Backscatter Wireless Device Power Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication devices require frequent battery recharging due to power consumption, and existing technologies for extending battery life through duty cycling come at the expense of increased latency.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system that uses backscatter communication to generate operating power from RF signals, allowing devices to operate without batteries or with minimal battery power, using RF transceivers and impedance matching transformers to convert RF signals into DC power and modulate data signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If duty cycling is used to extend battery life, then battery operation duration is improved, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery operation durationVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical battery-powered radio system with an RFID-based backscatter communication system that harvests power from RF signals. This substitution eliminates the need for duty cycling to conserve battery power, as the device can remain continuously powered by ambient RF energy while maintaining communication capability, thus resolving the latency issue without sacrificing operational duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless device harvests its own operating power from the RF signals it receives for communication, creating a self-sustaining system. The RF signal serves dual purposes: providing power to the device and carrying communication data. This eliminates the need for separate battery power management and duty cycling, allowing continuous operation without latency penalties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional battery-powered radios are used, then communication functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases requiring frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the battery-powered radio frequency identification system with an RFID tag-based backscatter system. The traditional active radio transmitter is replaced by a passive backscatter modulator that reflects and modulates incoming RF signals, dramatically reducing power consumption from milliwatts to microwatts while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RF signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the wireless device, carries communication data, and enables backscatter modulation for response transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power and communication systems, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 wireless communication devices to operate for extended periods with reduced battery power consumption, maintaining functionality and reducing latency by harnessing RF power for both power generation and data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless device may be configured to generate operating power for the wireless device from the RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

communicate data to the base station using backscatter communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscatter communication: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9246554B2Using a wireless radio to manage power consumption

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 META PLATFORMS INC

AI summary

Particular embodiments of a wireless communication system comprise a wireless device and a base station having at least one network connection and an RF transceiver. The base station may be configured to generate an RF signal and communicate with the wireless device using backscatter communication. The wireless device may be configured to generate operating power for the wireless device from the RF signal and to receive data transmitted using the RF signal and communicate data to the base station using backscatter communication.