Wireless Power Transmitter Virtualizing Wired Data Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transfer systems face limitations in data communication speed and compatibility, with in-band communications often operating at slow rates and using protocols not suitable for device-related data transmission, necessitating a wired connection for faster data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transfer system that utilizes buffered communication methods and protocols like UART and NFC to enable faster, one-way or two-way data transfer over a virtual wired connection, simulating serial and asynchronous data communications without the need for a physical wired link, allowing for the use of legacy protocols and seamless interoperability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If in-band communications are used for data transfer in wireless power transfer systems, then wireless power transfer can be achieved, but data communication speed is limited to slow rates (1-3 kilobytes per second)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication speedVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication channel by separating power transfer and data transfer functions. Data is transmitted during idle periods when power transfer is not occurring, creating dedicated time slots for high-speed data communication without interfering with power transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic action by transmitting data during idle periods between power transfer cycles. This periodic utilization of idle time enables high-speed data transfer while maintaining continuous power transfer capability, achieving both objectives simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If in-band communications are used for data transfer, then wireless operation is maintained, but the data protocol is not suitable for device-related data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoiddata transmission suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates between the wireless power transfer communication protocol and standard device data protocols. This intermediary enables compatibility with legacy wired protocols while operating over the wireless medium, allowing device-related data to be transmitted reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes communication parameters by utilizing idle periods and varying data transmission rates dynamically. This allows the system to adapt between power transfer mode and high-speed data mode, achieving both wireless operation and suitable data transmission characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If wired connection is used for data transfer, then faster data transmission is achieved, but physical connection is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidconnection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges wireless power transfer and wireless data transfer into a single integrated system. By utilizing the same electromagnetic coupling infrastructure for both power and data, the system achieves wired-speed data transfer over a wireless connection, eliminating the need for separate physical data cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transfer interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to handle both power transfer and high-speed data transfer. This universal interface replaces the need for separate wired data connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining fast data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides significantly faster data communication speeds compared to legacy in-band wireless power transfer systems, eliminating the need for wired connections while ensuring compatibility with existing data protocols, enabling efficient wireless data and power transfer between devices.

Implementation Method 1

inductive wireless power transfer, which occurs when magnetic fields created by a transmitting element induce an electric field, and hence, an electric current, in a receiving element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11838076B2Wireless power transmitter with in-band virtualized wired communications

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 NUCURRENT INC

AI summary

Wireless power transfer systems, disclosed, include a wireless power transmission system and a wireless power receiver system. The wireless power transmission system includes a transmitter antenna configured to couple with a receiver antenna to transmit alternating current (AC) wireless signals to the receiver antenna. Antenna coupling may be inductive and may operate in conformance to a wireless power and data transfer protocol. A transmission controller drives the transmitter antenna at an operating frequency, and either the wireless power transmission system or the wireless power receiver system may damp the wireless power transmission to create a data signal containing a serial asynchronous data signal.