Magnetoinductive wave control

Abstract

A method of configuring a metamaterial structure comprising a plurality of electrical resonators (110) that support magnetoinductive waves is disclosed. The method comprises: powering at least one of the electrical resonators (110) with an alternating current at an excitation frequency, the at least one powered electrical resonator providing a source of magnetoinductive waves in the structure; adjusting parameters of the metamaterial structure to create constructive interference of one- two- or three-dimensional magnetoinductive waves at one or more target resonators of the electrical resonators (110), to improve power transfer from the at least one powered electrical resonator to the one or more target resonators (110).

Description

[0001]The present application relates to a method of controlling magnetoinductive waves, and apparatus configured to control magnetoinductive waves.[0002]It would be convenient to be able to provide power to electronic devices without the need for a wired connection to a fixed power supply. The rapid growth of autonomous devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, household robots means that such technology is more relevant than ever. Most such autonomous devices are presently battery powered, and charging is often inconvenient. There are significant implications with large batteries, which impact cost and device weight, and which increase device size. A more convenient way of providing electrical power to devices would mitigate the need for large batteries, by improving the ease with which a device can be kept topped-up with charge.[0003]Furthermore, wired connections are potentially clumsy, and require manipulation of a connector fitted to the cable in order to electrically ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a technology that can provide power to electronic devices without the need for a wired connection. This is especially important for devices that are designed to be autonomous, like mobile phones and tablets. By using a more convenient way of providing power, it can reduce the need for large batteries and make it easier to keep devices topped-up with charge. The technology involves a component that can adjust the resistance of a resonator, which is connected in series with an active control component. This helps to control the flow of electrical current and optimize the efficiency of power conversion.

Problems solved by technology

Most such autonomous devices are presently battery powered, and charging is often inconvenient.

There are significant implications with large batteries, which impact cost and device weight, and which increase device size.

Furthermore, wired connections are potentially clumsy, and require manipulation of a connector fitted to the cable in order to electrically connect a device to a power supply.

Power and connectors are furthermore notorious points of failure for electronic devices, either simply as a result of repeated cycles of connection and disconnection, or as a result of a trip or similar accident imposing a mechanical load on the connector via the cable.

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