Wireless Power Beamforming for Targeted Receiver Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power delivery methods for electronic devices, such as smartphones and gaming controllers, often require physical connections to outlets, limiting their usability and flexibility, especially for devices with short battery life or those needing frequent recharging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless power transmission systems using transmitters with multiple antennas and control circuitry that employ beamforming to direct and focus RF signals to receivers, allowing for efficient and targeted power delivery without physical connections, and including receivers with antenna arrays and rectifiers to convert the signals into usable power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power transmission into targeted beam regions using multiple antennas, where each antenna or antenna group can be independently controlled to serve specific receivers. This segmentation allows the complex wireless power transmission task to be divided into manageable directional beams, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beamforming parameters including phase, amplitude, and frequency based on real-time receiver positions and power requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain optimal power transfer efficiency while simplifying user interaction, as the system automatically adjusts to changing conditions without requiring manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If beamforming with multiple antennas is used, then power delivery precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precise power delivery by dynamically changing multiple parameters including phase shift, amplitude modulation, and frequency adjustment across the antenna array. These parameter changes enable fine-tuned beamforming that can precisely target receivers while using standardized antenna components, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity despite the complexity of the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed to perform multiple functions including power transmission, receiver localization, and beam steering. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving high precision power delivery through the versatile antenna system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where receivers communicate their power requirements, position, and status back to the transmitter. This feedback enables the transmitter to adjust beamforming parameters in real-time to optimize power transfer efficiency, reducing energy loss while maintaining adaptability to different device types and power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system concentrates power transmission energy into focused local regions (beams) rather than radiating uniformly in all directions. This local quality approach delivers high power density precisely where needed while minimizing wasted energy in other directions, thereby reducing overall energy loss while maintaining adaptability to serve multiple different devices.
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 continuous operation of devices by delivering power wirelessly when and where needed, improving efficiency and flexibility, reducing the need for frequent recharging and physical connections to power sources.
Implementation Method 1
transmitters with multiple antennas and control circuitry that employ beamforming to direct and focus RF signals to receivers
Implementation Method 2
receivers with antenna arrays and rectifiers to convert the signals into usable power
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless power transmission includes transmitting, via antenna elements of an antenna array, a plurality of first signals having a first phase and a first gain. The method further includes determining a location of a receiver device based on the plurality of first signals transmitted by the antenna elements of the antenna array. The method includes adjusting, for the antenna elements of the antenna array, one of a phase and a gain based on the location of the receiver device. The method includes transmitting, via the antenna elements, a plurality of second signals having a second phase or a second gain such that the plurality of second signals are focused at a focus region that is approximately the size of an antenna array of the receiver device and provide energy at the focus region that is converted by the receiver device into usable power.