Wireless Power Transmitter With Segmented Coils For Position Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transmission systems face challenges in maintaining efficient power transfer regardless of the position of the power receiving apparatus and are susceptible to disruptions due to vibrations, which can lead to decreased efficiency and potential safety issues like overheating and fire risks.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transmitting apparatus featuring a core assembly with a central coil and two side coils, where a power transmission unit selectively chooses the optimal coil for power transmission based on the reception power amount and position, using a series resonant converter and switching units to manage power distribution and phase differences, ensuring stable power delivery even when the power receiving apparatus moves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single central coil is used for wireless power transmission, then the device structure is simple, but the power transmission efficiency decreases when the power receiving apparatus is positioned away from the center

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil structureVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The single central coil is divided into multiple independent coils (first central coil, second central coil, first side coil, second side coil) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows selective activation of different coils based on the position of the power receiving apparatus, maintaining high transmission efficiency across various positions while keeping each individual coil relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which coil(s) to activate based on real-time position detection of the power receiving apparatus. The control unit adjusts the operating state of different coils according to the detected position, enabling adaptive optimization of power transmission efficiency without requiring a fixed complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If multiple coils are used to improve power transmission coverage, then the power transmission efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcoil structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coil system is segmented into modular units (central coils and side coils) that can be independently controlled. This modular segmentation provides wide power transmission coverage through multiple coils while keeping each coil's structure simple and manageable, avoiding the complexity of a single large complex coil system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Not all coils are activated simultaneously; instead, only the necessary subset of coils is activated based on the detected position of the power receiving apparatus. This partial action approach provides sufficient power transmission coverage without the complexity and energy consumption of activating all coils at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If terminal connection scheme is used for charging, then the power transmission is stable, but the terminal and connector suffer from abrasion and heat generation due to instantaneous discharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission stabilityVSAvoidterminal abrasion and heat
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical terminal connection system is replaced with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic induction. This substitution eliminates physical contact between charging terminals, thereby preventing terminal abrasion, connector wear, and heat generation from instantaneous discharging while maintaining stable and efficient power transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of energy

If the power receiving apparatus is fixed at a specific charging position, then the power transmission efficiency is high, but the system cannot adapt when the apparatus moves due to vibration or user placement variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidposition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic position detection and adaptive coil selection. The control unit continuously monitors the position of the power receiving apparatus and dynamically adjusts which coils are activated to maintain optimal power transmission efficiency regardless of the apparatus's position or movement due to vibration or user placement variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from position detection to adjust coil activation. Based on the detected position of the power receiving apparatus, the control unit receives feedback and determines the appropriate coil configuration to maintain high power transmission efficiency, enabling the system to adapt to position changes while preserving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables optimal power transmission regardless of the power receiving apparatus's position and maintains efficiency during vibrations, reducing the risk of overheating and improving the lifespan and performance of the power receiving apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitting unit configured to receive a reception power amount measured by the power receiving apparatus receiving wireless power transmitted from each of the one central coil and the two side coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a core assembly including one central coil, and two side coils to transmit a power to a power receiving apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2573950B1Wireless power transmitting apparatus and method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 GE HYBRID TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP2573950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2573950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2573950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a wireless power transmitting apparatus and method of wirelessly transmitting a power to a power receiving apparatus by selectively using one central coil and two side coils, wherein in the case in which each of the one central coil and the two side coils transmits the power, a reception power amount received by the power receiving apparatus is judged (S304), at least one of the one central coil and the two side coils is selected as a power transmitting coil that is to transmit the power by the judged reception power amount, and the power is wirelessly transmitted (S308) to the power receiving apparatus through the selected power transmitting coil.