Wireless Power Transfer Mode Switching via Antenna Q Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the use of additional antennas and circuitry for data communication, leading to interference, higher bill of materials, and potential damage to legacy equipment when utilizing higher power levels.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system that utilizes a transmitter antenna, transmission controller, amplifier, and variable resistor to dynamically switch between power and data modes, enabling higher power transfer without degrading communications, by encoding data into the wireless power signal and using buffers for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional antennas and circuitry are used for data communication in wireless power transfer systems, then data communication capability is improved, but device complexity and bill of materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireless power transfer and data communication functions into a single antenna system. The same transmitter antenna used for power transfer also communicates data by encoding data signals into the power transmission signal, eliminating the need for separate communication antennas and circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter antenna is designed to serve multiple functions: it transfers wireless power and simultaneously communicates data. The system uses the power carrier signal to convey data through modulation techniques, making the antenna a universal component for both power and communication purposes.
2Power
If higher power levels are used in wireless power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but legacy equipment may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power levels based on the operational mode. During data communication phases, the system reduces power to safe levels for legacy equipment, while during dedicated power transfer phases, it can operate at higher power levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maximize power transfer efficiency while protecting legacy devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between different operational modes (power transfer mode and data communication mode). This periodic action allows legacy equipment to be protected during data communication while enabling high power transfer during dedicated power phases, resolving the contradiction between power level and equipment safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is added for data communication, then communication functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transfer and data communication circuitry into a unified system. The same amplifier, antenna, and control circuitry used for power transfer are also utilized for data communication, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design makes existing power transfer components multi-functional. The transmitter antenna, amplifier, and controller are designed to handle both power transmission and data communication tasks, reducing the bill of materials and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining full communication functionality.
4Reliability
If separate antennas are used for power and data transfer, then communication reliability is improved, but interference between antennas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates interference by merging power and data functions into a single antenna system. Since there is only one antenna, there is no spatial interference between separate antennas. Data signals are encoded into the power carrier, ensuring clean signal transmission without cross-interference.
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
Enables faster data communication and eliminates the need for wired connections while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems, allowing higher power transfer without interference or damage to legacy equipment.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The variable resistor is in electrical connection with the transmitter antenna and configured to alter a quality factor (Q) of the transmitter antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transmission system includes a transmitter antenna, a transmission controller, an amplifier, and a variable resistor. The transmission controller is configured to (i) provide a driving signal for driving the transmitter antenna based on an operating frequency for the wireless power transfer system and (ii) perform one or more of encoding the wireless data signals, decoding the wireless data signals, receiving the wireless data signals, or transmitting the wireless data signals. The variable resistor is in electrical connection with the transmitter antenna and configured to alter a quality factor (Q) of the transmitter antenna, wherein alterations in the Q by the variable resistor change an operating mode of the wireless power transmission system.