adapter that receives power at one frequency (e.g., AirFuel™) and transmits it at another frequency (e.g., Qi) using a combination of loosely coupled and tightly coupled wireless power receivers and transmitters, with an electromagnetic shield to reduce interference, allowing compatibility with different standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Qi standard is used for wireless power transfer, then precise alignment and short air gap are required, but this limits the charging distance and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (wireless power adapter or case) that contains both a Qi receiver and an AirFuel transmitter. This intermediary receives power via AirFuel from a base station and re-transmits it via Qi to the device, enabling long-distance charging while maintaining compatibility with Qi-powered devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power adapter is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both Qi and AirFuel standards. It can receive power through either standard and transmit through either standard, making it universally compatible with different wireless power ecosystems and eliminating the need for separate charging solutions.
2Ease of operation
If the Qi standard is used for wireless power transfer, then contact or very close proximity is required, but this reduces user flexibility and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a mediator that decouples the device from the base station physically. The device only needs to be near the adapter (which can be attached to the device), while the adapter handles the long-distance AirFuel communication with the base station, providing both flexibility and reliable power transfer.
3Reliability
If devices are configured for a specific wireless power standard, then they can reliably receive power, but they cannot utilize other wireless power transfer standards
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with universal compatibility, containing receivers and transmitters for multiple wireless power standards (Qi and AirFuel). This allows it to adapt to different base station standards while providing consistent Qi power output to the device, enabling users to leverage different wireless power ecosystems with a single device configuration.
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 computing devices adapted to the Qi standard to receive wireless power from sources using the AirFuel™ standard, overcoming the limitations of Qi by allowing power transmission over longer distances and through non-conductive materials, improving charging efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the AirFuel™ standard, which is based on resonant inductive power transfer
Implementation Method 2
The adapter includes a loosely coupled wireless power receiver adapted to receive wireless power at a first frequency
Implementation Method 3
the QI standard that uses inductive charging
Implementation Method 4
transmit wireless power at a second frequency
Implementation Method 5
The adapter may include an electromagnetic shield adapted to reduce interference between the loosely coupled wireless power receiver and the tightly coupled wireless power transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power adapter. It has a loosely coupled wireless power receiver adapted to receive wireless power at a first frequency and for providing a direct current power output. It has a tightly coupled wireless power transmitter connected to said direct current power output and adapted to transmit wireless power at a second frequency once direct current power is provided by said loosely coupled wireless power receiver.