Wireless Power Supply Standby Consumption Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless power systems face challenges in minimizing standby power consumption due to continuous mains rectification losses, high performance microprocessor power usage, and the need for periodic power transmission to detect devices, leading to significant energy wastage and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an ultra-low power wireless power supply system that uses a switch to isolate the mains during standby, employing a sense circuit powered by an energy storage unit to detect inductance changes and only connect the mains when a valid device is present, reducing power consumption by minimizing unnecessary power transmission and rectification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wireless power system remains in standby mode to detect devices, then device detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases due to continuous mains rectification and microprocessor operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice detection capabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic power transmission pulses during standby mode instead of continuous operation. The controller periodically activates the power transmission circuitry to detect the presence of wireless power receivers, allowing device detection while significantly reducing power consumption during intervals between pulses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and removes the mains power connection during standby mode using a switchable interface. When no device is detected, the mains rectification circuitry is disconnected from the power transmission circuitry, eliminating continuous mains rectification losses and reducing standby power consumption to minimal levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If high power pulses are transmitted to ensure device detection and communication, then reliable device identification is achieved, but energy wastage increases during standby mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy wastage in standby
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial power transmission during standby by sending low-power detection pulses instead of full-power transmission. These pulses are sufficient to detect device presence and initiate communication but consume minimal energy, avoiding the excessive energy wastage of continuous high-power transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary device detection using low-power pulses before activating full power transmission. The controller first detects device presence and validates communication capability with minimal power consumption, then only activates full power transmission when a valid device is confirmed, preventing energy wastage on unnecessary high-power transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the system maintains continuous power transmission capability to provide quick user feedback, then operational responsiveness is improved, but power consumption during idle periods increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational responsivenessVSAvoididle power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic power transmission pulses during standby that are timed to provide quick feedback to users. The pulse frequency and duration are optimized to detect device presence rapidly and provide operational feedback within acceptable timeframes while maintaining minimal power consumption between pulses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach significantly reduces standby power consumption, minimizing energy wastage and environmental impact by ensuring power is only drawn when a valid device is detected, achieving power savings of up to 30µW in ultra-low power mode.

Implementation Method 1

a primary coil (Lp) and a sense circuit (206) that detects an inductance change of the primary coil (Lp)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3487028B1Power system
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 PHILIPS IP VENTURES BV
  • EP3487028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3487028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3487028B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if its not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if its a valid secondary device, and restricting power if its not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.