Carrier Signal Timing Control for Wireless Power Level Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power and data transmission techniques for medical devices, such as cochlear implants, are inefficient, leading to wasted power, reduced battery life, and bulky design due to the use of large and power-hungry electrical components like buck converter circuits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing timing-based power level control, which adjusts the timing profile of carrier signals rather than the voltage profile, to reduce power consumption and eliminate or simplify bulky power supply circuitry, allowing for more efficient and compact designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional voltage-based power level control using buck converter circuits is used, then power transmission can be controlled, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and power-hungry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional voltage-based power control mechanism (buck converter circuits with inductors and capacitors) with a timing-based control approach. Instead of using electrical components to regulate voltage, the system uses timing circuits to control the duration and frequency of power transmission pulses, thereby achieving power level control without bulky electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from voltage to time. By adjusting the timing profile (pulse width, frequency, or duty cycle) of the power transmission signals, the system achieves variable power levels without needing voltage regulation circuitry. This parameter substitution eliminates the need for heavy electrical components while maintaining power control capability.
2Power
If conventional buck converter circuits are used for power control, then power levels can be regulated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex voltage regulation circuitry (buck converter, inductors, capacitors) from the power supply system. By eliminating these components and replacing them with simpler timing-based control circuits, the system achieves power level regulation with reduced device complexity and fewer electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex electrical power control system with a simpler timing-based control system. Instead of using voltage regulation circuitry, the system uses programmable timing circuits to control power delivery, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to regulate power levels.
3Power
If conventional electrical components are used for power control, then power transmission can be managed, but heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed power transmission with variable duty cycles to achieve power management. By transmitting power in controlled pulses rather than continuous voltage regulation, the system reduces average power dissipation and heat generation. The timing-based approach allows the system to deliver required energy while minimizing resistive heating in electrical components.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If timing-based power level control is implemented, then battery life is extended and heat dissipation is reduced, but the system requires new control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The timing-based control mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls power levels, manages battery consumption, regulates heat dissipation, and enables programmable power profiles. This multi-functional approach achieves extended battery life and reduced heat dissipation without proportionally increasing control mechanism complexity, as the same timing circuits perform multiple optimization functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative timing-based power control apparatus includes a signal generation circuit and a power control circuit. The signal generation circuit is configured to generate a carrier signal for wireless transmission of output power and output data, the carrier signal associated with a first fundamental component having a particular frequency, a particular phase, and a first amplitude. The power control circuit is configured to generate a time-adjusted version of the carrier signal that maintains an amplitude of the carrier signal and adjusts a timing profile of the carrier signal such that a second fundamental component associated with the time-adjusted version of the carrier signal has the particular frequency, the particular phase, and a second amplitude lower than the first amplitude. The second amplitude may be associated with a target power level for the output power of the wireless transmission. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.