Wireless Power Beamforming Using UWCFs Around Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless charging systems face inefficiencies due to complex detour path design and power loss when charging devices near obstacles, and existing systems fail to optimize power transfer effectively in the presence of obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for beamforming in wireless power transmitters that adapt unique wireless charging frames (UWCFs) based on device location and reflection characteristics, allowing for optimized power transfer by selecting sub-areas with minimal obstruction, thereby ensuring secure and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detour path is designed to avoid obstacles during wireless charging, then the charging can proceed without obstruction, but the path design becomes complex and causes additional power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflection caused by obstacles into a beneficial effect by using backscatter detection to identify obstacle locations. The reflected RF energy that would normally cause interference is instead used to detect obstacle positions and adapt the beamforming strategy, thereby eliminating the need for complex detour path design while reducing power loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming that adapts in real-time based on detected obstacle positions. The beam direction and shape are continuously adjusted to navigate around obstacles efficiently, replacing static detour path designs with dynamic adaptation that minimizes power loss while ensuring charging continuity
2Loss of energy
If microwave power is reduced when an obstruction is detected, then wasted power transmission is prevented, but the charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission space into multiple directional beams and selectively adjusts power in each segment based on obstacle detection. Instead of uniformly reducing power when an obstruction is detected, only the affected beam segments have their power reduced, while other segments maintain full power transmission, thereby preventing wasted power without significantly compromising overall charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by adjusting microwave power transmission specifically in the direction of detected obstacles while maintaining full power in other directions. This localized adaptation ensures that power is not wasted on obstructed paths while preserving charging efficiency in clear paths
3Loss of energy
If beamforming is used to transmit power wirelessly, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more complex in adapting to different device locations and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic backscatter detection and adaptive beamforming adjustment. The system autonomously detects obstacles and adapts its transmission pattern without requiring complex manual configuration or external intervention, thereby achieving high power transfer efficiency while managing system complexity through self-adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from backscatter detection to continuously adjust beamforming parameters. The system detects reflected signals from obstacles and uses this feedback to adaptively modify transmission patterns, achieving efficient power transfer while keeping the control system manageable through closed-loop adaptation
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 approach enables robust and uninterrupted wireless charging by selecting optimal UWCFs that reduce power losses and enhance service quality, allowing for adaptive charging rates and user input integration, ensuring efficient and secure power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
wireless power transmitting device may charge the computing device while avoiding the obstacle by forming an RF wave through a detour path
Implementation Method 2
backscatter detectors respond to backscatter energy reflected off any obstacle between the device to be charged and the microwave array emitters
Implementation Method 3
A beamformed signal is then transmitted within corresponding UWCF of each of the one or more devices based on corresponding charging rate
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises obtaining device information associated with one or more computing devices, the device information comprises at least a location of each of the one or more computing devices. Based on the device information, one or more UWCFs corresponding to the one or more computing devices are adapted such that a UWCF is a sub-area of an open zone, where the open zone is an area having reflection characteristics below a reference reflection threshold. A charging rate for each of the one or more computing devices based on the one or more UWCFs is determined. A beamformed signal is then transmitted within corresponding UWCF of each of the one or more computing devices based on corresponding charging rate for wirelessly charging the one or more computing devices.