Wireless Power Antenna Misalignment Correction via Reflected Waves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless power transmission using electromagnetic waves faces efficiency degradation due to misalignment and electromagnetic wave leakage, particularly in systems lacking dedicated components for position recognition and alignment.

Innovation Solution

The method and system utilize the power transmission and reception antennas with a reflector to perform misalignment correction by using peripheral antenna elements as position-detection power transmission antennas and internal elements as position-detection power reception antennas, calculating the positional relation based on reflected electromagnetic waves and adjusting for optimal alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large power transmission surface is used to cover the misalignment range, then power transmission reliability is improved, but electromagnetic wave leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission antenna surface is divided into multiple antenna elements that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the large surface into smaller functional units, the system can activate only the necessary elements for power transmission while keeping other elements inactive, thus maintaining reliability without causing excessive electromagnetic wave leakage from unused portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna elements are dynamically switched between transmission and reception modes based on real-time position detection. During misalignment correction, peripheral elements transmit while internal elements receive reflected waves. During power transmission, the configuration is reversed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance while minimizing electromagnetic wave leakage at each operational stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If separate components are added for position recognition, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna elements serve dual functions: they act as transmission elements for power supply and as reception elements for position detection. By making the antenna system multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for separate positioning components while maintaining high alignment precision through reflected wave detection.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own antenna elements to perform both power transmission and position recognition tasks. The internal antenna elements detect the position of the power reception antenna by receiving reflected electromagnetic waves, allowing the system to self-correct misalignment without external positioning devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If mechanical control is used for alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical alignment control with an electromagnetic field-based detection and correction system. Position detection is achieved through electromagnetic wave reflection detection, and misalignment correction is performed by electronically switching antenna element functions rather than through mechanical movement, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining positioning accuracy.

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

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 enables efficient and safe wireless power supply with reduced electromagnetic wave leakage, eliminating the need for additional positioning components and ensuring accurate alignment without efficiency loss.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector is provided outside the power reception surface and inwardly inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the power reception surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

electric power is transmitted from a power transmission apparatus to a movable power reception apparatus that is located far from the power transmission apparatus. Microwaves in the range of several hundreds of megahertz to several gigahertz can be transmitted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2937713B1Method and system for wireless power supply
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2937713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2937713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2937713B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method and system for wireless power supply, the misalignment between the power transmission antenna and the power reception antenna is detected based on the electric power of an electromagnetic wave radiated from the position-detection power transmission antennas of the power transmission antenna, reflected by a reflector provided outside the power reception surface of the power reception antenna, and detected by the position-detection power reception antennas of the power transmission antenna.