Article-Powered Package Electronics via Wireless Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaged article arrangements with electronic circuits, such as those using RFID chips for tracking, lack an efficient method to power the electronic components within the package without relying on a significant energy source, limiting their functionality and visibility in retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A packaged article arrangement where the article, equipped with an energy source and a transmitter unit, transmits electromagnetic radiation that is received by a package receiver unit, powering the electronic circuit within the package, allowing for enhanced functionality like periodic LED flashing to attract consumer attention, even with minimal or no package energy source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic circuit is integrated into the package for tracking or display functions, then the functionality and visibility of the packaged article is improved, but the package requires a substantial energy source which increases its weight, size, and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The article's energy source and transmitter unit serve dual purposes: their primary function for operating the article, and a secondary function of powering the package's electronic circuit through electromagnetic radiation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate energy source in the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The package's electronic circuit is powered by the article itself through electromagnetic radiation transmission. The article essentially serves the package by providing energy without requiring the package to have its own independent energy source, achieving a self-service arrangement.
2Reliability
If an electronic circuit is integrated into the package with its own energy source, then the package can independently perform functions like tracking and display, but the overall packaged article arrangement becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The energy source function is extracted from the package and relocated to the article. The package retains only the electronic circuit components that receive power wirelessly from the article, thereby removing the weight burden of a package-mounted battery or energy storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical connection and direct energy transfer mechanism (mechanical/electrical contact) is replaced with electromagnetic radiation for energy transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for physical energy source components in the package, reducing weight and complexity.
3Device complexity
If the package uses electromagnetic radiation from the article to power its electronic circuit, then the package can achieve enhanced functionality without a substantial energy source, but requires precise alignment and proximity between the article transmitter and package receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The article's transmitter unit operates at sufficient power levels to ensure reliable energy transfer to the package receiver even with variations in proximity and alignment. This excessive action approach compensates for potential losses and ensures consistent operation without requiring precise positioning.
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 the electronic circuit in the package to be energized by the article itself, enhancing the package's visibility and functionality through periodic flashing or other interactive features, such as displays and sensors, without the need for a substantial energy source within the package.
Implementation Method 1
an article transmitter unit (210) arranged for transmitting electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a package receiver unit (110) arranged for receiving the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the article transmitter unit
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged article arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement includes an article including an article energy source and an article transmitter unit for transmitting electromagnetic radiation; and a package that at least partly envelopes the article. The package includes an electronic circuit that includes a package receiver unit arranged for receiving the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the article transmitter unit, the electronic circuit being arranged for using the received electromagnetic radiation as sole or additional power supply.