Dual Light Receiver Layout for Optical Power and Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical power feeding systems are unable to simultaneously transmit electric power and information via feed light.

Innovation Solution

A powered device comprising a first light receiver to convert feed light into electric power, a second light receiver to convert reflected feed light into an electrical signal, and a demodulator to extract information superimposed on the feed light by modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If feed light is used for power transmission only, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but information transmission capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinformation transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feed light into two functional components: one for power transmission and one for information transmission. By using multiple light receivers with different characteristics, the system separates the power extraction function from the information detection function, allowing both to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other's performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feed light is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a power carrier and an information carrier. The optical power feeding system achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same light source to provide both electrical power and data transmission capabilities through appropriate signal modulation and reception techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If information is superimposed on feed light by modulation, then information transmission is enabled, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmissionVSAvoidpower conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using light receivers with different spectral response characteristics or conversion efficiencies for different portions of the modulated light signal. This allows the system to optimize power extraction from certain light components while simultaneously extracting information from other components, minimizing the trade-off between power efficiency and information transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single light receiver is used, then device complexity is reduced, but simultaneous power and information reception deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of light receiversVSAvoidsimultaneous power and information reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light reception function into multiple specialized receivers: one optimized for power conversion and another for information detection. This segmentation allows each receiver to be optimized for its specific function, enabling simultaneous power and information reception while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 simultaneous transmission of electric power and information via feed light, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of optical power feeding systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first light receiver configured to convert feed light incident thereon into electric power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second light receiver configured to convert the feed light reflected by a light receiving surface of the first light receiver into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4542881A1Power receiving device, optical power supply system, and power receiving method
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP4542881A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542881A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A
  • EP4542881A1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3D

AI summary

A powered device includes a first light receiver, a second light receiver, and a demodulator. The first light receiver converts feed light incident thereon into electric power. The second light receiver converts the feed light into an electrical signal. The demodulator demodulates the electrical signal converted by the second light receiver, and acquires information. The information is superimposed on the feed light in advance by modulation.