Wireless Power Receiver with Repeater Antenna and Switching Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless charging technologies face challenges in efficiently charging both high and low power devices without risking damage to low power devices, particularly due to limitations in power transfer distance and interference, and the need for precise device placement.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power receiver system that includes a receiver circuit coupled to a chargeable element, a switching device to disconnect the circuit when fully charged, and a method for conveying power efficiently while managing coupling strength between transmit and receive antennas using repeater antennas to enhance power transfer over larger areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If inductive coupling between transmit antenna and receive antenna is used, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, but the spacing between antennas must be very close (mms)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devices charged simultaneouslyVSAvoidspacing between antennas

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a repeater antenna as an intermediary device between the transmit antenna and receive antenna. The repeater antenna receives power wirelessly from the transmit antenna and retransmits it to the receive antenna, enabling power transfer over larger distances while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the power transfer path into multiple segments: transmit antenna to repeater antenna, and repeater antenna to receive antenna. This segmentation allows each segment to operate at optimal coupling distance while the overall system achieves extended range for charging multiple devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high power transfer capability is used, then high power devices can be charged quickly, but low power devices risk permanent damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidrisk of damage to low power devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the system continuously monitors the charging status and power requirements of devices. The power transfer level is dynamically adapted based on device type, battery state, and charging progress, enabling fast charging for high-power devices while protecting low-power devices from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the receive antenna communicates charging status back to the transmit antenna and repeater antenna. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of power transfer levels to match device requirements, preventing overcharging and damage to sensitive low-power devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Length of moving object

If plane wave radiation coupling is used, then power can be transmitted over distance, but unintentional radiation interferes with other systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidinterference with other systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs magnetic near-field coupling instead of plane wave radiation, concentrating the electromagnetic energy in a localized near-field region around the antennas. This local quality approach enables power transmission over practical distances while minimizing far-field radiation and interference with other electronic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 safe charging of both high and low power devices by optimizing power transfer distances and reducing the risk of damage to low power devices, while allowing for simultaneous charging and flexible device placement.

Implementation Method 1

power transmitted from a transmit antenna to a receive antenna in a magnetic near-field coupling mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic near-field coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receive wireless power from a transmit antenna of a wireless power transmitter at a level sufficient to charge the chargeable element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Data Source

PatentUS9425642B2Wireless power transfer for low power devices

Publication Date: 2016.08.23 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer. A method of operating a wireless receiver may comprise receiving wireless power with a receive antenna and conveying power from the receive antenna to a chargeable element. The method may further include electrically isolating the receive antenna from the chargeable element upon detecting that the chargeable element is fully-charged.