Wireless Power Transfer Device with Magnetic Flux Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer technologies face inefficiencies and compatibility issues when charging non-planar devices, such as wrist devices, due to orientation limitations and physical constraints, which hinder optimal magnetic flux alignment and charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transfer device with a primary coil and a secondary coil configured to redirect magnetic flux, allowing for perpendicular or angled orientations, and a supporting structure to facilitate efficient charging of non-planar devices, along with data transfer capabilities through a communication interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a planar charging structure is used for wireless power transfer, then magnetic flux alignment is optimized for flat devices, but charging of non-planar devices (such as wrist devices) becomes inefficient or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with non-planar devicesVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a three-dimensional magnetic flux redirection mechanism using a first coil for receiving magnetic flux and a second coil for outputting redirected magnetic flux in a different direction. This dimensional change in magnetic flux orientation enables charging of non-planar devices while maintaining efficient energy transfer, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If devices are required to be placed in specific orientations for charging, then magnetic flux alignment is maximized, but user convenience and device placement flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice placement flexibilityVSAvoidmagnetic flux alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic magnetic flux redirection system where the second coil redirects magnetic flux in a direction different from the first coil based on the device orientation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable magnetic flux alignment regardless of device placement orientation, simultaneously improving ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the magnetic flux direction is fixed perpendicular to the coil plane, then charging efficiency is maximized for planar devices, but the system cannot accommodate devices with different physical shapes and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice orientation compatibilityVSAvoidcoil configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnetic flux transfer function into two distinct coils: a first coil for receiving magnetic flux and a second coil for outputting redirected magnetic flux. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each coil's function, enabling adaptation to various device orientations without excessive overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient charging of non-planar devices by optimizing magnetic flux alignment and allowing for various device orientations, while also enabling simultaneous data transfer during charging, enhancing user convenience and device design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

an alternating external magnetic flux induces a voltage to a conductor, such as to a coil. The voltage induced to the coil is given by e=-NAdB /dt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The alternating electric current in the coil generates the magnetic field causing the magnetic flux

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The minus sign denotes that the polarity of the induced voltage e is such that it drives such an electric current to the coil that a magnetic field generated by the electric current opposes the change in the magnetic flux which produced the voltage e

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLenz's law: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2567446B1A wireless power transfer device
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 POLAR ELECTRO
  • EP2567446B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP2567446B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2567446B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

There is provided a wireless power transfer device (100) comprising an input interface (102) configured to receive a primary magnetic flux (104) in a first direction, an output interface (106) configured to output a secondary magnetic flux (108) in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the input interface (102) and the output interface (106) form a closed electric circuit.