Automated Power Distribution for Common Device Workflows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power sharing technologies lack the ability to distribute power automatically among connected devices participating in a common activity without human intervention, as they do not consider how to manage power distribution dynamically based on the devices' capabilities and charge levels during the activity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that identify devices performing a common activity, establish an electrical connectivity plan for power transfer, divide the activity into device-specific steps, assign steps to devices based on their capabilities and charge levels, and monitor charge levels to facilitate power transfer between devices when necessary to ensure adequate power for completing the activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If inductive or wired power sharing mechanisms are used, then power can be transferred between devices, but the system lacks automated power distribution based on device capabilities and charge levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated power distributionVSAvoidpower management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to automatically manage their own power needs by monitoring charge levels, evaluating capabilities, and initiating power requests without human intervention. Each device acts as both a potential power source and consumer, making autonomous decisions about power sharing based on current activity state and battery status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors charge levels of all participating devices and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power distribution. The feedback loop includes detecting when a device needs power, selecting an appropriate power source from other devices, executing the power transfer, and updating the system state accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If power sharing is implemented without considering device capabilities and charge levels, then power transfer can occur, but efficiency and reliability of completing common activities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of completing common activitiesVSAvoidpower availability for activity completion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on real-time conditions including device capabilities, charge levels, and current activity requirements. Rather than using fixed power sharing rules, the system adapts its behavior to match the changing needs of the common activity and the current state of each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as power transfer amount, source device selection, and timing based on monitored variables like charge level thresholds and device capability profiles. These parameter adjustments ensure optimal power allocation that maintains both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual power sharing management is used, then system complexity is reduced, but power distribution cannot adapt to changing charge levels and device capabilities during activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution adaptabilityVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessments of device capabilities and establishes power sharing protocols before the common activity begins. This preliminary setup includes identifying which devices can serve as power sources and setting initial charge level thresholds, enabling smooth adaptive operation during the activity without real-time complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 optimizes power sharing and distribution among devices by ensuring that each device has sufficient power to perform its assigned steps, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of completing common activities in a network of connected devices.

Implementation Method 1

Near field power transmission is a non-radiative technique used to transfer power over short distances by magnetic fields using inductive coupling between coils of wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Near field power transmission is a non-radiative technique used to transfer power over short distances by magnetic fields using inductive coupling between coils of wire, or by electric fields using capacitive coupling between metal electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11101847B1Power transfer among devices according to a common workflow

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Managing power distribution according to a common activity mutually performed by a set of connected devices. The common activity is divided into a series of device-specific steps for completion by the connected devices. Charge level of the connected devices is maintained according to an electrical connectivity plan that assures adequate power is available to each device for performing the series of device-specific steps.