Wireless Power Transfer Frequency Negotiation for Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless charging systems experience inefficiencies due to misalignment of charging devices, leading to suboptimal power transfer and frequent switching between different charging modes, which affects charging speed and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control circuitry that transmits digital pings at varying frequencies to negotiate optimal power transfer modes, adjusting the inverter frequency based on device alignment and readiness, and continuing power transfer until a battery threshold is reached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the inverter operates at a single fixed frequency for wireless power transfer, then the system is simple to operate, but charging efficiency decreases due to device misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidcharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter frequency is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control circuitry automatically adjusts the operating frequency between first and second frequencies based on detected charging conditions and device alignment status, allowing the system to adapt to varying coupling conditions while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating frequency parameter in response to detected conditions. The control circuitry monitors charging progress and alignment status, then modifies the inverter frequency parameter to optimize power transfer efficiency at different charging stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system switches between different charging modes frequently to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability improves, but charging stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to misalignmentVSAvoidcharging stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry implements periodic digital pings at different frequencies to probe charging conditions and negotiate optimal power transfer modes. This periodic probing allows the system to adapt to alignment changes while maintaining stable charging through structured, rhythmic communication and mode negotiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from digital ping responses and charging status detection to dynamically adjust operating mode. The control circuitry receives feedback about device alignment and charging progress, then stabilizes charging by making informed decisions about frequency switching based on this feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If digital pings are transmitted continuously at varying frequencies to negotiate power transfer modes, then power transfer optimization improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer optimizationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Digital pings are transmitted in advance at different frequencies to negotiate power transfer modes before actual power transfer begins. This preliminary negotiation establishes optimal parameters upfront, allowing efficient power transfer without continuous probing during charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Once optimal power transfer parameters are established through preliminary digital ping negotiation, the system maintains continuous power transfer at the optimized frequency without unnecessary interruptions or repeated probing, ensuring both productivity and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enhances charging efficiency by stabilizing power transfer, reducing inefficiencies caused by misalignment, and ensuring consistent charging speed and capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless power transmitting device such as a charging puck can transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiving device... The wireless power transmitting device has a coil that produces electromagnetic flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The wireless power receiving device has a coil and a rectifier that uses electromagnetic flux produced by the transmitter to generate direct-current power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260066711A1Transmitter and Receiver Negotiations for Wireless Power Transfer

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

A wireless power transfer system may include a power transmitting device for transferring wireless power to a power receiving device. The power transmitting device can transmit signals to the power receiving device using multiple different inverter switching frequencies. The power transmitting device can establish communications with and transfer wireless power to the power receiving device using a first inverter frequency and can attempt to establish communications with and transfer wireless power to the power receiving device using a second inverter different than the first inverter frequency to optimize charging wattage.