Wireless Power Antenna Refocusing for Multi-Device Energy Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power delivery systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting power over long distances to multiple devices without the need for physical wiring or frequent battery replacements, particularly for IoT devices and portable electronics.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power delivery system utilizing a wireless power generation unit (GU) with an antenna array and communication circuit that employs volumetric refocusing to scan and record focal coordinates of recovery units (RUs), enabling precise emission of wireless power signals to RUs, which can include passive devices with energy storage and power management integrated circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power is transmitted over long distances to multiple devices, then power delivery range and versatility are improved, but power spillage and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different phase settings to different antenna elements to create localized focal points where power is concentrated precisely at the target device location. This ensures power is delivered only where needed rather than being dispersed over a wide area, thus improving delivery range while minimizing power spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a scanning phase before power delivery to pre-identify and record focal coordinates of target devices. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare focused power transmission paths in advance, ensuring energy is concentrated at the correct locations from the start and preventing power spillage during the actual power delivery phase.
2Measurement precision
If volumetric refocusing is used to scan and track multiple devices, then power delivery precision and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scanning and tracking function into separate modules: the GU handles scanning and focal coordinate recording, while the RU handles power reception and feedback. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RU transmits feedback signals back to the GU to confirm reception and enable dynamic adjustment of focal coordinates. This feedback mechanism improves precision by allowing real-time corrections while maintaining manageable complexity through automated closed-loop control rather than requiring complex manual adjustment systems.
3Ease of operation
If passive devices are used as recovery units, then ease of operation and device portability are improved, but power detection and activation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Passive RU devices automatically wake up and activate when they detect the wireless scan signal, eliminating the need for user intervention or complex power management interfaces. The device self-manages the activation process, improving ease of operation while the embedded power detector handles the detection complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic scanning signals that wake up passive devices at regular intervals. This periodic action simplifies operation by allowing devices to remain in low-power states until needed, while the systematic scanning approach manages detection complexity through predictable, rhythmic signal transmission rather than continuous monitoring.
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 system allows for efficient and flexible power transmission to multiple devices, reducing power spillage and enabling continuous operation by dynamically adjusting focal points and using phase settings to maximize energy concentration, thus enhancing the usability and energy efficiency of wireless power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the GU antenna array is configured to use volumetric refocusing to scan the area for the one or more RUs by sweeping a wireless scan signal
Implementation Method 2
the RU antenna array receives the wireless scan signal
Implementation Method 3
the GU is configured to emit a wireless power signal to the recorded focal coordinates of each RU to be received by each RU antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a wireless power delivery system including: a wireless power generation unit (GU) including: a GU antenna array; and a GU wireless communication circuit; and one or more recovery units (RUs), wherein each RU includes: an RU antenna array; and an RU wireless communication circuit. The GU antenna array is configured to use volumetric refocusing to scan the area for the one or more RUs by sweeping a wireless scan signal to be captured by the RU antenna array. The RU antenna array receives the wireless scan signal, the RU wireless communication unit is configured to transmit a wireless signal back to the GU wireless communication unit. The GU is configured to record the focal coordinates of each RU based upon the signal received by the GU from each RU. The GU is configured to emit a wireless power signal to the recorded focal coordinates of each RU.