Wireless Power Coil Communication With Synchronized Dual Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transfer systems face limitations in communication efficiency, including reduced bandwidth, increased communication delays, and insufficient error correction, particularly due to the use of half-duplex communication protocols which restrict flexible communication and data rates.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power transfer apparatus that uses a first modulation scheme for data transmission from the power receiver to the power transmitter and a second modulation scheme for data transmission from the power transmitter to the power receiver, where each data symbol is represented by a sequence of time intervals with constant modulation levels, synchronized with the power transfer signal, allowing for improved communication performance and reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If half-duplex communication protocol is used for wireless power transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but communication bandwidth and data rate are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication protocol complexityVSAvoidcommunication data rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic communication mode switching between half-duplex and full-duplex modes based on power transfer phase. During power supply phase, half-duplex mode is used for simplicity, while during power receiving phase, full-duplex mode enables simultaneous bidirectional communication, thereby increasing overall communication bandwidth and data rate without permanently increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system operates in periodic cycles alternating between power supply phase and power receiving phase. Each phase utilizes appropriate communication mode (half-duplex or full-duplex), creating a rhythmic pattern that achieves high communication throughput while maintaining manageable device complexity through phase-based resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If half-duplex communication protocol is used for wireless power transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but communication delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication protocol complexityVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches communication modes based on operational phase. During power receiving phase, full-duplex mode is activated to enable simultaneous transmission and reception, significantly reducing communication delay for acknowledgment messages and control signals while maintaining acceptable device complexity through phase-specific configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The full-duplex communication mode during power receiving phase ensures continuous bidirectional data flow without the stop-and-wait pattern inherent in half-duplex systems. This continuity eliminates idle waiting periods and reduces overall communication delay while keeping device complexity manageable through targeted implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If unidirectional communication link is used from power receiver to power transmitter, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication system complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system implements multi-functionality by enabling bidirectional data transmission during power receiving phase. The power receiver can both send data to the power transmitter and receive data simultaneously, creating a universal communication interface that enhances reliability through feedback mechanisms while avoiding the need for separate dedicated transmitter-to-receiver communication hardware

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

Solution Approach 2:

The full-duplex communication capability during power receiving phase enables real-time feedback from power transmitter to power receiver. This feedback mechanism allows the receiver to immediately receive acknowledgment, error correction data, and control signals, significantly improving communication reliability while maintaining acceptable system complexity through integrated implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances communication performance by reducing delays and increasing data rates while maintaining reliability, enabling simultaneous communication in both directions and improving overall power transfer operations.

Implementation Method 1

a power transfer coil arranged to exchange power with a complementary power transfer coil of a complementary power transfer apparatus via a power transfer signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the power receiver communicates by performing load modulation of the power transfer signal transferring the power. Specifically, the loading of the power transfer signal by the power receiver is varied to provide a modulation of the power signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP4388636B1A power transfer apparatus and method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4388636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4388636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4388636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

:A power transmitter and/or receiver for a wireless power transfer system comprises a power transfer coil (103, 107) arranged to exchange power via a power transfer signal. A receiver (207, 307) is arranged to receive first data from the complementary power transfer apparatus. The first data is modulated onto the power transfer signal in accordance with a first modulation scheme where each data symbol is represented by a sequence of time intervals each having a constant modulation level dependent on a data symbol value for the data symbol. A transmitter (205, 305) is arranged to transmit second data to the complementary power transfer apparatus by modulating the power transfer signal in accordance with a second modulation scheme. The symbol duration for data symbols of the second modulation scheme are a divisor of a duration of at least one time interval of the sequence of time intervals. A synchronizer (209, 309) is further arranged to synchronize the transmitter (205, 305) to transmit the second data aligned with the first data by synchronizing the transmission of the second data to the power transfer signal.