Wireless Power Transmitter Mode Switching for Kitchen Appliances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems for high power kitchen appliances face challenges such as complexity, high cost, and suboptimal dynamic performance, particularly in achieving electromagnetic compatibility and supporting very low-cost devices.

Innovation Solution

A power transmitter system that employs two operational modes: a first mode with a power control loop for accurate power provision and a second mode with setpoints for reduced complexity and cost, along with a timing circuit to adapt communication time intervals and reduce electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a power control loop is used to control power transfer in response to power control error messages, then power transfer accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode with a power control loop for accurate power provision, and a second mode with setpoints for reduced complexity. The timing circuit adapts communication time intervals based on the operating mode, enabling the system to optimize between accuracy and complexity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If communication time intervals are extended to improve communication reliability, then electromagnetic interference increases, but if communication time intervals are reduced, then communication reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The timing circuit implements periodic action by extending communication time intervals during periods when power transfer is reduced or suspended. This periodic scheduling allows communication to occur in dedicated time slots, improving reliability while limiting electromagnetic interference to specific time windows rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is used to eliminate physical electrical connections, then ease of operation is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by implementing alternating power transfer time intervals and communication time intervals. During communication time intervals, power transfer is reduced or suspended, which limits electromagnetic interference while maintaining the wireless convenience. This periodic scheduling allows the system to achieve ease of operation without continuous electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports both high-complexity and low-complexity devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universality by incorporating a timing circuit that can adapt communication time intervals based on the operational mode and device requirements. This single timing circuit serves multiple functions: managing communication scheduling, adapting to different device complexities, and coordinating between power transfer and communication operations, thereby supporting both high-complexity and low-complexity devices without requiring separate specialized circuits for each device type.

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

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

The system achieves improved performance by supporting both high-complexity and low-complexity devices, reducing cost and complexity, and enhancing electromagnetic compatibility while maintaining efficient power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

power is inductively transferred from a transmitter inductor in a power transmitter device to a receiver coil in the individual devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a driver arranged to generate a drive signal for the transmitter coil to generate the power transfer signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4352855B1Wireless power transfer
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4352855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4352855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4352855B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

:A power transmitter (101) provides power to a power receiver (105) via a power transfer signal generated by a drive signal fed to a transmitter coil (103). A first controller (209) of the power transmitter (101) controls a parameter of the drive signal in accordance with a first mode which comprises operating a power control loop to control the power transfer signal in response to power control error messages received from the power receiver (105). A second controller (211) controls the parameter of the drive signal in accordance with a second mode which comprises setting the parameter of the drive signal in response to at least one power transfer signal setpoint received from the power receiver (105). A circuit (213) selects between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation in response to a power transfer control mode request received from the power receiver (105) and a timing circuit (215) varies a timing parameter for the communication time intervals between the two modes of operation.