Wireless Power Transmitter with Dynamic Coil Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transmission systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting power over a wide area without creating dark zones, especially when the wireless power reception apparatus is positioned between multiple power transmission coils, as they often require additional coils to maintain efficient power transfer.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a configuration with multiple power transmission coils, where the direction of current flow is synchronized, and switching elements control the activation of coils based on the position of the wireless power reception apparatus, allowing power transmission through one, two, or both coils depending on the reception location, ensuring continuous power transfer without dark zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple power transmission coils are used to widen the charging region, then the power transmission coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging region areaVSAvoidnumber of coils and switching elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between series and parallel configurations of power transmission coils based on the position of the wireless power reception apparatus. The controller dynamically adjusts the connection state of switching elements to change the operational mode between first operating mode (series connection for wide area coverage) and second operating mode (parallel connection for targeted power transfer), thereby adapting the system to different operational conditions and avoiding the need for permanently installed additional coils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power transmission coils are designed to serve multiple functions: they can operate individually or in combination, and their connection configuration can be dynamically changed. The same physical coils can provide both wide-area coverage (when connected in series) and focused power transfer (when connected in parallel), eliminating the need for separate dedicated coils for different operational scenarios and reducing overall device complexity.

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

2Reliability

If additional power transmission coils are added to eliminate dark zones, then the power transmission reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational configuration of existing coils based on real-time detection of the wireless power reception apparatus position. By switching between series and parallel modes, the system ensures reliable power transmission to devices located in different spatial zones without requiring additional coils to be manufactured and installed, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical connection parameters (series vs. parallel configuration) of the existing power transmission coils to adapt to different operational requirements. This parameter change allows the same physical hardware to provide reliable power transmission across different regions, eliminating the need for additional hardware investment while maintaining transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the charging region is widened to improve user convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically detects the position of the wireless power reception apparatus and dynamically switches between operating modes to maintain optimal power transmission. This dynamic adaptation provides users with a convenient wide-area charging experience without requiring them to understand or configure the underlying complex switching logic, as the system handles the complexity automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the reception device position and configuring the appropriate coil connection mode without user intervention. The controller autonomously manages the switching elements to maintain efficient power transmission, thereby providing user convenience while hiding the system complexity from the end user.

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

This configuration allows for efficient wireless power transmission over a wide area without dark zones, improving user convenience and reducing manufacturing costs by using fewer coils and switching elements.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitter including a plurality of resonators... The power transmitter receives the AC power and wirelessly transmits the AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power transmitter including a plurality of resonators... in a first operating mode in which two of the resonators are connected in series and the two resonators transmit the AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10886783B2Wireless power transmission apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 WITS CO LTD
  • US10886783B2 patent drawing
  • US10886783B2 patent drawing
  • US10886783B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless power transmission apparatus includes: an alternating current (AC) power output to convert input power into AC power and output the AC power; and a power transmitter including a plurality of resonators. The power transmitter receives the AC power and wirelessly transmits the AC power in a first operating mode in which two of the resonators are connected in series and the two resonators transmit the AC power, and in a second operating mode in which one of the resonators transmits the AC power.