Wireless Power Antenna With Internal Repeater for Uniform Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless power transmission systems face challenges in achieving uniform power transmission over large areas, especially when the receiver is in motion, due to variations in the strength of the emitted field, which can limit operational efficiency and user experience.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a transmission antenna design with internal repeaters and alternating current directions in source and repeater coils, along with a repeater tuning system, to enhance uniformity ratio and metal resiliency, while minimizing the use of conductive materials and reducing electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If more turns, coils, and resonant bodies are used within an antenna to enhance uniformity ratio, then uniformity of power transmission is improved, but cost, bill of materials, and use of conductive materials increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of power transmissionVSAvoiduse of conductive materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into multiple segments including a source coil and multiple repeater coils positioned at different locations. Each segment independently contributes to the overall magnetic field, creating a more uniform distribution across the charge area without requiring excessive conductive material in any single location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Repeater coils serve as intermediary elements that receive power wirelessly from the source coil and re-transmit it to extend and uniformize the charge area. This intermediary approach allows power distribution over a larger area using less total conductive material than a single large coil would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large charge area is designed to maximize coupling points, then functionality and user experience are improved, but variations in field strength limit operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge area coverageVSAvoidfield strength uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The charge area is segmented into multiple zones, each served by a strategically positioned repeater coil. This segmentation allows each coil to optimize its local field strength while collectively providing uniform coverage across the entire large charge area, enabling consistent coupling at multiple points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna design transitions from a two-dimensional planar coil to a three-dimensional arrangement with repeater coils positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. This dimensional expansion creates multiple coupling points throughout the charge area, improving adaptability while maintaining field uniformity through strategic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If conventional antenna designs are used, then simplicity is maintained, but metal resiliency degrades in the presence of metallic objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna structureVSAvoidmetal resiliency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple repeater coils are configured to operate continuously and simultaneously with the source coil, maintaining an uninterrupted magnetic field throughout the charge area. This continuous multi-point transmission ensures that if metallic objects interfere with one coil's field, other coils maintain reliable power transfer, enhancing metal resiliency.

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

This design achieves improved uniformity and resilience in wireless power transfer, allowing for consistent coupling across a large area without degrading performance, even in the presence of metallic objects, and reduces the complexity and cost of the system.

Implementation Method 1

inductive and/or resonant inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field and, hence, an electric current, in a receiving element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

resonant inductive wireless power transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11862991B2Wireless power transmission antenna with internal repeater and in-coil tuning

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 NUCURRENT INC

AI summary

An antenna for wireless power transmission includes a source coil comprised of a first conductive wire, the source coil including a first outer turn and a first inner turn, the source coil configured to connect to one or more electronic components for wireless power transfer. The antenna further includes an internal repeater coil comprised of a second conductive wire, the internal repeater coil including a second outer turn and a second inner turn, the internal repeater coil configured to have a repeater current induced in the second outer turn and the second inner turn. The antenna further includes a repeater tuning system in electrical connection with a beginning of the second outer turn and an ending of the second inner turn, the repeater tuning system positioned inward of the second outer turn.