Adaptive Energy Scheduling for Intermittently Powered Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices powered by intermittent energy sources face rapid energy depletion due to fixed action configurations, leading to premature shutdown and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adaptively schedule actions based on current energy levels and external events to optimize energy usage, allowing devices to maintain sufficient reserves and extend operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If actions are executed frequently to maximize device functionality, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases causing premature shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the action execution frequency adaptive rather than fixed. The scheduling system dynamically adjusts when and how often actions are executed based on real-time energy level monitoring. When energy levels are high, more actions can be executed frequently; when energy levels drop, the system automatically reduces execution frequency to conserve energy, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of action execution frequency based on energy conditions. Instead of maintaining a constant high frequency for maximum productivity, the system modifies this parameter dynamically according to available energy levels. This allows the device to operate productively when energy permits while extending operation duration when energy is limited, directly addressing the contradiction between action frequency and energy usage.
2Ease of operation
If fixed action configurations are used to simplify device operation, then ease of operation is improved, but energy depletes rapidly reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the device to automatically adjust its own action configuration based on energy levels without requiring user intervention. The scheduling system autonomously monitors energy status and modifies action frequencies and priorities accordingly. This maintains ease of operation (users don't need to manually reconfigure) while extending service life through adaptive energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed configuration into a dynamic adaptive configuration. The action schedule is no longer rigid but flexibly adjusts to energy conditions. This dynamic approach preserves operational simplicity from the user perspective while internally optimizing for extended service life by reducing energy consumption during low-energy periods.
3Productivity
If high power actions are executed to maximize functionality, then productivity is improved, but energy reserves deplete faster reducing operational duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power level parameter of executed actions based on energy availability. The scheduling system selectively executes high-power actions only when energy reserves are sufficient, and substitutes them with lower-power alternatives or delays them when energy is limited. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining productivity when possible while extending operational duration through power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by executing only the necessary subset of high-power actions based on current energy reserves and priority levels. Instead of running all configured actions at full power, the system selectively executes partial sets of actions that provide sufficient functionality while consuming less energy, thereby extending operational duration without completely sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing the energy of an electronic device. The method includes obtaining at least one action to be carried out by the device, and scheduling execution of the at least one action taking into account a current energy level of the device.


