Wireless Power Transmitter with Sensor-Based Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging systems are limited in their ability to transmit energy over meaningful distances and do not effectively manage power wave directionality or dynamically track mobile electronic devices, while also failing to ensure compliance with electromagnetic field exposure regulations, particularly in three-dimensional spaces.
Innovation Solution
The system generates and transmits power waves that converge to form a pocket of energy at a predetermined location, using sensors and cameras to identify and adapt to the presence of receivers and objects, adjusting power levels to avoid exposure limits and ensure safe energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wireless power transmission is performed over extended distances, then power delivery capability is improved, but electromagnetic field exposure to humans and objects increases beyond regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the transmission environment using sensors and cameras before initiating power transmission. This allows the system to identify humans, animals, and sensitive objects in advance and adjust transmission parameters to prevent excessive electromagnetic field exposure while maintaining effective power delivery to intended receivers
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the transmission field using sensors that detect the presence and movement of objects and living beings. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts power transmission levels, directionality, and beam forming parameters to maintain effective charging while staying within regulatory electromagnetic field exposure limits
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system dynamically tracks and adapts to mobile electronic devices in three-dimensional space, then charging effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional sensor array that serves multiple purposes: detecting device locations, identifying living beings, mapping three-dimensional space, and tracking object movement. This universal sensing approach enables dynamic adaptation to mobile devices without requiring separate specialized systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical tracking mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based detection and sensor arrays. By using wireless sensing and signal processing to track device positions and movements in three-dimensional space, the system achieves high adaptability without the mechanical complexity of physical tracking components
3Loss of energy
If the system transmits power waves in directed beams to specific locations, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but risk of exposure to sensitive objects and living beings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic beam forming and directionality control that continuously adjusts power transmission paths based on real-time sensor feedback. When living beings or sensitive objects are detected in or near the transmission path, the system dynamically redirects beams or modulates power levels to avoid exposure while maintaining efficient power delivery to intended receivers through adaptive path optimization
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 safe wireless power transmission in three-dimensional spaces by dynamically adjusting power waves to avoid obstacles and ensure compliance with regulatory limits, allowing for effective charging of mobile devices while protecting humans and sensitive objects from excessive electromagnetic field exposure.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by a transmitter, power waves that converge to form constructive interference at a location associated with a receiver
Implementation Method 2
generating, by at least one thermal imaging camera in communication with the transmitter, a thermal image of at least a portion of a transmission field of the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless charging systems and method of transmitting power waves. An exemplary method includes receiving, from one or more first sensors, first data of a transmission field. After receiving the first data, the method includes determining whether a path between a wireless power receiver located in the transmission field and a first wireless power transmitter is unobstructed based, at least in part, on the first data. In accordance with a determination that the path between the wireless power receiver and the first wireless power transmitter is unobstructed, the method includes transmitting, by the first wireless power transmitter, electromagnetic wireless power transmission waves to the wireless power receiver. The wireless power receiver uses energy from at least some of the electromagnetic wireless power transmission waves to power or charge an electronic device coupled to the wireless power receiver.