Wireless Radio Power Adapter Using Wideband Phased Array Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for wirelessly charging RF devices face challenges such as limited available passive RF power and the need for high-power transmission, which is hazardous and limits modularity and size due to the internal placement of power harvester units.
Innovation Solution
The use of wideband phased array antennas and modular ultrawideband antenna elements that can harvest ambient RF energy over a broad electromagnetic spectrum, converting it into direct current power for battery charging or energy storage, allowing for modular and scalable power solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-power transmission is used to overcome propagation losses, then wireless power transfer capability is improved, but health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-power transmission by using ambient RF energy harvesting instead. The system harvests power from existing ambient RF signals in the environment, eliminating the need for high-power transmission while still achieving wireless power transfer. This transforms the problem of hazardous high-power transmission into a beneficial use of already-present ambient RF energy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a high gain antenna with large surface area is used, then RF power harvesting capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF power harvesting system into multiple ultrawideband antenna elements that can be distributed and modularly connected. Instead of using a single large high-gain antenna, the system employs multiple smaller antenna elements that work together to harvest RF power, reducing the surface area requirement for each individual element while maintaining overall harvesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes ultrawideband frequency spectrum dimension to compensate for the reduced physical surface area. By operating across an ultrawide frequency band, the antenna elements can harvest power from a broader range of RF sources, effectively trading spatial dimension for frequency dimension to achieve the same power harvesting capability with smaller physical footprint.
3Power
If power harvester unit is placed inside the system, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but modularity is reduced and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power harvester unit from the internal system architecture and positions it as an external accessory. The ultrawideband antenna elements and rectification circuitry are designed to be externally mounted on or near the device, separated from the main system internals. This extraction maintains wireless power transfer functionality while preserving the modularity and compactness of the core device.
4Power
If conventional RF harvesters with high gain antennas are used, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but available passive RF power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable antenna element configurations that can adapt to the available ambient RF environment. The system can activate or deactivate specific ultrawideband antenna elements based on the detected RF signal strength and characteristics, optimizing power harvesting from available passive RF sources without requiring excessively high power levels. This dynamic adaptation allows efficient utilization of ambient RF energy across varying environmental conditions.
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 modular wireless charging of RF devices, reducing the need for direct power transmission and allowing power harvesting from various sources, including through clouds and adverse weather, while minimizing health risks and increasing device longevity.
Implementation Method 1
wideband phased array antennas efficiently harvest ambient RF energy over a broad electromagnetic spectrum, and circuitry adapts this RF energy into direct current (DC) power
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for enabling ambient radio frequency (RF) energy to be harvested with a device. In an embodiment, wideband phased array antennas in the device efficiently harvest ambient RF energy over a broad electromagnetic spectrum, and circuitry adapts this RF energy into DC power for battery charging or energy storage. In an embodiment, the device is a modularly connected/disconnected, passive, wireless RF-to-DC adapter accessory that can ultimately be used to supply power to an electric apparatus and/or transporter.