Wireless power transfer systems for kitchen appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems struggle to efficiently power kitchen appliances that require alternating current (AC) and face challenges with high power levels, as they often rely on direct current (DC) signals, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to cluttered cords and outlets.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wireless power transfer system that simulates AC power signals, known as 'virtual AC power signals,' which include a high-frequency wireless power system capable of transmitting both virtual AC and DC power signals, allowing for efficient power transfer and data communication, using damping circuits and voltage isolation to enhance signal quality and fidelity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless power transfer systems use DC signals, then power transfer can be achieved, but efficiency deteriorates at high power levels and compatibility with AC-powered appliances is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the output signal parameters (AC vs DC, frequency, voltage level) based on the power level requirements and appliance type. At low power levels, it uses DC signals for efficient charging, while at high power levels, it generates virtual AC power signals to match the requirements of AC-powered kitchen appliances, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficiency and compatibility
2Reliability
If multiple kitchen appliances are powered using wired connections, then power supply is reliable, but kitchen clutter and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. By using electromagnetic induction and virtual AC power signal generation, it eliminates the need for physical cords and plugs in the kitchen environment, thereby maintaining power supply reliability while removing clutter and safety hazards associated with wired connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power transfer uses conventional AC signal simulation, then compatibility with AC appliances improves, but data communication speed and range deteriorate due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power transfer and data communication functions into separate frequency domains. Power transfer occurs at the virtual AC power frequency (50-60 Hz), while data communication uses higher frequency modulated signals. This frequency segmentation allows simultaneous operation of both functions without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between AC appliance compatibility and data communication performance
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 system enables efficient wireless power transfer to kitchen appliances at high power levels while reducing clutter and safety risks, achieving faster data rates and extended data ranges with improved signal fidelity and compatibility with a wider range of appliances.
Implementation Method 1
These transmitting and receiving elements will often take the form of coiled wires and/or antennas. Transmission of one or more of electrical energy, electrical power, electromagnetic energy and/or electronic data signals from one of such coiled antennas to another
Implementation Method 2
The damping circuit may be configured to reduce rise and fall times during OOK signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A kitchen appliance is disclosed includes a first electrical component, a second electrical component, and a wireless power receiver system. The wireless power receiver system includes a first receiver antenna configured to couple with a first transmission antenna and receive virtual AC power signals from the first transmission antenna. A second receiver antenna is configured to couple with a second transmission antenna and receive virtual DC power signals from the second transmitter antenna. A first receiver power conditioning system is configured to receive the virtual AC power signals, convert the virtual AC power signals to AC received power signals, and provide the AC received power signals to power the first electrical component. The second receiver power conditioning system configured to receive the virtual DC power signals, convert the virtual DC power signals to DC received power signals, and provide the DC received power signals to power the second electrical component.