Wireless Power Transmitters for Rotating Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless power supply systems using electromagnetic waves face instability and limited coverage when power receivers on rotatable or movable objects move out of the line-of-sight range of a single fixed power transmitter, necessitating complex cable winding mechanisms and thick power cables.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power supply system with multiple power transmitters positioned around a rotatable object to maintain continuous electromagnetic wave coverage, using direction controllable transmitters and strategically placed power receivers to ensure stable power delivery across a wide drive range without the need for additional cable infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single fixed power transmitter is used for wireless power supply, then the device structure is simple, but the power supply becomes unstable when power receivers move out of line-of-sight coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the power transmission function into multiple independent power transmitters positioned around the rotatable object. Each transmitter covers a specific angular range, and together they provide continuous coverage throughout the rotation, eliminating the limitation of a single fixed transmitter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-point power transmission approach to a multi-point spatial distribution approach. By positioning transmitters at different locations around the rotatable object and controlling their transmitting directions independently, the system achieves continuous coverage through spatial redundancy.

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

2Reliability

If thick power cables are laid across long distance to supply power, then power supply is stable, but the device weight increases and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical cable-based power transmission system with an electromagnetic wave-based wireless power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cables, reducing device weight and simplifying maintenance while maintaining power supply reliability through multiple transmitters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cable winding devices are added to prevent cable tension, then power supply reliability is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes the cable winding device and associated cable infrastructure from the system entirely. By using wireless electromagnetic wave transmission from multiple positioned transmitters, the solution eliminates the need for mechanical cable management mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Area of stationary object

If a single power transmitter covers a wide rotation range, then the coverage area is large, but the transmitting precision decreases when tracking moving power receivers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidtransmitting direction precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the wide coverage area into multiple smaller zones, each handled by a dedicated power transmitter. Each transmitter focuses its electromagnetic energy on a specific angular range, maintaining high transmitting precision within its zone while collectively covering the entire rotation range through the coordinated operation of multiple transmitters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution eliminates the need for heavy cables and complex winding devices, enhancing maintenance ease, drive precision, and power supply stability for large-scale devices like telescopes and antennas, while maintaining operation without line-of-sight limitations.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitter that transmits an electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power converter that converts the electromagnetic wave into electric power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2871751B1Wireless power supply system, and power transmission device
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2871751B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2871751B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2871751B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless power supply system is a system wirelessly supplying electric power through electromagnetic waves. The wireless power supply system includes a power transmitter (1) transmitting an electromagnetic wave (2), and a plurality of power receivers (3) disposed on a rotatable object (9) that rotates around a rotation axis (8) and receives the electromagnetic wave (2). Further, the plurality of power receivers (3) of the wireless power supply system is disposed such that at least one of the plurality of power receivers (3) is located within a coverage area formed by the electromagnetic wave (2) transmitted by the power transmitter (1).