Wireless Power Transmitter Controller for Subsequent Device Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless power transfer systems face challenges in adjusting transmit power levels to accommodate various receiving units, leading to insufficient power for subsequent devices joining the charging system, as the initial power level may be too high for one unit but insufficient for others.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transmitter with a controller that detects subsequent chargeable devices and adjusts the current from a first level to a default level prior to communication, ensuring sufficient power is provided to all devices within the charging region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the transmit power level is adjusted to provide sufficient power to one or more chargeable devices, then power sufficiency for initial devices is improved, but subsequent devices joining the charging region may receive insufficient power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmit power levelVSAvoidaccommodation of subsequent devices
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transmit power level based on the presence and requirements of chargeable devices. When a subsequent device is detected, the controller modifies the current level from the first level to an adjusted level, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and accommodate multiple devices with different power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors the charging region for subsequent chargeable devices and uses this feedback to determine when to adjust the transmit power level. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to the presence of new devices and modify power delivery accordingly, ensuring adequate power supply to all devices in the charging region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transmit power level is set high to accommodate all possible devices, then adaptability to various devices is improved, but power efficiency and energy waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining a constantly high power level, the system dynamically adjusts the transmit power based on actual device presence and requirements. The controller modifies the current level from the first level to an adjusted level only when subsequent devices are detected, thereby maintaining adaptability while minimizing energy waste during periods when fewer devices are charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameter (current level) from the first level to an adjusted level based on the detected configuration of chargeable devices. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize power delivery efficiency by matching the transmit power level to the actual power requirements of the devices currently in the charging region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the current level is adjusted frequently to accommodate different device configurations, then adaptability to device variations is improved, but system complexity and control overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically detects subsequent chargeable devices and autonomously determines when to modify the current level from the first level to an adjusted level. This self-service approach simplifies the control process by eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different device configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures that all chargeable devices, including those with smaller receive coils or in less favorable locations, can boot and communicate effectively, negotiating a favorable power level for efficient charging.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitting element configured to use a current at a first level to wirelessly transmit power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3479457B1Apparatus and method for wireless power charging of subsequent receiver
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3479457B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3479457B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3479457B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus and method for transmission of wireless power to a plurality of chargeable devices. The apparatus and method include and provide for a wireless power transmitter including a power transmitting element configured to use a current at a first level to wirelessly transmit power sufficient to provide power to one or more chargeable devices positioned within a charging region. The apparatus and method further include and provide for a controller to detect a subsequent chargeable device positioned within the charging region and to adjust the current from the first level to a default level prior to communication with the subsequent chargeable device.