Inductive Coil Switching for Off-Network Charging and Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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: wireless charging when devices are in contact or proximity, and wireless communication when devices are separated. The circuitry automatically switches between charging mode and communication mode based on the presence and state of nearby devices, making the system universally applicable across different operational scenarios without requiring separate hardware components.
2Reliability
If separate charging and communication hardware is used, then charging and communication functions can be independently optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single inductive coil serves dual purposes as both a charging antenna and a communication antenna. The circuitry includes a controller that detects whether a device is present and whether it is in contact mode, then automatically switches the coil's function between charging and communication. This eliminates the need for separate hardware components while maintaining reliable performance of both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the operational mode of the inductive coil based on real-time conditions. When a device is detected in contact mode, the coil operates for charging; when devices are separated, it switches to communication mode. This dynamic adaptation allows one component to fulfill multiple roles without compromising the reliability of either function.
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 charging and communication in remote locations by establishing a peer-to-peer communication link using magneto-inductive signals, allowing devices to transmit messages and maintain functionality in areas where traditional networks are unavailable.
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.