Wireless Power Alignment Guide Using Detector Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer technologies face limitations in power transfer efficiency due to the need for precise alignment of transmitter and receiver coils, which is often hindered by magnetic interference and noise, leading to reduced power transfer and potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power alignment guide using multiple coils and a detector circuit to calculate and communicate offset errors to the user, allowing for improved alignment and increased power transfer efficiency while minimizing magnetic field radiation into the atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transmitter and receiver coils are placed close together for wireless power transfer, then power transfer capability is improved, but magnetic flux lines repel causing high magnetic reluctance and weak magnetic field coupling
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmitter coil and receiver coil. This magnetic layer serves as a mediator that guides and concentrates magnetic flux lines, reducing magnetic reluctance and improving magnetic field coupling between the coils placed in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the magnetic properties of the environment by introducing a magnetic layer with specific magnetic permeability characteristics. This parameter change in the magnetic environment enables stronger magnetic field coupling and reduces flux line repulsion between the transmitter and receiver coils.
2Power
If transmitter coils are configured to generate strong magnetic fields for power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but magnetic flux lines radiate into the environment causing electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful radiating magnetic flux lines into beneficial concentrated flux by using a magnetic layer to guide the flux. The same strong magnetic field that could cause EMI is redirected and concentrated to improve power transfer efficiency while reducing environmental radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic layer creates a localized region of enhanced magnetic field strength between the transmitter and receiver coils. This local concentration of magnetic flux improves power transfer in the specific region where it is needed while reducing magnetic field radiation in surrounding areas, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference.
3Ease of operation
If user alignment techniques are simplified for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to reduced power transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic layer automatically guides and aligns the magnetic flux lines between the transmitter and receiver coils, performing the alignment function self-service. This eliminates the need for complex user alignment techniques while maintaining high alignment precision, as the magnetic field naturally seeks the path of least reluctance.
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
Enhances power transfer efficiency by enabling precise alignment of transmitter and receiver coils, reducing electromagnetic interference, and providing user feedback for accurate positioning, thereby increasing the amount of power that can be wirelessly transferred.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless power transfer (WPT) involves the use of time-varying magnetic fields to wirelessly transfer power from a source to a device. Faraday's law of magnetic induction provides that if a time-varying current is applied to one coil (e.g., a transmitter coil) a voltage will be induced in a nearby second coil (e.g., a receiver coil).
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic layer and associated circuitry for generating a DC voltage can be connected to or included within the electronic device itself such as a smartphone.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a wireless power alignment guide uses multiple coils and a detector circuit to determine an offset between a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter. A transmitter generates a magnetic field that causes a first time-varying current to flow in a first coil and a second time-varying current to flow in a second coil of the wireless power alignment guide. The first time-varying current can flow to the second coil and the second time-varying current can flow to the first coil. A detector circuit detects a voltage resulting from the first time-varying current and the second time-varying current and determines an offset so the user can center the receiver with the transmitter. By correcting any offset between the receiver and the transmitter, greater amounts of power can be transferred to the receiver in comparison to a receiver that is offset from a transmitter.