Autonomous Inductive Apparatus Battery Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous devices powered by induction, such as LED lighting devices, face challenges in maintaining operation for a significant period while being placed at a distance from the induction generator, requiring a solution that is simple, compact, and efficient.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an apparatus comprising an inductor, rectifier, voltage converter, and battery, with a programmable control unit that manages the charging of the battery and supply of the load using the rectifier or battery, allowing for efficient power management and operation independent of the induction generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the autonomous device is placed at a distance from the induction generator, then the device can operate independently, but the operation duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence from generatorVSAvoidoperation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is charged in advance when the device is within range of the induction generator. The control unit monitors the battery charge level and accumulates energy before the device needs to operate independently, enabling extended autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the induction generator and the load. It decouples the device from continuous generator presence, allowing independent operation by mediating power transfer during charged states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If a battery is added to extend operation duration, then the device can operate independently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation durationVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage converter serves multiple functions: it converts battery voltage to appropriate levels for the load, regulates power during charging from the induction generator, and manages power distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit autonomously monitors battery charge levels, determines when charging is complete, and manages the switching between generator power and battery power without external intervention. The system self-regulates its power management based on internal state sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enables the autonomous device to maintain operation for a significant duration by efficiently managing power between the induction generator and battery, ensuring stability and independence from signal exchange, thus providing a reliable and efficient power supply.

Implementation Method 1

The inductance - serving as an armature - of the lighting device and the inductance - serving as an inductor - of the power module are formed by a conductor having a spiral shape. The power supply module (generator) comprises a converter producing an alternating current at a frequency corresponding to that of the resonant circuit of the lighting device to be powered.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an inductor, a rectifier coupled to the inductor, and a load coupled (indirectly) to the rectifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

a voltage converter coupled to the rectifier; the autonomous device further comprises a control unit coupled to the voltage converter and arranged to control either the charging of the battery by the rectifier, or the supply of the load by the rectifier, or the supply of the load by the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy transformation:

Data Source

PatentEP3033818B1Autonomous apparatus and system comprising such an apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 PHLOX SARL
  • EP3033818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3033818B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (40) comprising: - an inductor (14), - a rectifier (16) coupled to the inductor, - a voltage converter (19 to 22) coupled to the rectifier, - a battery (12) coupled to the voltage converter, - a load (13) coupled to the voltage converter, and - a control unit (10) coupled to the voltage converter and devised so as to control either the charging of the battery by the rectifier, or the supplying of the load by the rectifier, or the supplying of the load by the battery, as a function of the state of a switch (29) for controlling supply to the load (13) and the output voltage of the rectifier (16).