Receiver transducer for wireless power transfer

#Devices that require energy to operate can be plugged into a power source using a wire. This can restrict the movement of the device and limit its operation to within a certain maximum distance from the power source. Even most battery-powered devices must periodically be tethered to a power source using a cord, which can be inconvenient and restrictive.

#According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system comprising at least one first transducer adapted and configured to convert electrical energy to ultrasonic energy in the form of ultrasonic waves. The first transducer is in communication with a first controller, and the first controller is in communication with a first communication device.

#In another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system comprises at least one second transducer adapted and configured to convert ultrasonic energy in the form of ultrasonic waves to electrical energy. The second transducer is in communication with a second controller, and the second controller is in communication with a second communication device.

#The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosed subject matter, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings also illustrate embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. No attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosed subject matter and various ways in which it may be practiced.

#FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 shows a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

#Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can convert electrical energy into acoustic energy, which can be beamed to a device where it is converted back into electrical energy. The converted electrical energy can be used to power the device and to charge one or more energy storage components of the device, such as a battery, a capacitor, etc. This can obviate the need for constant or periodic tethering to a power source using a cord. Embodiments can transfer energy to several devices at once, in rotation or in any suitable sequence, with dwell times of any suitable duration.

#FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Transmitter 101 can receive electrical energy from power source 102 (such as an electrical outlet or a battery) as input. Signal generator 103 can generate a signal that can be amplified by amplifier 104. This can be done under the control of controller 105. The amplified signal can be sent to sending transducer 106, and the ultrasonic energy in the form of ultrasound waves 107 can be transmitted through a medium such as the air. Receiver 108 can includes receiving transducer 109, which receives ultrasonic energy in the form of ultrasonic waves and converts it to electrical energy, which can be used to charge energy storage device 110 or power processor 111. Examples of energy storage device 110 can include a battery, a capacitor, an induction circuit, etc. Examples of device 105 can include a smartphone (such as an Android mobile device, an iPhone, a mobile device having a Microsoft operating system), a portable computer (such as an Apple laptop, a laptop having a Microsoft operating system, etc.), an electronic content reader, (such as the Amazon Kindle, the Apple iPad, etc.) and so on. Controller 111 can control the receiving transducer 109 and/or energy storage device 110.

#Controller 105 can be coupled to antenna 112 and controller 111 can be coupled to antenna 113. As described below, the transmitter controller 105 and receiver controller 111 can communicate through antennas 112 and 113.