Wireless Power Transfer for Removable Vehicle Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer technologies face inefficiencies in transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, with radiative methods being inefficient and non-radiative methods limited to short distances and precise alignments.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes, specifically high-Q magnetic and electric resonators, to mediate energy transfer through magnetic or electric near-fields, enabling efficient power transfer over mid-range distances with omni-directional and stationary near-fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but transfer efficiency deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resonant electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium between transmitter and receiver. By tuning both transmitter and receiver to the same resonant frequency, energy is transferred through a sustained oscillating field rather than direct radiation, dramatically improving efficiency at mid-range distances while avoiding the exponential loss characteristic of radiative transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency matching between transmitter and receiver coils. This parameter adjustment transforms the transfer mechanism from inefficient radiative transfer to efficient resonant coupling, enabling useful power transfer over distances of 1-10 meters with significantly reduced energy loss.
2Loss of energy
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but transmission distance and alignment tolerance are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic resonant coupling where both transmitter and receiver operate at adjustable resonant frequencies. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain efficient power transfer over varying distances and misalignments by adapting the coupling strength through frequency tuning, unlike static traditional induction schemes that require precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic resonance analogous to mechanical vibration principles. By exciting both transmitter and receiver at their natural resonant frequencies, the system creates sustained oscillations that enhance coupling strength and extend the effective transmission distance beyond what is possible with non-resonant induction, while maintaining high efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to improve radiative transfer efficiency, then power transfer efficiency improves, but system complexity and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using directional radiation with complex tracking mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by using omnidirectional resonant coupling. Both transmitter and receiver coils generate three-dimensional resonant fields that naturally couple without requiring directional alignment or complex steering mechanisms, simplifying the system while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant coupling system provides universal power transfer capability that works with various coil orientations and positions. The resonant fields naturally adapt to different spatial configurations, eliminating the need for complex tracking and steering mechanisms required by directional antenna systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 allows for efficient wireless energy transfer over a wide range of directions and resonator orientations, capable of powering or charging various devices, with potential applications in consumer electronics, industrial, and transportation sectors, achieving power levels from picowatts to kilowatts.
Implementation Method 1
uses an oscillating current passing through a primary coil, to generate an oscillating magnetic near-field that induces currents in a near-by receiving or secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
uses coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power from a power supply to a power drain
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described herein are improved capabilities for a system and method for wireless energy distribution to a mechanically removable vehicle seat, comprising a source resonator coupled to an energy source of a vehicle, the source resonator positioned proximate to the mechanically removable vehicle seat, the source resonator generating an oscillating magnetic field with a resonant frequency and comprising a high-conductivity material adapted and located between the source resonator and a vehicle surface to direct the oscillating magnetic field away from the vehicle surface, and a receiving resonator integrated into the mechanically removable vehicle seat, the receiving resonator having a resonant frequency similar to that of the source resonator, and receiving wireless energy from the source resonator, and providing power to electrical components integrated with the mechanically removable vehicle seat.