Deployable Structure Transceiver Circuit for Compact Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized blind systems with wireless sensors face challenges in minimizing space and energy consumption due to the inclusion of components like diodes and variable resistors, which increase volume and power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transmitter/receiver device with a permanently connected antenna and converter, omitting diodes and resistors, allows for efficient energy storage and signal processing, reducing volume and power consumption by ensuring continuous signal direction to the converter and logic processing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diodes and variable resistors are included in the sensor to control signal direction, then the sensor can isolate the transmitter/receiver from the converter, but the sensor volume and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes diodes and variable resistors from the sensor circuit, extracting the signal direction control function from hardware components. The antenna is permanently connected to both the transmitter/receiver and converter without isolation components, simplifying the device structure while maintaining operational reliability through alternative control methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna serves multiple functions simultaneously - it is permanently connected to both the transmitter/receiver for signal transmission and the converter for energy harvesting. This multi-functional connection eliminates the need for isolation components like diodes and variable resistors, reducing device complexity while maintaining signal direction control through software or circuit design.
2Reliability
If diodes and variable resistors are used to isolate components, then component protection is improved, but the sensor volume and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the volume-consuming components (diodes and variable resistors) from the sensor assembly. By permanently connecting the antenna to both the transmitter/receiver and converter without physical isolation components, the sensor volume is reduced while component protection is maintained through alternative design approaches.
3Device complexity
If the antenna is permanently connected to the converter, then the device volume and component count are reduced, but the converter receives signals during transmission increasing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts what would be harmful signal leakage into a beneficial energy harvesting opportunity. The permanent connection allows the converter to receive signals during transmission, and instead of treating this as power loss, the system is designed to utilize this energy, transforming the apparent harm into a useful resource.
4Ease of manufacture
If isolation components are removed, then manufacturing cost and device volume decrease, but signal direction control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes isolation components from the circuit, simplifying manufacturing and reducing component count. Signal direction control is achieved through the permanent connection architecture and control logic rather than physical isolation components, making the device easier to manufacture while maintaining control capability.
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
The solution achieves a smaller, cheaper, and more energy-efficient sensor by eliminating unnecessary components, enabling efficient energy storage and reduced power consumption, with adaptive operating modes based on position and environmental parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to convert the incident signal into electrical current and to recharge the energy storage device using said electrical current
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (20) intended to be positioned on a movable portion (34) of a deployable structure (30), and to transmit an information signal (522) to at least one electronic control unit (40) rigidly attached to a fixed portion (32) of the deployable structure (30), such that the device (20) comprises: at least one wireless transceiver device configured to receive an incident signal (511) and to transmit the information signal (522), the wireless transceiver device comprising: an antenna (50); at least one logic processing unit (52); at least one energy storage device (54); at least one converter (56) configured to convert the incident signal (511) into electric current and charge the energy storage device (54); characterised in that the antenna (50) is permanently electrically connected to the at least one converter (56).