Batteryless Time Cell for Commercial Transactions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices requiring timekeeping functions are constrained by the need for batteries, which pose design limitations, are expensive, and have short shelf lives, and chemical batteries present disposal hazards.
Innovation Solution
The use of a batteryless, oscillatorless time cell that measures time through electrostatic charge discharge, allowing for time measurement without a continuous power source and providing a compact, cost-effective solution for horological functions in commercial transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is used to power a clock circuit in portable electronic devices, then the timekeeping function can be maintained, but the device size increases, cost increases, and shelf life is limited due to battery constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timekeeping function from the battery-powered clock circuit paradigm and implements it using a time cell that measures elapsed time through electrostatic charge discharge without requiring a continuous power source. This removes the battery component entirely, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining reliable timekeeping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The time cell operates autonomously using its own internal electrostatic charge to measure time intervals. It does not require external power from a battery or connection to an external power source, making the timekeeping system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging.
2Reliability
If a battery is used to power a clock circuit, then the timekeeping function can be maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases and disposal hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component from the timekeeping system, eliminating chemical batteries and their associated disposal hazards. The time cell uses electrostatic charge discharge that does not involve chemical reactions, thereby creating an environmentally friendly timekeeping solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The time cell is designed as a simple, inexpensive electronic component that can be integrated into portable devices without requiring expensive battery components. While the electrostatic charge in a time cell is temporary and must be recharged, the cell itself is a durable, reusable component that eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
3Reliability
If a battery is used to power a clock circuit, then the timekeeping function can be maintained, but the device complexity increases due to power management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power management subsystem (battery, voltage regulator, power control circuitry) from the timekeeping system and replaces it with a time cell that operates independently of external power sources during time measurement. This dramatically simplifies the overall device architecture by removing an entire subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The time cell autonomously performs time measurement using its internal electrostatic charge without requiring external power management. The cell charges itself through connection to any power source and then independently measures time intervals, eliminating the need for complex power management circuitry that would otherwise be required to control battery operation.
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 time measurement without batteries or oscillators, offering a compact, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for various applications, including commercial transactions, by utilizing a time cell that discharges electrostatic charge to determine elapsed time.
Implementation Method 1
an insulated charge storage element is charged, which gives the charge storage element a known electric potential with respect to points outside its insulating medium. Over a period of time, the charge storage element then discharges the electrostatic charge through its insulating medium
Implementation Method 2
the charge storage element is charged, which gives the charge storage element a known electric potential
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms for controlling a commercial transaction is presented. An article of manufacture has a time cell that is read by an electronic apparatus. In response to a determination of a state of the time cell by the electronic apparatus, usage of the article of manufacture in a commercial transaction is enabled or denied based on the determined state of the time cell. The expiration period of a time cell controls the time period during which the commercial transaction is enabled or is denied to be performed; an unexpired time cell may both enable or deny performance of a commercial transaction, and an expired time cell may also both enable or deny performance of a commercial transaction. The time cell may be used to restrict the usage period of a coupon, a promotional offer, a pre-paid service, or some other commercial transaction that involves an article of manufacture.