Bi-directional Inductive Signal Interface Bridge Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inductive signal interfaces are limited in their ability to dynamically switch between power transmission and reception modes without reconfiguration, leading to increased complexity and cost in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional inductive signal interface that includes a coil assembly and a bridge circuit with electronically controlled switches, allowing dynamic switching between power-transmit and power-receive modes, and an idle mode, based on inductive signals or input signals, to enable seamless power transfer and minimize device reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional inductive signal interfaces are used with separate circuits for power transmission and reception, then power transfer functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebi-directional power transfer capabilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a power transmission bridge when switches 111-114 are controlled in one configuration, and as a power reception bridge when controlled in another configuration. The same physical circuit hardware supports both transmit and receive modes through different switching states, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs dynamically controllable switches (111-114) that can change their state based on operational requirements. By altering the switching configuration in response to control signals, the circuit adapts between power transmission and power reception modes, enabling flexible bi-directional operation without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dedicated separate circuits are used for power transmission and reception, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power transmission and reception circuits into a single bridge circuit structure. By combining what would traditionally be separate functional circuits into one unified circuit with controllable switches, the design reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers cost while maintaining the reliability needed for wireless power transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 electronic devices to function as both power transmitters and receivers without reconfiguration, reducing complexity and cost by using the same inductive signal interface for various applications, such as mobile devices and docking stations, while ensuring efficient power transfer and data communication.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2457306B1Power bridge circuit for bi-directional inductive power and data signal transfer

Publication Date: 2019.12.18 QUALCOMM INC

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Figure 3

AI summary

An inductive signal interface comprises a coil assembly including one or more inductive coils, a bridge circuit including a plurality of switches, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to individually operate the plurality of switches to enable the inductive signal interface to dynamically switch between a power-transmit mode and a power receive mode.