Wireless Power Transmission Using Communication Signals for Directional Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic wave-based wireless power transmission systems consume excessive power and time to determine the position of a target device for charging, and high-power transmission can be harmful to humans.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transmission apparatus that uses communication signals from an electronic device to determine the direction and precise location, adjusting the amplitude and phase of RF waves to constructively interfere at the device's position for efficient power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic waves are formed in multiple directions to determine target position, then the position can be determined, but the power consumption and time required increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary position estimation using communication signal characteristics (TOA, TDOA, angle of arrival) before initiating power transmission. This preliminary action avoids the need to form electromagnetic waves in multiple directions for position detection, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining position determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses communication signals as an intermediary to obtain position information without directly using power transmission electromagnetic waves for position detection. The communication signals serve as a separate information carrier that provides position data without the harmful effects of high-power electromagnetic radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If high-power electromagnetic waves are transmitted to deliver power remotely, then power transmission efficiency improves, but harm to humans increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidhuman exposure to electromagnetic radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary position and distance determination using low-power communication signals before initiating high-power wireless power transmission. This allows the system to activate power transmission only when and where needed, minimizing unnecessary electromagnetic radiation exposure to humans while maintaining effective power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors position information and power reception status, adjusting power transmission levels accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures power is transmitted at appropriate levels only when devices are in correct positions, reducing unnecessary high-power transmission and associated human exposure risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If RF waves are formed in multiple directions for target detection, then the target can be located, but the time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget location accuracyVSAvoidtime for position determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses communication signals as an intermediary to obtain position information rapidly without requiring time-consuming electromagnetic wave scanning in multiple directions. Communication signals provide position data through methods like TOA, TDOA, and angle of arrival measurement, significantly reducing position determination time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Position determination using communication signals is performed as a preliminary step before power transmission initiation. This preliminary positioning avoids the need for time-consuming multi-directional electromagnetic wave formation during the power transmission phase, reducing overall system operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces the time and power consumption required to determine the device's location and enables high-efficiency wireless charging without harming humans.

Implementation Method 1

controlling a plurality of patch antennas included in the wireless power transmission apparatus so that sub-RF waves of a first magnitude constructively interfere with one another in a determined direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConstructive interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3444925B1Wireless power transmission apparatus and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3444925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3444925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3444925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless power transmission apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a power transmission antenna including a plurality of patch antennas which wirelessly transmit power; and a plurality of communication antennas configured to receive a communication signal from an electronic device. The wireless power transmission apparatus also comprises a processor, wherein the processor senses the direction in which the electronic device is located, on the basis of the communication signal received through the plurality of communication antennas, and controls the power transmission antenna to transmit the power in the sensed direction.