Electronic Subassembly Activation via Intermittent Contactless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices cannot be activated from a complete idle state without consuming power, especially in devices without physical operator control elements, as they require direct access and are prone to water ingress and mechanical interference.
Innovation Solution
An electronic subassembly and method that allows activation from an idle state using contactless communication, intermittently supplying power through an activation signal, eliminating the need for physical access and reducing power consumption, featuring a reception module for receiving activation signals and an autarkic design with a battery or solar generator for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth are used to access electronic devices in standby mode, then contactless access is enabled, but considerable minimum power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reception module's operation from continuous operation to only operate during activation signals. The electronic component remains completely idle without power consumption, and the reception module is only activated intermittently to receive activation signals, separating the access function from continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception module operates periodically rather than continuously. It remains in an idle state without power consumption and is activated only during specific periods when activation signals are expected or detected, enabling contactless access while minimizing power consumption to near-zero levels during idle periods.
2Ease of operation
If physical operator control elements such as pushbutton switches are provided, then device activation is enabled, but direct physical access is required and imperviousness to water and dust is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pushbutton switch system with a wireless/reception module system. Instead of requiring physical mechanical contact through switches that create openings in the housing, the system uses electromagnetic signals received by a reception module, eliminating the need for physical access points and maintaining complete imperviousness to water and dust.
3Ease of operation
If physical operator control elements are provided, then device activation is enabled, but mechanical elements are prone to interference from external forces such as vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical switch actuation mechanism with an electromagnetic signal reception mechanism. The reception module detects activation signals wirelessly or through contactless interfaces, eliminating mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to vibration and external physical forces, thereby significantly improving reliability in vibrating environments.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic subassembly is intermittently supplied with electric power by activation signals, then activation from idle state is enabled, but power transmission mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing reception module, already required for receiving activation signals, to also perform the function of power reception. The same electromagnetic interface that carries activation commands also provides power transmission, eliminating the need for separate power transmission mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
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 activation of electronic subassemblies without physical access, maintaining low or zero power consumption in the idle state, preventing water ingress, and extending battery life by using contactless power transmission and authentication methods.
Implementation Method 1
receiving at least one activation signal using a reception module of the electronic subassembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method for activating an electronic subassembly includes receiving at least one activation signal using a reception module of the electronic subassembly. The electronic subassembly is transferred from an idle state to an active state using the at least one activation signal. The electronic subassembly is intermittently supplied with electric power via the at least one activation signal.