SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES TO WIRELESSLY DELIVER POWER TO ELECTRONIC DEVICES

• US 20180048178A1
• Filed: 10/04/2017
• Published: 02/15/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Energous Corporation
• Original Assignee: Energous Corporation
• Inventors: Leabman, Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US15/725,236
• Publication Number:
  US 20180048178A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/23 characterised by the type of transmitting antennas, e.g. directional array antennas or Yagi antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00034 Charger exchanging data with an electronic device, i.e. telephone, whose internal battery is under charge
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/79 for data transfer in combination with power transfer

Abstract

Wireless charging systems, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed herein. As an example, a method includes: (i) receiving, by a communications radio of a wireless power transmitter, a communication signal from a communications radio of a wireless power receiver, the communication signal including data used to determine a location of the wireless power receiver, and (ii) determining a location of the wireless power receiver based, at least in part, on the data included in the communication signal. The method further includes, in response to determining that the location of the wireless power receiver is within a wireless power transmission range defined by the transmitter, transmitting radio frequency (RF) power transmission waves towards the wireless power receiver, the RF power transmission waves converging to form controlled constructive interference patterns and destructive interference patterns in proximity to the location of the wireless power receiver.

Claims

1. A method of wirelessly transmitting power, comprising:

receiving, by a communications radio of a wireless power transmitter, a communication signal from a communications radio of a wireless power receiver, the communication signal including data used to determine a location of the wireless power receiver;

determining, by a processor of the wireless power transmitter, a location of the wireless power receiver based, at least in part, on the data included in the communication signal; and

in response to determining that the location of the wireless power receiver is within a wireless power transmission range of the transmitter;

transmitting, by antennas of the wireless power transmitter, radio frequency (RF) power transmission waves towards the wireless power receiver, the RF power transmission waves converging to form controlled constructive interference patterns and destructive interference patterns in proximity to the location of the wireless power receiver, wherein the destructive interference patterns form a null space that surrounds the controlled constructive interference patterns and the controlled constructive interference patterns are received by an antenna of the wireless power receiver.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the wireless power transmitter is coupled to a power source of a vehicle;

electrical current from the power source is used by the transmitter to generate the RF power transmission waves; and

the wireless power receiver is located inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the wireless power transmitter is disposed within a toolbox; and

the wireless power receiver is coupled to a cordless power tool.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmitter is connected to a power source and a telescoping mast of a mobile vehicle, the telescoping mast extending in a vertical direction above the mobile vehicle.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the wireless power transmitter is coupled to a wind turbine; and

electrical current from the wind turbine is used by the transmitter to generate the RF power transmission waves.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the wireless power transmitter is coupled to a gaming counsel; and

the wireless power receiver is coupled to a game controller.

7. A wireless power transmitter comprising:

a communications radio;

antennas;

one or more processors;

memory; and

one or more programs stored in the memory and configured for execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programs comprising instructions for;

receiving, by the communications radio, a communication signal from a communications radio of a wireless power receiver, the communication signal including data used to determine a location of the wireless power receiver;

determining, by the one or more processors of the wireless power transmitter, a location of the wireless power receiver based, at least in part, on the data included in the communication signal; and

in response to determining that the location of the wireless power receiver is within a wireless power transmission range defined by the transmitter;

transmitting, by the antennas, radio frequency (RF) power transmission waves towards the wireless power receiver, the RF power transmission waves converging to form controlled constructive interference patterns and destructive interference patterns in proximity to the location of the wireless power receiver, wherein the destructive interference patterns form a null space that surrounds the controlled constructive interference patterns and the controlled constructive interference patterns are received by an antenna of the wireless power receiver.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, storing one or more programs configured for execution by one or more processors of a wireless power transmitter, the one or more programs including instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors cause the wireless power transmitter to:

receive, by a communications radio of the wireless power transmitter, a communication signal from a communications radio of a wireless power receiver, the communication signal including data used to determine a location of the wireless power receiver;

determine, by a processor of the wireless power transmitter, a location of the wireless power receiver based, at least in part, on the data included in the communication signal; and

in response to determining that the location of the wireless power receiver is within a wireless power transmission range defined by the transmitter;

transmit, by antennas of the wireless power transmitter, radio frequency (RF) power transmission waves towards the wireless power receiver, the RF power transmission waves converging to form controlled constructive interference patterns and destructive interference patterns in proximity to the location of the wireless power receiver, wherein the destructive interference patterns form a null space that surrounds the controlled constructive interference patterns and the controlled constructive interference patterns are received by an antenna of the wireless power receiver.