Wireless Power Receiver Antenna Assembly RF Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered systems are limited in their ability to work with low voltage, variable power sources such as RF waves and lack flexibility in operation modes, making them inefficient for delivering continuous and controlled power to loads.
Innovation Solution
A controlled-power delivery system that includes receiving antennas, rectifiers, boost converters, a charger, and a storage element, capable of converting RF waves into usable DC power and supporting multiple operation modes by sourcing power from both RF waves and storage elements, allowing for flexible power delivery to loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing battery-powered systems integrate buck and boost converters into a single system, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot properly work with low voltage variable power sources such as RF waves
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is divided into separate buck converter and boost converter modules rather than integrating them into a single system. This segmentation allows each converter to be independently optimized and controlled, enabling proper handling of low voltage variable power sources like RF waves while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic switching between buck and boost operation modes based on real-time power source conditions. The control system automatically adjusts the operating mode to match the variable voltage characteristics of RF power sources, providing adaptability without requiring a completely separate converter for each mode.
2Device complexity
If existing systems use a single converter system, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of available modes of operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The separate buck and boost converter modules can operate in multiple combinations and modes depending on power source conditions. The system supports charging mode, power delivery mode, and bidirectional power flow modes, providing universal functionality across different operating scenarios while maintaining clear modular boundaries that prevent excessive complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system sources power from both RF waves and storage elements simultaneously, then power delivery flexibility is improved, but system control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor power source availability, storage element charge state, and load requirements. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of power flow paths and converter operation modes, managing the complexity of simultaneous dual-source power delivery through intelligent control algorithms.
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 efficient and flexible power delivery to loads using RF waves, supporting various operation modes and ensuring continuous power supply even with low voltage and variable power sources, enhancing the functionality of wireless power transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving antenna may convert transmitted RF waves into AC voltage or power
Implementation Method 2
The rectifier may convert the AC voltage into DC voltage or power
Implementation Method 3
The first boost converter may step up the DC voltage from the rectifier to a DC voltage level
Implementation Method 4
The second boost converter may increase the voltage from the storage element to deliver a suitable voltage level to the load
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of wireless power receivers are disclosed herein. For example, a wireless power receiver comprises an antenna configured to: receive radio frequency (RF) waves from a transmitter; and convert energy from the RF waves into alternating current. The wireless power receiver also includes a rectifier coupled to the at least one antenna that rectifies the alternating current into a direct current; and a charger, coupled to the rectifier, the charger configured to: receive the direct current; and control, via circuitry that is coupled with the charger, distribution of current using conduction paths: (i) to a load, and (ii) to and from at least one storage element coupled with the charger. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to select the one of the conduction paths based on: a respective power requirement of the load, a respective power requirement of the at least one storage element, and the direct current.