US 9,853,692 B1Granted

Systems and methods for wireless power transmission

AssigneeEnergous Corporation

InventorsDouglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman

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Abstract

The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth technology). The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device. Accordingly, the embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for transmitting wireless power comprising:

receiving, by a transmitter from at least one of a plurality of antennas, a first communication signal from a receiver coupled to an electronic device, the first communication signal comprising a location and device parameters associated with the electronic device;
splitting, by the transmitter, the plurality of antennas into at least one communication antenna and a first group of antennas;
assigning, by the transmitter, the first group of antennas to the receiver based on the device parameters associated with the electronic device;
transmitting, by the transmitter, two or more power transmission waves from the first group of antennas such that the power transmission waves converge as constructive interference patterns to form a pocket of energy at the location associated with the electronic device;
receiving, by the transmitter via the at least one communication antenna, a second communication signal from the receiver, the second communication signal comprising a power level associated with the electronic device;
adjusting, by the transmitter, a phase at which power transmission waves are transmitted by each antenna of the first group of antennas based on the power level associated with the electronic device;
and
transmitting, by the transmitter, two or more power transmission waves having the adjusted phase from the first group of antennas such that the power transmission waves converge as constructive interference patterns to form an adjusted pocket of energy at the location associated with the electronic device.

5 more elements

A system comprising:

a transmitter configured to:
receive by at least one of a plurality of antennas a first communication signal from a receiver coupled to an electronic device, the first communication signal comprising a location and device parameters associated with the electronic device;
split the plurality of antennas into at least one communication antenna and a first group of antennas;
assign the first group of antennas to the receiver based on the device parameters associated with the electronic device;
transmit two or more power transmission waves from the first group of antennas such that the power transmission waves converge as constructive interference patterns to form a pocket of energy at the location associated with the electronic device;
receive, via the at least one communication antenna, a second communication signal from the receiver, the second communication signal comprising a power level associated with the electronic device;
adjust a phase at which power transmission waves are transmitted by each antenna of the first group of antennas based on the power level associated with the electronic device;
and
transmit two or more power transmission waves having the adjusted phase from the first group of antennas such that the two or more power transmission waves converge as constructive interference patterns to form an adjusted pocket of energy at the location associated with the electronic device.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 14/584,170Filed 29 Dec 2014 · continuation in part
Priority: 23 May 2014
Granted: 26 Dec 2017
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification10 codes

H04B 5/79
Specially adapted for specific purposes: for data transfer in combination with power transfer
H02J 7/42
Characterised by the exchange of charge or discharge related data: with electronic devices having internal batteries, e.g. mobile phones
H02J 50/001
Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power: energy harvesting or scavenging
H02J 50/20
Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power: using microwaves or radio frequency waves