Wireless Power Transmitter Channel Allocation for Multiple Receivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transmission methods are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring direct alignment of devices with transmitters, suffering from signal attenuation with distance, and necessitating bulky equipment or frequent recharging, which is inconvenient and wasteful.

Innovation Solution

A portable transmitter that generates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF waves, allowing for wireless charging of devices by creating constructive interference patterns, enabling charging without direct physical connection and adapting to device location and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If electromagnetic signal power is boosted to increase received power over distance, then received signal power is improved, but energy wastage increases and hazardous effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceived signal powerVSAvoidenergy wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating concentrated energy pockets at specific spatial locations where receivers are positioned, rather than broadcasting energy uniformly in all directions. The transmitter forms localized high-energy regions through constructive interference of RF waves, ensuring that energy is delivered precisely where needed while minimizing energy wastage in surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar energy distribution to three-dimensional energy pocket formation. By manipulating RF waves in three-dimensional space and creating volumetric energy pockets, the system achieves more efficient energy delivery and reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective power transmission over distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If directional power transmission is used to enhance transmission efficiency, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but device location tracking and alignment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling receivers to autonomously communicate their locations to the transmitter using Bluetooth or similar communication protocols. The transmitter automatically tracks receiver positions and dynamically adjusts energy pocket formation without requiring manual alignment or complex user intervention, thereby maintaining high transmission efficiency while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where receivers continuously report their positions to the transmitter via communication protocols. The transmitter uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust and reform energy pockets in real-time, ensuring optimal power transmission efficiency while automatically adapting to device movement and position changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a predetermined number of communication channels are used to communicate with multiple wireless power receivers, then communication capability is improved, but channel allocation complexity and interference management increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidchannel allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a predetermined set of communication channels for multiple purposes: initial receiver identification, location reporting, power transmission coordination, and acknowledgment signaling. This multi-functional use of limited channels simplifies the communication architecture while maintaining the ability to serve multiple receivers simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic action through time-division multiplexing of communication channels, where channels are allocated to different receivers in alternating time slots. This periodic channel allocation allows the transmitter to communicate with multiple receivers using a predetermined number of channels without causing interference, as each receiver receives dedicated time windows for communication.

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

Enables efficient and convenient wireless power transmission to multiple devices over a range, reducing energy wastage and eliminating the need for direct alignment, thus enhancing user experience and reducing the burden of frequent recharging.

Implementation Method 1

generates a three-dimensional pocket of energy using RF waves, allowing for wireless charging of devices by creating constructive interference patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConstructive interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device and/or for charging a battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10148097B1Systems and methods for using a predetermined number of communication channels of a wireless power transmitter to communicate with different wireless power receivers
Publication Date: 2018.12.04 ENERGOUS CORP
  • US10148097B1 patent drawing
  • US10148097B1 patent drawing
  • US10148097B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An example method disclosed herein includes: detecting, by a wireless communication component supporting a predetermined number of communication channels, receivers within a communication range of a transmitter. The method also includes: in accordance with a determination that a number of receivers is less than or equal to the predetermined number, dedicating communication channels to each respective receiver. Each dedicated communication channel is used to send information identifying a location of the respective receiver to the transmitter. The method further includes: detecting, by the wireless communication component, an additional receiver within the communication range; and in response to the detecting, determining that an updated number of receivers is greater than the predetermined number. In accordance with the determining that the updated number is greater than the predetermined number, ceasing to dedicate a first channel to a first receiver and sharing the first channel with the first receiver and the additional receiver.