Inductive Power Link for Outdoor Broadband Modem Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband access systems face challenges with the location of user premises equipment, where antennas need to be outside and routers inside, often without proximity to exterior walls, and lack efficient power supply solutions, especially with potential interference from metallic elements.
Innovation Solution
A user premises system with an internal unit and external modem unit that uses wireless inductive power transfer through exterior structures, along with short-range transceivers for data communication, allowing for efficient power delivery and data transfer while detecting and avoiding interference from foreign objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the TX/RX antenna is located outside the user premises, then the antenna can receive satellite and cellular signals, but power is not readily available outside the premises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired power transmission through exterior walls with wireless inductive power transfer. The internal unit generates an electromagnetic field that inductively couples with the external modem unit, enabling power transfer without physical connection through the wall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless inductive power field as an intermediary between the internal power source and the external modem unit. This intermediary enables energy transfer through the exterior structure without direct electrical contact, solving the power availability problem for outdoor antenna placement.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the router is located within the user premises, then power is readily available, but the route between antenna and router is not proximate to exterior walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cable routing through the building structure with wireless inductive coupling. This eliminates the need for complex interior routing of power and data cables, allowing the router to be placed anywhere inside the premises while maintaining power and data connectivity to the external antenna.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wireless inductive power transfer through exterior structure is implemented, then power can be delivered to external modem unit, but metallic elements may interfere with the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements foreign object detection before initiating full power transfer operations. The system scans the exterior structure for metallic elements that could interfere with inductive coupling, and adjusts or redirects the power transfer path to avoid these interfering objects, preventing operational disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the efficiency and stability of inductive power transfer. When metallic interference is detected through changes in coupling efficiency or electromagnetic field characteristics, the system adjusts transmission parameters or alerts users to reposition equipment, maintaining reliable operation despite potential interference.
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 simple installation and operation of broadband services by providing power and data through exterior structures, ensuring reliable connectivity and alignment indicators for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The internal unit includes a wireless power transmitter unit that inductively provides power through an exterior structure of a premises. The external modem unit includes a wireless power receiver unit that inductively receives power from the wireless power transmitter unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A user premises system is provided. The user premises system includes an internal unit and an external modem unit. The internal unit includes a wireless power transmitter unit that inductively provides power through an exterior structure of a premises. The external modem unit includes a wireless power receiver unit that inductively receives power from the wireless power transmitter unit of the internal unit through the exterior structure of the premises. The internal and the external modem units each include a short range transceiver that wireless communicate data between internal and the external modem units.