Wireless Power Beamforming Using Multipath Phase Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multipath wireless power delivery environments, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently focusing pulsed RF signals to improve power transfer efficiency due to signal interference and fading, particularly in terrestrial settings with obstacles that cause multipath propagation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a single transmitting antenna that transmits a pulsed training signal over multiple paths, identifies timing and phase information of the received signal, and configures transmission settings to focus the pulsed wireless power transmission signal for constructive interference, ensuring simultaneous and in-phase reception by the receiving antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional radiation is used for wireless power transmission, then coverage area is improved, but power density at receiver is reduced due to 1/r^2 power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the radiation pattern non-uniform, concentrating power density in specific directional lobes toward the receiver while reducing radiation in other directions. This is achieved through amplitude and phase weighting of antenna elements to create focused beams, improving power density at the receiver location without significantly expanding the physical coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from isotropic (3D omnidirectional) radiation to directional beamforming by introducing spatial dimensionality control through antenna array phase and amplitude distribution. This creates concentrated power density in specific spatial directions, effectively adding control in the angular dimensions to overcome the 1/r^2 power loss.
2Loss of energy
If directional beamforming is used to focus power transmission, then power density at receiver is improved, but system complexity increases due to phase and amplitude control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the received signal itself to determine the optimal transmission phase and amplitude settings. The receiver measures the incoming signal characteristics and feeds back this information to the transmitter, which then automatically adjusts its beamforming parameters without requiring complex external calibration equipment or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiver measures the transmitted signal's phase and amplitude characteristics and communicates this information back to the transmitter. This feedback loop enables automatic optimization of beamforming parameters, reducing the complexity of manual system configuration and calibration while achieving focused power transmission.
3Power
If high power transmission is used to overcome distance losses, then power delivery capability is improved, but exposure levels and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating transmitted power into focused directional beams rather than omnidirectional radiation. This creates high power density only in the specific spatial region where the receiver is located, while maintaining low exposure levels in surrounding areas. The localized power concentration achieves effective long-distance power delivery without increasing overall exposure hazards.
4Area of stationary object
If multipath propagation is present in terrestrial environments, then signal coverage is improved through reflections, but signal interference and fading increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed transmission sequences with specific timing intervals. The pulsed nature of the transmission allows the system to exploit constructive interference from multipath reflections that arrive within the pulse duration, while the inter-pulse intervals allow fading effects to subside. This periodic pulsing strategy maintains signal stability despite the presence of multipath propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes transmission parameters dynamically by adjusting pulse timing, duration, and amplitude based on the measured multipath channel characteristics. By modifying these parameters in response to the propagation environment, the system optimizes power delivery through constructive interference while minimizing the impact of destructive interference and fading effects.
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 approach enhances power delivery efficiency by constructing a higher energy pulse through constructive interference, reducing signal loss and fading, thereby improving the effectiveness of wireless charging in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, from a single transmitting antenna, a pulsed training signal over a plurality of paths to a receiving antenna in the multipath wireless power delivery environment
Implementation Method 2
configuring transmission settings associated with the transmitting antenna based on the timing and phase information. The transmission settings focus a pulsed wireless power transmission signal for reception by the receiving antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least one antenna and a controller. The controller is configured to identify a phase of a first signal received by the at least one antenna from a wireless device. The controller is configured to determine transmission settings for the at least one antenna based on the identified phase. The controller is configured to generate, according to the transmission settings, a second signal for focusing on a wireless device. A method includes identifying a phase of a first signal received by a first transceiver from a second transceiver. The method includes determining transmission settings for the first transceiver based on the identified phase. The method includes generating, according to the transmission settings, a second signal for focusing on the second transceiver. Embodiments improve the power efficiency of wireless signal transmission.