Wireless Power Transfer Control for Synchronized Audio Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless audio playback devices are tethered to physical power links and face inefficiencies in wireless power transfer, particularly in mid- and long-range transfers, leading to intermittent power issues and challenges in maintaining device performance and synchronization.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating wireless power receivers and transmitters capable of mid- and long-range power transfer using electromagnetic radiation and non-radiative techniques, along with energy harvesters, and employing dynamic steering and power management to optimize power delivery and consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is used for audio playback devices, then wireless operation is enabled, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates in mid- and long-range transfers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless operationVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power transfer parameters based on device distance and orientation. The wireless power transmitter and receiver continuously monitor their relative position and adjust transmission power, frequency, and beam direction to optimize efficiency at varying ranges, resolving the contradiction between wireless operation and power transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting transmission power levels, frequency modulation, and beamforming parameters based on detected distance and orientation between transmitter and receiver. This allows the system to maintain acceptable power transfer efficiency across mid- and long-range wireless operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is used, then physical power links are eliminated, but device performance stability deteriorates due to intermittent power issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless operationVSAvoiddevice performance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the wireless power receiver monitors received power levels and communicates status back to the transmitter. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to maintain stable power delivery, preventing intermittent power issues and ensuring consistent device performance during wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates power buffering and energy storage mechanisms that anticipate power fluctuations. By maintaining power reserves and smoothing out variations before they affect device operation, the system prevents intermittent power issues and maintains performance stability during wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is implemented, then device portability is improved, but power consumption management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power system implements self-service through automatic connection establishment, power level negotiation, and optimization without user intervention. The devices automatically detect each other, establish optimal power transfer parameters, and manage power consumption dynamically, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining portability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 wireless power transfer efficiency, maintains device performance, and ensures seamless audio playback synchronization across multiple devices by optimizing power transfer and consumption.

Implementation Method 1

wireless power receivers and transmitters capable of mid- and long-range power transfer using electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12585424B2Wireless power transfer for audio playback devices
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 SONOS INC
  • US12585424B2 patent drawing
  • US12585424B2 patent drawing
  • US12585424B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are devices (e.g., audio playback devices) configured to transmit and/or receive wireless power. Wireless power can be transferred using mid-range or long-range techniques, such as electromagnetic radiation (e.g., lasers, microwaves) or electromagnetic coupling (e.g., inductive coupling, capacitive coupling). Device performance and/or power transmission may be modified dynamically based on wireless power levels, user behavior, the behavior of other devices, device grouping, or other parameters.