Extendable RF Charging Antenna for Compact Aerosol Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved battery charging solutions for aerosol provision devices that can efficiently utilize radio frequency signals for power extraction, particularly in devices with limited surface area for antenna exposure.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol provision device incorporates an extendable antenna, such as a folding, telescopic, or scrolled metal sheet mechanism, coupled with a charging controller that extracts power from received radio frequency signals to charge the device's battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the antenna surface area is increased to improve power extraction efficiency, then the charging efficiency from radio frequency signals is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic antenna mechanism that can dynamically extend and retract. During charging operations, the antenna extends to maximize surface area for optimal radio frequency signal reception and power extraction. During normal operation, the antenna retracts to minimize profile and maintain compact device dimensions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between requiring large antenna surface area for efficient power extraction and maintaining compact device structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an extendable antenna mechanism is added to increase exposed surface area, then power extraction efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic antenna is designed with nested segments that fit within each other when retracted, similar to a nested doll structure. The antenna comprises multiple telescopic sections that can be stored within the device housing when not in use and extended when charging is required. This nesting approach allows the antenna to achieve large exposed surface area during charging while maintaining a compact form factor during normal operation, and the modular nested structure facilitates standardized manufacturing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If the antenna is made telescopic or extendable, then the exposed surface area is increased for better signal reception, but the reliability and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic antenna mechanism is designed to extend only to the extent necessary for effective charging, rather than requiring full extension for all functions. The antenna includes multiple telescopic sections that can be progressively extended, allowing the system to achieve sufficient surface area for power extraction without exposing the entire antenna structure. This partial action approach reduces the number of moving parts that require actuation and monitoring, thereby improving reliability while still achieving the necessary exposed surface area for effective radio frequency signal reception and power transfer.
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
This solution enhances the exposed surface area of the antenna, allowing for more efficient power extraction from radio frequency signals, thereby effectively charging the device's battery.
Implementation Method 1
a charging controller configured to charge the battery with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol provision device is described comprising: a battery; an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals and a charging controller configured to charge the battery with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals. The antenna is extendable so as to increase an exposed surface area of the antenna. A case is also described comprising means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol provision device; an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals; and a charging controller configured to charge a battery of the aerosol provision device and/or the case with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals.