Wireless Power Transfer Repeater Antenna Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transmission technologies face challenges in efficiently charging multiple devices over reasonable distances with flexible placement and orientation, as they either suffer from rapid power coupling decay with distance or require precise alignment of antennas, limiting their usability in vehicles and other applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wireless power transfer system using loop antennas with resonant frequencies adjusted for efficient energy transfer, incorporating repeater antennas to enhance coupling strength and allow for flexible placement and orientation of transmit and receive antennas, enabling efficient energy transfer over larger distances and areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If plane wave radiation coupling is used between transmit and receive antennas, then wireless power transmission can be achieved, but power coupling efficiency drops quickly with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a repeater antenna as an intermediary device between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna. The repeater antenna receives power wirelessly from the transmit antenna and then wirelessly transmits power to the receive antenna, enabling power transfer over longer distances while maintaining better coupling efficiency compared to direct plane wave radiation coupling.
2Productivity
If inductive coupling between transmit and receive antennas is used, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, but the spacing between antennas must be very close and precise alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless power transmission path into multiple segments by introducing a repeater antenna. Instead of requiring direct coupling between the transmit antenna and all receive antennas, the system segments the power transfer into two independent coupling paths: transmit antenna to repeater antenna, and repeater antenna to receive antenna. This segmentation allows each segment to operate independently, providing greater placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater antenna serves as an intermediary that enables multiple receive antennas to be charged simultaneously without requiring precise alignment with the transmit antenna. Each receive antenna can be positioned independently within the coupling mode region of the repeater antenna, greatly enhancing placement flexibility while maintaining simultaneous charging capability.
3Loss of energy
If resonant length antennas are used to improve coupling efficiency, then unintentional radiation can interfere with other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the repeater antenna with specific local characteristics - using a resonant length antenna with dimensions optimized for its specific function as an intermediary. The repeater antenna's resonant length is tailored to its role in receiving power from the transmit antenna and re-transmitting to receive antennas, allowing efficient local power transfer while controlling radiation patterns to minimize interference with other systems.
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
This solution achieves high coupling efficiency and flexible charging capabilities, allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple devices with improved power transfer across various orientations and distances, enhancing convenience and usability in vehicles and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a transmit antenna for generating a coupling mode region
Implementation Method 2
The receive antenna collects the radiated power and rectifies it for charging the battery
Implementation Method 3
The repeater antenna is of resonant length and tuned to resonate at the same frequency as the transmit antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer. A power transmitting device is attached to an existing vehicle item or is embedded in a vehicle element. The power transmitting device includes a transmit antenna to wirelessly transfer power to a receive antenna by generating a near-field radiation within a coupling-mode region. An amplifier applies a driving signal to the transmit antenna. A presence detector may detect a presence of a receiver device within the coupling-mode region. The presence detector may also detect a human presence. An enclosed compartment detector may detect when the vehicle element is in a closed state. A power output may be adjusted in response to the closed state, the presence of a receiver device, and the presence of a human.