Wireless Power Delivery via Resonant Coupling Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technology often fails to meet the charge capacity and discharge rate demands of electronic devices, limiting their mobility, and wired charging mechanisms restrict device usability and create 'cord clutter' as the number of devices increases.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power delivery system using resonating elements like inductors and capacitors to generate and couple with magnetic and electric fields, allowing for efficient power transfer between a transmitter and receiver via resonant coupling, with a controller determining operational states to optimize power delivery across different coupling modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If resonant wireless power transfer is used, then device mobility and usability are improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates at medium range distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by switching between different coupling modes (common mode, differential mode, inductive mode) based on distance. The controller dynamically adjusts which resonators are active and which coupling mode is used to maintain efficient power transfer across varying distances from the transmitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its power transfer mechanism by detecting distance and selecting appropriate coupling modes. The controller continuously monitors operational conditions and switches between common mode, differential mode, and inductive mode to optimize power transfer efficiency at any given distance from the transmitter.
2Ease of operation
If multiple devices are charged wirelessly, then device usability is improved, but cord clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transfer system provides universal charging capability that can simultaneously charge multiple devices of different types (smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables) without requiring device-specific wired connections. The system handles multiple receivers across different coupling modes, eliminating the need for multiple chargers and cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. By substituting physical cable connections with resonant wireless coupling, the system eliminates cord clutter while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
3Loss of energy
If common mode resonant coupling is used, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but susceptibility to interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces differential mode resonant coupling as an intermediary alternative when common mode coupling encounters interference problems. The controller detects interference conditions and switches to differential mode, which uses a different electromagnetic field configuration that is less susceptible to certain types of electromagnetic interference while maintaining power transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electromagnetic coupling parameters by switching from common mode to differential mode when interference is detected. This parameter change alters the field configuration and reference points, reducing susceptibility to interference while maintaining efficient power transfer through the resonant coupling mechanism.
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 wireless power transfer over medium range distances with less stringent proximity requirements, achieving high efficiency even with weak coupling, and reducing the need for wired connections, thus enhancing device mobility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one transmit resonator is configured to resonate at one or more transmitter resonance frequencies, and where the one or more transmitter resonance frequencies include at least the oscillation frequency
Implementation Method 2
use resonating elements, such as inductors and capacitors, to generate and couple with resonating magnetic and/or electric fields
Implementation Method 3
the at least one receive resonator is configured to resonate at one or more receiver resonance frequencies, where the one or more receiver resonance frequencies include at least one of the one or more transmitter resonance frequencies
Implementation Method 4
use resonating elements, such as inductors and capacitors, to generate and couple with resonating magnetic and/or electric fields
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein may relate to a system comprising a power source configured to provide a signal at an oscillation frequency; a transmitter coupled to the power source, wherein the transmitter comprises at least one transmit resonator; one or more receivers, wherein the at least one receive resonator is operable to be coupled to the transmit resonator via a wireless resonant coupling link; one or more loads, wherein each of the one or more loads is switchably coupled to one or more respective receive resonators. The system includes a controller configured to determine an operational state of the system, wherein the operational state comprises at least one of three coupling modes (common mode, differential mode, and inductive mode), and is configured to cause the transmitter to provide electrical power to each of the one or more loads via the wireless resonant coupling link according to the determined operational state.