Antenna Configuration Change for Wireless Charging Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for user devices and wireless nodes fail to efficiently configure antennas when coupled to a charging pad, leading to increased power consumption and slower network link establishment during wireless charging, which hinders both device charging speed and data throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include a user device and wireless node with a controller to change the configuration of antennas in response to being coupled to a charging pad, utilizing a charging pad interface to detect the connection and adjust antenna settings for energy efficiency and optimized beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the user device uses default antenna configuration during wireless charging, then the device can be charged, but power consumption increases and charging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna configuration changeable based on operational state. The system dynamically switches between default antenna configuration (when not charging) and optimized antenna configuration (when charging on a charging pad). This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize power consumption and charging speed according to the specific charging scenario, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and charging productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the antenna system by adjusting antenna configuration parameters when coupled to a charging pad. The controller modifies antenna settings (such as activation state, beamforming parameters, or frequency tuning) to optimize the electromagnetic coupling between the charging pad and the device. This parameter change enables reduced power consumption while maintaining or improving charging speed.
2Speed
If the user device uses default antenna configuration during wireless charging, then the device can establish network links, but network link establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts antenna configuration based on whether the device is coupled to a charging pad. When charging, the optimized antenna configuration enables faster network link establishment by improving signal strength and reducing interference. This dynamic adaptation directly addresses the contradiction by speeding up network link establishment while minimizing the time loss associated with scanning and connection procedures.
3Productivity
If the user device uses default antenna configuration, then the device can communicate wirelessly, but data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies antenna configuration parameters when the device is charging, optimizing the electromagnetic field distribution for both power transfer and data communication. The optimized configuration improves data throughput by enhancing signal quality and reducing interference, while the system manages power consumption by coordinating antenna operation with the charging state. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between achieving high data throughput and maintaining energy efficiency.
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 configuration reduces power consumption, speeds up network link establishment, and enhances data throughput by enabling more precise RF aiming and reduced scan times, thereby improving overall charging efficiency and network performance.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive charging employs a charging primary which is connected to a power source, such as an electrical outlet, and a charging secondary within a user device. The charging primary and the charging secondary each employ a coil. Power is wirelessly transferred from the charging primary to the user device via the two respective coils therein.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, such as a user device, can comprise a battery, a plurality of antennas, a transceiver, a charging pad interface, and a controller. The battery can be configured to power the user device. The plurality of antennas can be configured to send and receive signals to and from a wireless node. The transceiver can be configured to communicate, via the plurality of antennas, with the wireless node. The charging pad interface can be configured to detect that the apparatus is coupled to a charging pad and to receive charging power from the charging pad. The controller can be configured to change a configuration of at least one antenna from the plurality of antennas in response to the charging pad interface detecting that the apparatus is coupled to the charging pad.