Wireless Power Transfer Efficiency via Segmented NFC Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless power transfer systems based on inductive coupling and resonant inductive coupling lack the ability to securely obtain payment information and control power transfer based on device parameters and state information, leading to inefficiencies in power delivery.

Innovation Solution

A system that establishes a wireless power link and a separate wireless communication link between a charging station and a portable electronic device, allowing for the exchange of payment information and device-specific parameters to optimize power transfer efficiency, including the use of NFC protocols for data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional inductive coupling or resonant inductive coupling is used for wireless power transfer, then power can be transferred without wires, but the efficiency of power transfer is low and there is no ability to control power delivery based on device parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless communication function from the power transfer function by establishing a separate wireless communication link using NFC protocols. This segmentation allows the power transfer system to focus on efficient energy delivery while the communication link handles device identification and parameter exchange, thereby improving overall power transfer efficiency without excessive system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by receiving device-specific parameters and state information through the wireless communication link, then using this information to control and optimize the power transfer process. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of power delivery to match actual device needs, significantly improving power transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If wireless power transfer is initiated without obtaining device parameters, then power delivery can begin immediately, but the proportion of power consumed by the device from the power provided is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery speedVSAvoidpower consumption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a wireless communication link and exchanging device parameters before initiating power transfer. This preliminary communication phase allows the charging station to obtain device-specific information such as power requirements and compatibility parameters, enabling optimized power delivery that maximizes the proportion of power consumed by the device from the power provided

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single wireless link is used for both power transfer and communication, then system complexity is reduced, but secure payment processing and parameter exchange cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink structureVSAvoidsecure payment processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless interface into two separate links: a power transfer link for energy delivery and a wireless communication link using NFC protocols for secure data exchange. This segmentation enables reliable and secure payment processing and parameter exchange while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC-based wireless communication link acts as an intermediary that facilitates secure payment processing and parameter exchange between the portable device and charging station. This intermediary communication channel provides the reliability needed for secure transactions while keeping the power transfer link dedicated to efficient energy delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the efficiency of wireless power transfer by ensuring secure payment processing and adapting power delivery based on device-specific parameters, improving the proportion of power consumed by the device from the power provided.

Implementation Method 1

A first induction coil in the charging station is used to create an alternating electromagnetic field, and a second induction coil in the portable electronic device derives power from the electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

In a system that uses resonant inductive coupling, a first coil attached to a sending unit generates a non-radiative magnetic field oscillating at megahertz (MHz) frequencies. The non-radiative field mediates a power exchange with a second coil attached to a receiving unit, which is specially designed to resonate with the field.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant inductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a second coil attached to a receiving unit, which is specially designed to resonate with the field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS8816638B2Increasing efficiency of wireless power transfer
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • US8816638B2 patent drawing
  • US8816638B2 patent drawing
  • US8816638B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are described herein that are capable of increasing efficiency of wireless power transfer. A wireless power transfer system includes features that allow the system to be deployed in public spaces such as airports or in commercial establishments such as restaurants or hotels to allow a user to recharge one or more portable electronic devices while away from home. To accommodate wireless recharging of a variety of device types and states, the system may receive parameters and/or state information associated with a portable electronic device to be recharged and may control the wireless power transfer in accordance with such parameters and/or state information. For instance, the system may increase efficiency of the wireless power transfer based on such parameters and/or state information. The system may also provide a secure and efficient means for obtaining required payment information from the user prior to the wireless power transfer, thereby facilitating fee-based recharging.