Wireless Power Outlet Selection via Signal Quality Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face challenges in efficiently locating concealed power outlets, preventing power leakage, and regulating power transfer in high-power applications, particularly due to the lack of effective communication channels and inefficient energy management, leading to energy wastage and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for selecting the optimal wireless power outlet from a multi-outlet power transmission surface by detecting communication signals, analyzing signal quality, and activating the closest primary coil to ensure efficient power transfer, while incorporating a signal transfer system for power regulation and monitoring to prevent power leakage and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an extended planar charging surface with continuous power transmission is used, then low-power battery charging is achieved, but high-power transmission becomes unsafe due to excessive heat and energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The charging surface is divided into multiple discrete power outlets, each with its own primary coil, rather than using a continuous extended charging surface. This segmentation allows individual outlets to be activated only when needed and only at high power levels when a receiver is properly coupled, preventing excessive heat generation and energy wastage across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of receiver presence and coupling quality before activating high-power transmission. The controller monitors coupling indicators and only enables high-power transmission when proper coupling is detected, preventing energy wastage and safety hazards associated with attempting high-power transmission without a properly coupled receiver.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If socket-less inductive outlets are concealed behind surfaces, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but ease of locating the outlet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs LED indicators that change color or illuminate to indicate the location of concealed power outlets and their operational status. These visual signals allow users to easily locate hidden outlets without exposing conductive elements, maintaining both safety and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediate signaling devices (LED indicators, display elements) to communicate the location and status of concealed outlets to users. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the hidden outlets and user awareness, allowing outlets to remain concealed for safety while still being easily locatable.
3Reliability
If communication signals are transmitted through the power coupling, then power regulation and monitoring are enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines power transmission and communication functions into a single integrated channel. Communication signals are modulated onto the power transmission magnetic field, allowing both energy transfer and bidirectional communication to occur through the same inductive coupling interface. This eliminates the need for separate communication hardware and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable power regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive power coupling interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power, enables bidirectional communication, provides feedback for power regulation, and allows receiver identification. This multi-functionality through a single channel simplifies the overall system architecture compared to having separate dedicated channels for each function.
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
The solution enables efficient energy management by optimizing power transfer, reducing energy wastage, and ensuring safety by accurately locating and activating the correct power outlet, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of wireless power transfer in high-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply is wired to a primary coil and an oscillating electric potential is applied across the primary coil which induces an oscillating magnetic field therearound. The oscillating magnetic field may induce an oscillating electrical current in a secondary coil, placed close to the primary coil.
Implementation Method 2
The oscillating magnetic field may induce an oscillating electrical current in a secondary coil, placed close to the primary coil. In this way, electrical energy may be transmitted from the primary coil to the secondary coil by electromagnetic induction without the two coils being conductively connected.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relates to providing devices, a system and method for controlling wireless power transfer across an inductive power coupling. The system, particularly, relates to enabling selection of a wireless power outlet of a multi-outlet power transmission surface closest to the location of a power receiver connected to an electric load and placed upon the surface. Accordingly, the multi-outlet power transmission surface comprising two sub-systems, a power transmission system and a signal transfer system, each operable independently and continuously. Further, the signal transfer system controls the activation of wireless power, configured to analyze the signal-quality of each detected communication signal received from a power receiver and thereby to identify the wireless power outlet closest to the location of the power receiver.