Wireless Power Antenna Structure for Higher Q-Factor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face challenges in improving coupling efficiency between antennas, particularly in balancing near field coupling for power transfer with far field radiation, which affects impedance matching and antenna design.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an antenna structure with a first and second conductive sheet separated by a dielectric layer, featuring height discontinuities to reduce the resonant frequency and increase the Q-factor, thereby enhancing coupling efficiency for wireless power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microstrip antenna structure is used, then the design is simple, but the coupling efficiency is low due to limited Q-factor
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple conductive sheets (first conductive sheet with first and second parts, second conductive sheet with third and fourth parts) separated by dielectric layers. This segmentation creates multiple resonant paths and increases the overall Q-factor, thereby improving coupling efficiency without requiring a completely new antenna design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces height discontinuities by varying the spacing between conductive sheets in the vertical dimension (different first and second distances between corresponding parts of opposite sheets). This dimensional variation creates resonant frequency reduction and enhances coupling efficiency by utilizing the third dimension for field confinement and resonance control.
2Loss of energy
If near field coupling is used for power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but far field radiation increases causing impedance matching issues
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure implements local quality variations through height discontinuities - different spacing distances in different regions (first distance vs. second distance between conductive sheets). This creates localized resonant regions that confine electromagnetic energy in the near field for efficient power transfer while suppressing far field radiation through constructive and destructive interference patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the antenna structure, specifically the spacing distances between conductive sheets (first and second distances), to tune the resonant frequency and impedance characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes near field coupling for power transfer while minimizing unwanted far field radiation.
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 design improves the coupling efficiency of wireless power transfer by increasing the Q-factor of the antenna, leading to more efficient energy transfer while maintaining impedance matching, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional microstrip antennas.
Implementation Method 1
power transfer exploits the near field coupling between two antennas spaced relatively close to each other
Implementation Method 2
increasing the Q-factor of the antenna, thereby enhancing coupling efficiency for wireless power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna for wireless power transfer is provided. The antenna includes a first conductive sheet including: (i) a first part that extends in a first direction, and (ii) a second part that extends in a second direction. The antenna includes a second conductive sheet including: (iii) a third part that is parallel to the first part and extends in the first direction, and (iv) a fourth part that is parallel to the second part and extends in the second direction. The first part and the third part are spaced apart by a first distance, and the second part and the fourth part are spaced apart by a second distance different from the first distance. The antenna also includes a dielectric layer between the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet. Also provided are a wireless power transfer system and a method for wireless power transfer.