Wireless Power Tuning via Electrically Tunable Inductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard wireless power systems face limitations in coupling efficiency due to fixed transmitting frequencies and the high cost and limited tunability of switched capacitor architectures, which hinder precise resonance adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power system utilizing a controller and a resonant tank with an electrically tunable inductor, where the inductor's magnetic core has two magnetic loops, allowing the controller to adjust inductance to match resonance, thereby enhancing coupling efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switched capacitor architecture is used to adjust system resonance, then resonance can be adjusted, but the cost increases due to expensive semiconductor switches and capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic switched capacitor architecture with an electrically tunable inductor that uses magnetic core saturation to adjust inductance. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive semiconductor switches and multiple capacitors, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining resonance adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter of the resonant tank by utilizing magnetic core saturation effects. By controlling the DC bias current through the magnetic core, the effective inductance can be continuously adjusted, providing resonance tuning without requiring switched capacitor components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switched capacitor architecture is used to adjust system resonance, then resonance can be adjusted, but the number of tuning steps is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous dynamic tuning of the inductance parameter through DC bias control of the magnetic core, replacing the discrete stepped tuning of switched capacitor architectures. This allows for precise continuous adjustment of resonance frequency, enabling exact tuning to match transmitter frequency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed transmitting frequency is used, then system stability is maintained, but coupling efficiency decreases due to inability to match resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resonant frequency parameter of the receiver system by adjusting the inductance of the electrically tunable inductor. This allows the receiver resonance to be dynamically matched to the fixed transmitter frequency, maximizing power transfer efficiency while maintaining frequency stability.
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 enables precise and cost-effective resonance tuning, improving power transfer efficiency between transmitter and receiver coils, accommodating variations in component tolerance and relative positions.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically tunable inductor comprises a magnetic core that further comprises two magnetic loops such that each of a power winding and a control winding equally link each of the two loops
Implementation Method 2
Wireless transmission of power typically performed with a magnetic device such as a transformer has been known in the industry for many decades
Implementation Method 3
wireless power systems have been developed that use resonant operation to boost the coupling between transmitting and receiving coils
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transmission system comprising a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting power and a wireless receiver capable of receiving power such that the transmitter or receiver comprises a controller and resonant tank, and the resonant tank comprises a capacitor and an electrically tunable inductor.