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Wireless Charging System that Uses Hotspots Instead of Contact

Safely and Efficiently Delivers Tens of Milliwatts of Power To Multiple Receivers

This wireless power transmission system robustly transfers electrical power to multiple devices within a large volume of space over a moderate distance. The age of battery-powered electronics has created a huge demand for convenient recharging technologies, typically accomplished through physical contact or wire connections, which can be inconvenient, costly, and difficult. Available technologies have limitations: Some require an unobstructed line of vision between the transmitter and receiver, hardly practical in dynamic, real-world situations. Other technologies require the receiver to rest directly on top of the transmitter.

 

University of Florida researchers have developed a wireless power transfer technology that allows for wireless charging of multiple devices within an area. Essentially, whenever a receiver comes within the range of the transmitter, wireless charging will automatically begin. Whether the receiver is in a clear line of sight, in a person’s pocket, or implanted in a person’s body, charging will automatically begin even if the receiver is in use. High-performance power transfer can be achieved under a wide variety of operating conditions, e.g. temperature variation, aqueous or metallic surroundings, etc.
 

 

 

Application

Wireless power transfer system uses magnetic fields to induce wireless charging in an area. For example, a vehicular hotspot that charges multiple devices inside a vehicle; non-invasive recharging of medical implants; power supply for wireless sensor networks.

 

Advantages

  • Starts power transfer when a device enters a hotspot, eliminating the need for contact to recharge electronic devices
  • Does not require a clear line of vision between transmitter and receiver, allowing for a broad range of uses
  • Recharges even while the device is in use, providing a competitive advantage
  • Robust performance under complicated operating conditions


 

Technology

University of Florida researchers have developed a wireless power transfer system that initiates the transfer of electrical energy through magnetic fields in a given area. Freed from the requirements of unobstructed space or touching components, this technology can open the door to many varieties of use that were previously unfeasible. The system is comprised of a transmitter that generates an external magnetic field and a receiver made up of a receiving coil and magnet. In operation, the transmitter emits a magnetic field from the transmission coil, which then excites the magnet in the receiver into mechanical resonance. Then the magnet vibrates to induce voltage in the receiving coil.

Patent Information: