Acoustic Field Coupling for Micro-Device Power and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-devices face challenges in power and communication due to their small size, including limited power sources, inefficient sound wave conversion, and environmental attenuation, which complicates acoustic field transmission and coordination.
Innovation Solution
Designing devices and methods that utilize acoustics to communicate between macro-scale transceivers and micro-devices, or between multiple micro-devices, using passive and active sound generation to provide power and create sound fields tailored to the physical properties of micro-devices and their environments, with specific frequency choices and aggregate sound field creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If micro-devices use traditional power sources and communication methods, then device functionality is maintained, but power efficiency deteriorates and communication reliability worsens due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic radio frequency communication with acoustic wave communication. Micro-devices use piezoelectric transducers to generate and detect acoustic waves, substituting the electromagnetic field-based communication system with an acoustic field-based system better suited for micro-scale devices with severe antenna size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from radio frequency electromagnetic waves to acoustic waves in the frequency range of 100 kHz to 100 MHz. This parameter change allows communication and power transfer to occur through acoustic coupling, overcoming the fundamental size limitations that prevent micro-devices from using traditional RF antennas and power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If micro-devices operate in attenuating environments, then device deployment flexibility is improved, but acoustic field transmission efficiency deteriorates due to environmental attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency selection and adaptive acoustic field modulation. The system adjusts operating frequencies and modulation schemes based on environmental conditions and attenuation characteristics, allowing optimal performance across different deployment scenarios while compensating for energy losses in attenuating media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for both power transfer and communication. Instead of direct electromagnetic coupling or wired connections, acoustic waves serve as the mediating field that can penetrate various environments, enabling flexible deployment while maintaining efficient energy transfer through optimized acoustic coupling.
3Loss of information
If micro-devices use higher frequency acoustic waves, then communication bandwidth is improved, but tissue damage risk increases due to increased attenuation and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic acoustic wave transmission with controlled duty cycles and pulsed operation. By transmitting acoustic energy in periodic bursts rather than continuous waves, the system achieves sufficient communication bandwidth through time-division multiplexing while allowing tissue cooling intervals that prevent excessive heating and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by using only the minimum necessary acoustic energy required for reliable communication and power transfer. The system carefully controls acoustic intensity and exposure duration to achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratio and power delivery without excessive energy input that would cause tissue heating and damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively addresses the inefficiencies in power and communication for micro-devices by optimizing acoustic field design for various environments, enabling efficient power transfer and data transmission while minimizing tissue damage and noise.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic waves can be used to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device, or between two micro-devices
Implementation Method 2
The micro-devices may passively scatter or reflect sound from a transceiver
Implementation Method 3
The micro-devices may passively scatter or reflect sound from a transceiver
Implementation Method 4
Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device
Implementation Method 5
micro-devices acting in concert to create aggregate sound fields
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides devices and methods for using acoustics to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device or between multiple micro-devices. The micro-devices may passively scatter sound from a transceiver or actively generate sound. Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device.