Wireless power distribution system and method

• US 9,257,865 B2
• Filed: 03/22/2012
• Issued: 02/09/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Huggins, Mark, McCracken, Robert E., Whitmire, Jason P., Hornick, Mike
• Primary Examiner(s): Zweizig, Jeffrey
• Application Number:
  US13/426,843
• Publication Number:
  US 20120187851A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,419 Days
• Field of Search: 320/108
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/052 Li-accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2010/4278 Systems for data transfer from batteries, e.g. transfer of battery parameters to a controller, data transferred between battery controller and main controller
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/12 of the resonant type
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/40 using two or more transmitting or receiving devices H02J50/50 takes precedence
• 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 7/0013 acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.

Claims

1. A wireless power distribution system comprising:

a power transmitter configured to transmit a power signal within a first power distribution volume;

a power harvester configured to receive the power signal,

wherein the power harvester is also configured to determine whether the received power signal is greater than a threshold power value;

a conventionally-sized battery configured to be in electrical communication with the power harvester and receive power from the power harvester when the received power signal is greater than the threshold power value,

wherein the power harvester is positioned within a housing of the conventionally-sized battery; and

a second power harvester and a battery charger, the second power harvester configured to receive the power signal,

wherein the second power harvester is connected to the battery charger and the battery charger includes a plurality of charging ports.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a relay module configured to receive a power signal from the power transmitter and transmit power within a second power distribution volume.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the conventionally-sized battery is one of an AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V battery.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the power signal received by the second power harvester is provided to the battery charger and the battery charger is configured to selectively provide power to the plurality of charging ports.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the power harvester includes an antenna, the antenna being positioned within the housing of the conventionally-sized battery.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the conventionally-sized battery is a lithium-based battery.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the conventionally-sized battery is operable to be received in and power a device.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the conventionally-sized battery is capable of being charged without being removed from the device.

9. A method of wirelessly distributing power, the method comprising:

generating a power signal at a power transmitter;

transmitting the power signal within a power distribution volume;

receiving the power signal at a power harvester;

comparing the received power signal to a power threshold value;

providing the received power signal to a battery when the received power signal is greater than the power threshold value;

charging the battery using the received power signal,

selectively inserting the battery into a device,

selectively powering the device using the battery when the power signal is below the power threshold value,

wherein the battery is capable of being charged without being removed from the device;

receiving the power signal from the power transmitter at a relay module; and

transmitting power from the relay module within a second power distribution volume.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the battery is one of an AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V battery.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the battery is a lithium-based battery.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the power harvester is positioned within a housing of the battery.