Wireless Power Reception Antenna Array Radiation Pattern Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power delivery systems pose safety concerns due to potential excessive radio frequency (RF) energy absorption by human tissue, exceeding safety limits set by regulatory bodies like the FCC, particularly in environments where wireless power is delivered.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power reception apparatus with multiple antennas and a control system that dynamically adjusts the cumulative radiation pattern by controlling the direction and intensity of the beacon signal, angle of incidence, and amplitude and phase of the antennas to reduce RF exposure, including detection of user orientation and blockages, and cycling through preconfigured patterns to minimize exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless power is delivered using high RF energy transmission, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but human tissue absorption of RF energy increases exceeding safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the radiation pattern adjustable and reconfigurable in real-time. The system dynamically changes the antenna array's beam direction and shape based on detected user positions and orientations, allowing the wireless power delivery system to adapt its energy distribution pattern continuously rather than using a fixed pattern, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining efficient power delivery and reducing harmful RF exposure to moving users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating non-uniform energy distribution through directional beamforming. Instead of uniform omnidirectional radiation, the system concentrates RF energy in specific directions away from detected users while maintaining adequate power delivery to the receiver. This localized control of energy density allows high efficiency in targeted areas while minimizing exposure in user-proximate areas
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the radiation pattern is adjusted to reduce RF exposure to users, then safety is improved, but wireless power delivery efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect user positions and orientations, then using this information to dynamically adjust the radiation pattern. The system continuously monitors the environment and adapts its beamforming configuration in response to detected conditions, ensuring that safety adjustments are made only when and where needed, thereby maintaining optimal power delivery efficiency while reducing RF exposure to users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the amplitude and phase weights of individual antenna elements in the array based on detected user conditions. These parameter adjustments redirect the main lobe of the radiation pattern away from users while maintaining the total transmitted power, thus reducing harmful exposure without compromising the overall power delivery efficiency to the intended receiver
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple antennas are used with dynamic radiation pattern adjustment, then RF exposure control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements that can be individually controlled. Each antenna element can be independently adjusted in amplitude and phase, allowing the system to create complex radiation patterns through simple individual element control. This segmentation simplifies the overall control architecture compared to controlling a single complex antenna, as each element follows the same control algorithm independently
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
Effectively reduces RF exposure to users by distributing the electromagnetic field over a larger area, avoiding absorption by human tissue, while maintaining efficient wireless power delivery within safety limits.
Implementation Method 1
The multiple antennas each have corresponding radiation patterns that are controlled over amplitude and phase by the control system
Implementation Method 2
Delivering power wirelessly, e.g., via radio frequency (RF), to electronic devices within close proximity to the human flesh can raise safety concerns due to the potential for absorption of the RF energy by the human flesh
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for reducing human exposure to wireless energy in wireless power delivery environments. In some embodiments, a wireless power reception apparatus configured to receive wireless power from a wireless charging system in a wireless power delivery environment is disclosed. The wireless power reception apparatus includes a control system and an antenna array. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to dynamically adjust transmission and reception radiation patterns of the antenna array to reduce human exposure to wireless radio frequency (RF) energy.