Wireless Power Transmission Antenna Array for Multi-Device Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recent multimedia applications in electronic devices, such as laptops and cell phones, require large amounts of power and cannot be effectively charged via existing wireless power transmission systems, lacking convenience and safety due to the need for wired connections.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a transmitting antenna, a sensing antenna, and a control unit that directs and controls the power transmission via a wireless link, allowing for unmodulated power delivery to multiple devices using multiple access schemes like TDMA, FDMA, or CDMA, with the ability to adjust the antenna's position for optimal power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wired connections are used for power delivery, then power delivery reliability is ensured, but user convenience and safety are reduced due to tripping hazards and connection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience and safetyVSAvoidpower delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. The transmitting antenna generates electromagnetic signals that carry power to receiving antennas in electronic devices, eliminating the need for physical plugs and cables. This substitution maintains power delivery reliability through controlled electromagnetic coupling while dramatically improving convenience and safety by removing tripping hazards and connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the power source and electronic devices. The transmitting antenna converts electrical power into electromagnetic signals, which then propagate through space to receiving antennas that convert them back to electrical power. This intermediary approach enables wireless power transfer while maintaining controlled and reliable energy delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless power transmission is implemented, then convenience and safety are improved, but power delivery capability for high-power devices is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience and safetyVSAvoidpower delivery capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transmitting antennas into a coordinated array system that works together to deliver power to multiple devices simultaneously. By merging the capabilities of individual antennas and coordinating their operation through control units, the system achieves high power delivery capability suitable for modern multimedia devices while maintaining the convenience and safety benefits of wireless transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms where control units continuously adjust the operation of transmitting antennas based on real-time conditions such as device positions, power requirements, and signal strength. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize power delivery for high-power devices while maintaining convenience and safety through automated adjustment rather than fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple devices are charged simultaneously, then user convenience is improved, but power distribution efficiency and control become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device charging convenienceVSAvoidpower distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power distribution system into independent transmitting antenna units, each capable of being controlled individually by separate control units. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple devices simultaneously by assigning specific antenna segments to specific devices or groups of devices, simplifying the overall control complexity while maintaining multi-device charging convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the transmitting antenna and control unit system to be universal and multi-functional, where each antenna unit can serve multiple devices and each control unit can manage multiple antennas. This universality enables efficient power distribution to multiple devices simultaneously while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 convenient and safe wireless charging of multiple devices without the need for wired connections, providing flexible placement and reducing the risk of tripping over wires, while maintaining efficient power delivery across a wide area.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitting antenna operative to provide power to the device via the wireless link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a sensing antenna operative to sense signals transmitted by the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9130602B2Method and apparatus for delivering energy to an electrical or electronic device via a wireless link
Publication Date: 2015.09.08 QUALCOMM INC
  • US9130602B2 patent drawing
  • US9130602B2 patent drawing
  • US9130602B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing power to e.g., a chargeable device via a radio frequency link. In one aspect, a method of providing power to a chargeable device via radio frequency link comprises generating a substantially un-modulated signal. The method further comprises radiating a substantially un-modulated radio frequency (RF) signal to the chargeable device via a transmit antenna based on the substantially un-modulated signal. The method further comprises powering or charging the chargeable device with power delivered by the substantially un-modulated RF signal.