Host Equipment Wireless Charging Function Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for activating or deactivating functions in host equipment, such as residential gateways, often require user intervention or remote control, lacking a simple and automated solution that allows the equipment itself to manage these functions based on the presence or absence of connected mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A method where a residential gateway integrates a wireless charging device to detect the presence or absence of mobile equipment, using changes in charging current to trigger the activation or deactivation of predefined functions, such as Wi-Fi access points, allowing the equipment to autonomously manage these functions without user or remote intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing methods (WPS, graphical interface, remote protocols) are used to activate functions, then user control and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and user intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidactivation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The host equipment automatically detects mobile equipment presence through the wireless charging device and autonomously activates or deactivates functions without requiring user intervention via buttons, graphical interfaces, or remote protocols. The system serves itself by monitoring charging current changes and triggering function activation/deactivation automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/manual activation methods (physical buttons, graphical interface selections, remote protocol commands) with an automated detection system that monitors electrical parameters (charging current) to trigger function activation. This substitutes manual/mechanical control with automated electrical sensing and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual or remote activation methods are used, then function control flexibility is improved, but automation level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction control flexibilityVSAvoidactivation automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The host equipment continuously monitors the charging current drawn by the wireless charging device and uses this feedback to detect mobile equipment presence. Based on this real-time feedback, the system automatically adjusts function activation state, creating a closed-loop automated control system that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously manages function activation based on detected charging conditions without requiring external commands or user input. The host equipment independently determines when to activate or deactivate functions based on the presence or absence of mobile equipment being charged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If automated detection based on charging current is implemented, then automation level is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation automationVSAvoidcharging current detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging device serves as an intermediary between the mobile equipment and the host equipment's detection system. The charging current flows through the wireless charging device, providing a measurable signal that indicates mobile equipment presence. This intermediary component simplifies the detection task for the host equipment while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a seamless and automated activation or deactivation of functions, enhancing user convenience by allowing the host equipment to manage its operations based on the presence or absence of mobile devices, improving interaction with its environment.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, by the processing component, that the mobile equipment has just been positioned on the docking surface... based on a measurement of the charging current drawn by the wireless charging device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The power transmission is carried out wirelessly, via magnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3664484B1Functions activation method, implemented in an integrating host equipment or an host connected to a wireless charging device.
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP3664484B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3664484B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3664484B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method for activating predefined functions (f1,..., fN), implemented in a host device (1) integrating or connected to a wireless charging device (2), and comprising the steps of: - detecting that a mobile device (3) has just been positioned on a docking surface of the wireless charging device (2) to be recharged; - following the detection that the mobile device (3) has just been positioned on the docking surface, activating or deactivating at least one first predefined function performed by the host device, in addition to recharging the mobile device (3); - then, detecting that the mobile device (3) has just been moved away from the docking surface; - following the detection that the mobile device (3) has just been moved away from the docking surface, activating or deactivating at least one second predefined function performed by the host device.