Wireless Power Receiver Updates via Power Transfer Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face challenges in efficiently updating power receivers without requiring additional communication functionality, especially for devices that lack Internet access or central server connectivity, leading to increased cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power transmitter system that uses electromagnetic power transfer signals for bidirectional communication to facilitate updates by modulating a communication carrier for power receiver identity detection and data transmission, allowing updates through dedicated devices like Smart Cards without additional communication means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless power transfer systems use dedicated communication functionality for updates, then update capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer communication channel is designed to serve multiple functions: both power transfer coordination and device update transmission. The existing bidirectional communication infrastructure between transmitter and receiver is leveraged to carry update data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated update communication hardware and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The update communication function is merged with the existing power transfer communication channel. Instead of implementing separate communication paths for power control and firmware updates, the system combines these functions into a single communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If wireless power transfer systems add Internet access or central server connectivity for updates, then update functionality is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmitter acts as an intermediary device that receives update data from external sources (such as a central server via Internet) and relays it to the power receiver through the wireless power transfer channel. This allows the receiver to be updated without requiring direct Internet connectivity, simplifying the receiver's communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service updates where the power receiver can be updated by simply being placed on the power transmitter, which automatically facilitates the update transfer through the existing power transfer communication channel, without requiring user configuration of communication settings or additional connectivity setup.
3Device complexity
If power receivers are updated using existing power transfer communication channels, then device complexity is reduced, but update efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically adapts its mode of operation based on the presence and state of power receivers. During update operations, the system can switch between power transfer mode and update data transmission mode, optimizing the use of the communication channel for the current task while maintaining flexibility for future operations.
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 user-friendly updates for wireless power receivers, reducing complexity and cost by leveraging existing power transfer communication channels, suitable for devices without Internet access.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter coil (103) arranged to generate a power transfer signal in response to a drive signal
Implementation Method 2
the communicator (307, 309) being arranged to transmit data by modulating the communication carrier and receiving data by demodulating a modulation of the communication carrier
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A power transmitter (101) provides wireless power to a power receiver (105). The power transmitter (101) comprises a transmitter coil (103) generating a power transfer signal. A communicator (307) is arranged to communicate using a communication carrier and an object detector (is arranged to detect objects. An update circuit (315) receives (701) a power receiver identity modulated on communication carrier by a power receiver in response a detection of the power receiver. The identity is stored and transmitted to an update device by modulation of the communication carrier when the update device is detected. Update data modulated on the communication carrier by the update device is received and stored with a link to the identity. When a power receiver is subsequently detected, a new identity is received (711) and update data linked to this identity is retrieved (713). The retrieved update data is then transmitted to the power receiver which may then perform an update using the update data.