Inductive Coil Switching for Off-Network Charging and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless electronic devices often fail to communicate and charge in environments without cellular or internet connectivity, such as underwater, underground, or high-altitude locations, due to the absence of traditional network connections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inductive charging and communication circuitry with an inductive coil that allows devices to switch between charging and communication functions, enabling peer-to-peer communication via magneto-inductive signaling, even in the absence of cellular or internet networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless communication methods are used, then devices can communicate over cellular and internet networks, but they fail to communicate in environments without network connectivity such as underwater, underground, or high-altitude locations
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a charging antenna and a communication antenna. The same hardware component can operate in different modes (charging mode and communication mode) depending on the situation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function and enabling operation in both networked and isolated environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magneto-inductive signaling as an intermediary communication method that bridges the gap between devices when traditional cellular/internet networks are unavailable. This intermediary method uses the inductive coil to establish direct peer-to-peer communication links, allowing devices to exchange data without relying on external network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If separate charging and communication components are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coil serves as a universal component that performs both charging and communication functions. By designing the coil and its control circuitry to support dual modes of operation, the patent reduces component count and simplifies device architecture while maintaining reliable performance for both functions through software-controlled mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging antenna and communication antenna into a single inductive coil structure. This consolidation combines previously separate functions into one hardware component, reducing overall device complexity, minimizing space requirements, and eliminating the need for multiple antennas while preserving the essential functions of both charging and communication.
3Device complexity
If inductive charging and communication share the same coil, then device complexity is reduced, but function switching and signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the operational mode of the inductive coil between charging and communication functions based on real-time conditions. The controller can adjust the coil's operating parameters, frequency, and signal characteristics depending on whether it is performing charging or communication tasks, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational requirements while using the same hardware component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic time-division multiplexing where the inductive coil alternates between charging operations and communication operations in defined time slots. This periodic switching ensures that charging and communication functions do not interfere with each other, as they operate at different times rather than simultaneously, maintaining reliability while sharing the same hardware resource.
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 wireless communication and charging of electronic devices in remote locations by establishing peer-to-peer links, facilitating communication and data transfer through magneto-inductive signaling, reducing noise interference and extending communication range.
Implementation Method 1
receive a signal configured to induce a charging function based at least in part on an inductive coil coupled to inductive charging and communication circuitry
Implementation Method 2
establish a communication link between the electronic device using the inductive coil to transmit and receive communication signals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices useful in performing magneto-inductive charging and communication in the absence of a cellular and/or internet network connection are provided. By way of example, an electronic device includes inductive charging and communication circuitry configured to receive a signal configured to induce a charging function based at least in part on an inductive coil coupled to the inductive charging and communication circuitry. Inducing the charging function includes charging an energy storage component of the electronic device. The inductive charging and communication circuitry is also configured receive an indication to switch from the charging function to a communication function. The communication function is based at least in part on the inductive coil. The inductive charging and communication circuitry is further configured establish a communication link between the electronic device using the inductive coil to transmit and receive communication signals.