Wireless Power Transfer Between Foldable Device Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with movably connected parts face challenges in power distribution, as only one part may have a power source, necessitating efficient power transfer to other parts with electronic components.
Innovation Solution
Implementing short-range wireless power transmission using electromagnetic coupling at microwave frequency, with antennas configured for optimal efficiency and multi-frequency capabilities to enable power and data transfer between device parts, allowing for adjustable antenna pairs and configurations based on device operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power transfer is implemented between moveable device parts, then power can be provided to multiple device parts, but energy transfer efficiency decreases when device parts are spaced apart
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver antennas. This magnetic coupling core enhances the magnetic field interaction between the two parts, enabling efficient power transfer even when the device parts are spaced apart or in different configurations, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including frequency selection (switching between first and second frequencies), power levels, and magnetic coupling strength based on the detected configuration of device parts. When parts are close together, one set of parameters is used; when spaced apart, different parameters are applied to optimize energy transfer efficiency across varying distances
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna pairs are used for different functions, then power and data transfer can occur simultaneously, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal antenna pair that can operate in multiple modes by dynamically adjusting operating parameters. The same antenna pair serves for both power transfer and data communication functions, with the controller switching between different frequencies and power levels to enable different operations, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is made dynamic through real-time parameter adjustment. The controller dynamically switches between different operating frequencies, power levels, and magnetic coupling configurations based on the detected device configuration and required function, allowing a single antenna pair to adaptively perform multiple functions including power transfer and data communication
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 wireless power transfer and data communication between device parts, maintaining functionality across different operational configurations, such as closed and open positions, while optimizing energy transfer efficiency and antenna usage.
Implementation Method 1
short-range wireless power transmission between several moveable or detachable parts of an electronic device, which makes use of electromagnetic coupling, typically in the near field, at the microwave frequency
Implementation Method 2
the first electronic component is located adjacent to the second electronic component at a first distance for receiving the electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A short-range wireless power transmission scheme is used between two movably or detachably coupled device parts in an electronic device. In a device, such as a foldable or slidable mobile phone, both device parts have some electronic components that require electronic power but only one part has a power source. For example, a phone cover has a display but there is no power source in the phone cover. A receiver can be implemented in the cover to receive microwaves from a transmitter in the phone body. The receiver and the transmitter can be arranged such that, the antennas are placed as close to each other as possible in order to achieve best efficiency of energy and data transfer. If one pair of antenna is not enough, multiple antennas or antenna arrays can be used for this purpose. Different antenna pairs can be configurable for different purposes.