Wireless Power Overvoltage and Overcurrent Protection Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems lack effective overvoltage and overcurrent detection and protection mechanisms, which can lead to damage to receivers and transmitters during overvoltage events.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an overcurrent detection circuit in the transmitter and an overvoltage protection circuit in the receiver, which detect overcurrent and overvoltage events respectively and take corrective actions such as shutting down the transmitter or grounding switching elements to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional overvoltage protection mechanisms are used in wireless power transfer systems, then basic protection functionality is provided, but the detection speed and accuracy are insufficient leading to component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protection by detecting overvoltage conditions at the receiver end before they can cause damage to transmitter components. The receiver monitors its own voltage levels and sends feedback signals to the transmitter, enabling early warning and preventive action before catastrophic failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the receiver continuously monitors voltage levels and communicates status information back to the transmitter. This real-time feedback loop enables the transmitter to adjust its operation based on receiver conditions, providing faster and more accurate protection compared to conventional open-loop systems.
2Reliability
If comprehensive detection circuits are added to improve protection capability, then system reliability increases, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by implementing detection capabilities at the receiver end that serve both protection functions and power management functions. The same voltage sensing circuitry used for overvoltage detection also provides information for power transfer optimization, reducing the need for separate dedicated protection circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver performs self-protection by autonomously monitoring its own voltage levels and generating appropriate feedback signals to the transmitter. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external protection circuits at the transmitter, as the receiver takes responsibility for detecting and communicating its own overvoltage conditions.
3Reliability
If traditional protection circuits are used, then basic safety is maintained, but space efficiency is reduced due to larger footprints
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing the detection and protection logic at the receiver end, the system eliminates the need for large protection circuits at the transmitter. The receiver's compact voltage sensing circuitry provides protection functionality with minimal space requirements, as the receiver is already present and requires only additional sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical protection circuits with wireless communication-based protection. Instead of using complex electrical protection circuits that occupy significant space, the system uses wireless feedback signals to communicate voltage status and trigger protection actions, significantly reducing the physical footprint of protection functionality.
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
These circuits provide faster and more accurate detection and protection compared to conventional solutions, while also offering smaller footprints for space savings, effectively preventing damage to components and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter may generate an electric or magnetic field to transfer to the receiver via electric or magnetic field coupling
Implementation Method 2
While electromagnetic energy is produced in electric systems, the majority of power transfer occurs via the electric field
Implementation Method 3
While electromagnetic energy is produced in magnetic systems, the majority of power transfer occurs via the magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
The overvoltage protection circuit may electrically ground elements of the receiver of the wireless power transfer system based on an overvoltage event
Implementation Method 5
The current at the circuit may be calculated based on the detected voltage across the sensing resistor and a known resistance of the sensing resistor
Implementation Method 6
The voltage detector may comprise a sensing resistor electrically connected to a differential amplifier for detecting a voltage across the sensing resistor
Data Source
AI summary
An overcurrent detection circuit for use in a transmitter of a wireless power transfer system is provided. The transmitter comprises a transmitter element for generating a field to transfer power to a receiver of a wireless power transfer system. The circuit is adapted to shut down a transmitter of a wireless power transfer system in response to a detected short circuit event. An overvoltage protection circuit for use in a receiver of a wireless power transfer system is also provided. The receiver comprises a receiver element for extracting power from a field generated by a transmitter of a wireless power transfer system, and a switching element electrically connected to the receiver element. The overvoltage protection circuit is adapted to electrically ground the switching element based on an overvoltage event.