Wireless Receiver Converter Circuitry for Dynamic Voltage Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies and practical limitations in charging electronic devices, particularly due to the need for physical connections and variability in power levels received by receivers, which can lead to cumbersome charging solutions and reduced charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power receiver apparatus with converter circuitry that scales the input voltage based on a first voltage level threshold, allowing for efficient power conversion and adaptation to different charging requirements, enabling efficient wireless power transfer over varying distances and power levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer is used to eliminate physical connections, then ease of operation is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to variability in received power levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling in the receiver apparatus through converter circuitry that adjusts output voltage based on the received input voltage level. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal power transfer efficiency across varying wireless power levels while preserving the convenience of wireless operation. The converter circuitry continuously monitors and adjusts voltage to match charging requirements regardless of distance or alignment variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically at the receiver end to compensate for variations in wireless power transfer. By scaling the output voltage based on the received input voltage and comparing it against threshold levels, the system maintains efficient power conversion across different transmission conditions, thereby reducing energy loss while keeping the wireless operation convenient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fixed voltage conversion is used in wireless receivers, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different charging requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver apparatus employs dynamic voltage scaling through converter circuitry that automatically adjusts output voltage based on real-time monitoring of input voltage levels. This dynamic approach provides adaptability to different charging requirements without significantly increasing device complexity, as the conversion logic follows a structured threshold-based methodology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements parameter changes by scaling the output voltage according to the received input voltage level. When the input voltage exceeds a first threshold, the converter circuitry scales the output voltage to an appropriate level for charging the electronic device, thereby achieving adaptability through controlled parameter adjustment rather than complex multi-mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If voltage scaling based on threshold comparison is implemented, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional converter circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converter circuitry implements parameter changes by dynamically scaling the output voltage based on the relationship between input voltage and predefined thresholds. This approach improves power transfer efficiency by ensuring optimal voltage levels for charging while managing device complexity through a systematic threshold-comparison methodology rather than complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the converter circuitry continuously monitors the input voltage level and adjusts the output voltage accordingly. By comparing the input voltage against threshold values and scaling the output based on this feedback, the system achieves improved power transfer efficiency with a manageable level of device complexity through a closed-loop control approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If wireless power transfer operates over varying distances, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of received power level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver apparatus dynamically adjusts its voltage output based on the varying input voltage received from different distances. This dynamic voltage scaling compensates for the imprecision in measuring received power levels at varying distances, maintaining effective charging operation without requiring high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system responds to varying distances by changing the output voltage parameter based on the received input voltage level. Rather than relying on precise measurement of power levels, the system uses threshold-based voltage scaling that adapts to different transmission distances, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite reduced measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enhances charging efficiency by adapting output voltage to match the charging device's needs, reducing energy losses and improving the reliability of wireless power transfer across a range of input voltages, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional wired charging methods.

Implementation Method 1

a receive antenna configured to wirelessly receive power at a level sufficient for charging the chargeable device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3025406B1Systems and methods for extending the power capability of a wireless charger
Publication Date: 2017.03.01 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3025406B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3025406B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3025406B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Systems and methods for converting voltages between different voltage levels in a receiver are disclosed. In an aspect, a wireless power receiver apparatus for charging a chargeable device is provided. The wireless power receiver apparatus for charging a chargeable device can include a receive antenna configured to wirelessly receive power at a level sufficient for charging the chargeable device. The wireless power receiver apparatus can also include converter circuitry. The converter circuitry can be coupled to the receive antenna. The converter circuitry can be configured to receive an input voltage derived from the wirelessly received power. The converter circuitry can also be configured to produce an output voltage that is scaled to a value relative to the input voltage based on a relationship between the input voltage and a first voltage level threshold.