Intermediate Storage Unit for Low-Current Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery-powered devices face challenges in remote or infrequently occupied locations due to the inconvenience of recharging or replacing batteries, as existing methods for harvesting power from low current sources are insufficient to provide sustained power for device functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device configuration that utilizes low current power sources, such as powered Ethernet cables or radio frequency fields, to charge an intermediate storage unit, which then discharges power to a primary storage unit when a voltage threshold is met, enabling the device to perform functions by providing electric current to components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional battery-powered devices are deployed in remote locations, then device coverage is improved, but maintenance complexity increases due to periodic recharging or battery replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically harvests power from ambient electromagnetic fields (RFID, NFC, wireless communication signals) to recharge its battery without human intervention. The power harvesting circuit continuously monitors and captures available energy from the environment, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement or connection to external power sources, thus enabling self-maintenance in remote deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate power harvesting circuit that acts as a mediator between ambient electromagnetic fields and the battery. This circuit captures energy from RF fields, NFC signals, or wireless communication transmissions and converts it into usable electrical energy for battery recharging, enabling the device to operate autonomously in locations without direct power access
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend operation duration, then device autonomy is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources into a hybrid architecture: a primary battery for sustained energy storage and a power harvesting circuit for supplemental energy capture. This merging allows the system to extend operation duration without proportionally increasing battery capacity, as the harvesting circuit continuously tops up the battery from ambient RF energy, thereby avoiding excessive weight increase
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its power management parameters based on available harvested energy. When significant energy is harvested from ambient fields, the system can operate at higher power consumption levels or extend idle periods, effectively increasing operation duration without adding physical battery mass. The power harvesting converts electromagnetic field energy into electrical energy, changing the energy availability parameter without changing device mass
3Use of energy by moving object
If power harvesting from low current sources is implemented, then energy sustainability is improved, but power delivery capability deteriorates due to insufficient current for substantive device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power harvesting circuit operates continuously in the background to accumulate energy in a capacitive storage element before device activation. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures that when the device needs to operate, sufficient power is already stored to deliver high-current bursts for substantive functions, bridging the gap between low continuous harvest rate and high instantaneous power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive energy storage element as an intermediary between the low-current power harvesting circuit and the high-power device components. This capacitor acts as a buffer that accumulates energy from the weak harvested current and releases it in higher-power bursts when needed, enabling both energy sustainability from harvesting and adequate power delivery for device operation
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 solution allows for the efficient use of harvested energy to power devices in remote locations, ensuring continuous operation by accumulating charge over time constants, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional battery-powered devices.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate storage unit may include at least one capacitor and/or at least one supercapacitor
Implementation Method 2
monitoring a voltage of the intermediate storage unit using a voltage monitoring circuit communicatively coupled to a processor
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods may use a low current power source to charge an intermediate storage unit, providing sufficient electric power to perform various device functions. A voltage of the intermediate storage unit may be monitored using a voltage monitoring circuit, and a primary storage unit may be charged using current from the intermediate storage unit when the voltage of the intermediate storage unit meets a threshold.