Wireless Power Transmitter Cluster Master Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transmission methods are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring direct connection to power sources, frequent recharging, and are wasteful due to energy attenuation over distance, with directional methods needing precise device location and being prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter system that creates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF signal waves, allowing receivers to harness power wirelessly by locating and adjusting the energy field in three dimensions, using algorithms and communication protocols like Bluetooth to control and direct the waveform for efficient power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single EM transmitter is used for power transmission, then the system is simple, but energy attenuation over distance makes it inefficient and wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmitter system into multiple transmitters arranged in a cluster, where each transmitter contributes to the overall power delivery. This segmentation allows the system to overcome energy attenuation by distributing the transmission task across multiple units, with each unit operating at lower individual power levels while collectively achieving the required power delivery to remote devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the output of multiple transmitters through constructive interference to create a focused energy pocket at the receiver location. By merging the electromagnetic fields from multiple transmitters in phase, the system achieves concentrated power delivery that overcomes the attenuation problem while maintaining efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If directional power transmission is used to reduce energy waste, then energy efficiency improves, but the system requires precise device location and becomes prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional transmitter cluster that can simultaneously serve multiple receivers at different locations and orientations. The cluster can adaptively form energy pockets for different devices, making the system universally applicable to various receiver positions without requiring precise directional alignment for each individual transmitter, thereby reducing susceptibility to interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses communication signals (such as Bluetooth) to exchange information between transmitters and receivers, enabling the system to locate and track devices without relying on precise electromagnetic power transmission for positioning. This copying of positioning information through a separate communication channel reduces the complexity and interference susceptibility of the power transmission system.
3Loss of energy
If multiple transmitters are used to overcome energy attenuation, then power delivery improves, but coordination between transmitters becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where transmitters communicate with each other and with receivers to share information about device location, power requirements, and field conditions. This feedback enables automatic coordination of the multiple transmitters, allowing them to adjust their output and phase to maintain constructive interference patterns without complex manual coordination, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high power delivery efficiency.
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 wireless charging of multiple devices without wires, improving efficiency by focusing energy directly on receivers, reducing waste, and adapting to device movement, while being safer and more versatile than traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
transmitter that creates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF signal waves
Data Source
AI summary
An example method is performed at a first transmitter in communication with other power transmitters, the method including: receiving, from a respective transmitter of the other transmitters, information indicating at least (1) a network address, and (2) status information regarding whether the respective transmitter is in master or non-master mode. The method also includes, if none of the other power transmitters is in the master mode, determining whether a first network address of the first transmitter is lower than respective network addresses of the other transmitters. The method further includes: if the first network address is lower than the respective network addresses: operating the first transmitter in the master mode; and sending an indication that the first transmitter is in the master mode. While the first transmitter is in the master mode, the first transmitter assigns each of the other transmitters to transmit power waves to one or more receivers.