Wireless Status Indicator for Wireless Power Transfer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer systems face challenges in providing user-friendly status indications due to the need for wired connections, which can be inconvenient and obstructed, especially when integrated into opaque or difficult-to-access objects.
Innovation Solution
A wireless status indicator that generates power responsive to a magnetic flux field and provides status indications without physical coupling to the transmitter or receiver, allowing for separate and standalone operation to inform users of the charging system's state through visual, audible, or tactile means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wired connection is used to electrically couple the status indicator with the power supply, then the status indicator can be powered and function, but the charging area becomes cramped and inconvenient, especially when multiple devices require charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The status indicator receives power wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling with the transmitter coil, eliminating the need for physical cords and electrical connections, thereby freeing up charging space and improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the physical wired connection and relocates it to the wireless electromagnetic field. The status indicator is designed to harvest power directly from the magnetic flux field generated by the transmitter, removing the cumbersome wired power delivery mechanism
2Shape
If the status indicator is integrated into opaque or difficult-to-access objects, then the object's design is maintained, but the status indicator becomes difficult to locate and see for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic field coupling as an intermediary mechanism that allows the status indicator to be positioned anywhere within the magnetic flux field without requiring physical integration or optical transparency. The magnetic field acts as a mediator to deliver power to the status indicator regardless of the object's material properties or structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the power delivery mechanism from a two-dimensional physical connection (wires embedded in the object) to a three-dimensional wireless electromagnetic field that can penetrate and reach the status indicator through opaque materials, adding the dimension of spatial freedom in positioning
3Reliability
If wires are run through objects to connect the status indicator, then electrical coupling is achieved, but the object's contiguous design is disrupted and additional wiring complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wiring system with a wireless electromagnetic power transfer system. The status indicator couples with the transmitter coil through magnetic flux field interaction, eliminating the need to run wires through the object, thereby maintaining design integrity while achieving reliable power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless electromagnetic field serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers power to the receiver coil, provides power to the status indicator through magnetic coupling, and enables communication between components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring for each function
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 clear and efficient status indication to users without disrupting the charging process or requiring modifications to the object's design, enhancing user experience and reducing production costs by eliminating the need for wired connections and optical transparency.
Implementation Method 1
an object configured to wirelessly generate power responsive to a magnetic flux field of a wireless power transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless status indicator for a wireless power transfer system includes an object configured to wirelessly generate power responsive to a magnetic flux field of a wireless power transmitter and to generate a status indication of the wireless power transfer system. A wireless power transfer system comprises a wireless power status indicator configured to wirelessly generate power responsive to a wireless power signal and to generate a status indication of the wireless power transfer system. A related method includes generating power by a wireless status indicator and generating a status indication responsive to a wireless power signal. The wireless status indicator is a separate stand-alone device than a wireless power transmitter and wireless power receiver involved in the wireless power transfer. The status indication corresponds to a state of wireless power transfer.