Flexible Waveguide for Remote RF Powering Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for powering sensors or actuators, such as those used in medical, construction, and automotive applications, face challenges with the use of wires or mechanical contacts, which are difficult to implement, costly, and restrictive in positioning, especially when multiple nodes need to be powered on targets with varied shapes and contours.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a flexible waveguide with a dielectric and conductive layer for remote RF power transmission, eliminating the need for mechanical contacts and wires by using a flexible dielectric layer and at least one flexible conductive layer to wirelessly couple an RF power source to sensors or actuators, allowing for contactless power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires or mechanical contacts are used for powering sensors or actuators, then power delivery is achieved, but implementation difficulty increases, cost increases, and positioning flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact systems (wires and connectors) with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. A RF power source transmits power wirelessly through a dielectric layer to sensors or actuators, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and mechanical contacts, thereby reducing implementation difficulty while maintaining power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric layer as an intermediary medium that enables wireless power transmission between the RF power source and the sensors/actuators. This dielectric layer facilitates the coupling of electromagnetic fields, allowing power to be transferred without direct mechanical contact, thus reducing complexity and improving positioning flexibility
2Reliability
If wires or mechanical contacts are used for powering sensors or actuators, then power delivery is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive wire assemblies, connectors, and associated mechanical components by substituting them with a RF power transmission system using electromagnetic fields and a dielectric layer. This substitution significantly reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable power delivery to multiple sensors or actuators
3Reliability
If wires or mechanical contacts are used for powering sensors or actuators, then power delivery is achieved, but positioning flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces constraint-imposing wire connections with wireless electromagnetic field coupling, allowing sensors or actuators to be positioned freely on targets with varied shapes and contours. The RF power source can transmit power through the dielectric layer to any position within the electromagnetic field range, providing maximum positioning flexibility while ensuring reliable power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power transmission system that can power multiple sensors or actuators simultaneously at different positions on variously shaped targets. The RF power source and dielectric layer configuration enables adaptable power delivery to multiple nodes without requiring individual wire connections to each position, enhancing versatility and positioning flexibility
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 enables easy, cost-effective, and flexible placement of sensors and actuators on diverse targets without positional constraints, reducing manufacturing complexity and eliminating the need for batteries or wires, while ensuring robust and efficient power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A system for remote powering at least one sensor or actuator from a RF power source... RF power source, which is arranged to be wirelessly coupled to the flexible waveguide and to generate RF power
Implementation Method 2
a flexible waveguide comprising a flexible dielectric layer and at least one flexible conductive layer connected to this flexible dielectric layer... guiding the propagation of the RF power
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention concerns a system (100) for remote powering at least one sensor or actuator (20, 20') from a RF power source (10), comprising - a flexible waveguide comprising a flexible dielectric layer (3) and at least one flexible conductive layer (1; 2) connected to the flexible dielectric layer (3), - the at least one sensor or actuator (20, 20'), arranged to be coupled to the flexible waveguide, - the RF power source (10), arranged to be wirelessly coupled to the flexible waveguide and to generate RF power. The flexible waveguide guides the propagation of the RF power from the RF power source (10) to the sensor or actuator (20, 20') in order to wiressly power the sensor or actuator (20, 20').