Antenna-Electrode Integration for Compact Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication devices that rely solely on received electromagnetic waves for energy are limited in their operational flexibility, as they require a continuous energy source and occupy significant volume when additional energy storage devices are included.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising an antenna and an energy storage device, where the antenna serves as an electrode for the energy storage device, allowing for energy storage and radio communication without the need for a separate energy source, with the energy storage device comprising proton and electron conductor regions and circuitry connected in electrical parallel to the antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an apparatus includes an additional energy storage device to operate independently of external energy sources, then operational flexibility is improved, but the volume occupied by the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is merged with the energy storage device by configuring the antenna to provide at least some of the first electrodes of the energy storage device. This integration allows the apparatus to store energy independently while maintaining compact dimensions, as the antenna serves dual purposes: radio communication and energy storage electrode function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a radio communication antenna and as an electrode for the energy storage device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, thereby improving operational flexibility without increasing device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If an apparatus relies solely on received electromagnetic waves for energy, then device complexity is reduced, but operational flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage device enables the apparatus to serve itself by storing energy independently rather than relying solely on external electromagnetic wave reception. The integrated antenna-electrode configuration allows the device to accumulate and utilize its own energy resources for autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables flexible operation independent of external energy sources and reduces the volume occupied by energy storage, integrating energy storage and communication capabilities within a compact, portable device.

Implementation Method 1

a proton conductor region configured to conduct proton charge carriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProton conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a electron conductor region configured to conduct electrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

an antenna, wherein at least a portion of the antenna is configured to provide at least some of the first electrode(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10229354B2Apparatus and method comprising an antenna for radio communication and energy storage device

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: one or more cells, each cell comprising: a proton conductor (25) configured to conduct proton charge carriers; an electron conductor region (26) configured to conduct electrons; a first electrode (27) associated with one of the proton conductor region (26) and the electron conductor region (26); and a second electrode (28) associated with the other of the proton conductor region (25) and the electron conduction region (26); an antenna (50), wherein at least a portion of the antenna (50) is configured to provide at least some of the first electrode(s) (27) of the one or more cells; and circuitry (80) configured to be powered via second electrode(s) (28) of the one or more cells in electrical parallel, wherein the circuitry (80) is configured to operably connect to the antenna (50). An apparatus comprising: an antenna (50) comprising an antenna element (52) and a ground plane (54); and an energy storage device (20); wherein the ground plane (54) provides an electrode of the energy storage device (20).