IoT Data Transfer via Beamed Power Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

IoT devices face challenges in secure and efficient data transmission due to high power usage, with existing schemes either requiring large batteries or being limited by constant power sources, which restricts their applicability, especially in applications where size and accessibility are concerns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that uses a power beam receiver in IoT devices to harvest energy from a directional beam, such as a laser or infrared beam, for secure data transfer, combining a power beam with a signal beam to facilitate secure communication protocols like Bluetooth, allowing for authentication and data transmission without interfering with other systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If secure data transmission is implemented in IoT devices, then data security is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power beam and signal beam transmissions into a single unified system. The compute device transmits both power (via power beam) and data (via signal beam) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate power and data transmission systems. This merging reduces overall power consumption while maintaining secure data transmission capabilities through authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Duration of action of moving object

If large batteries are used to power IoT devices, then operational duration is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical battery-based power storage system with an optical power transmission system. Instead of relying on physical batteries that occupy space and have limited capacity, the system uses a power beam (optical/electromagnetic energy) transmitted from a compute device to wirelessly power the IoT device. This substitution eliminates the need for large batteries while extending operational duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If constant power source connection is used, then power availability is improved, but device mobility and applicability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoiddevice mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a power beam as an intermediary between the power source (compute device) and the IoT device. This intermediary enables wireless power transmission through optical/electromagnetic fields, allowing the IoT device to receive power without physical connection. This maintains power availability while enabling mobility and deployment in hard-to-reach locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If beamed power is used for data transfer, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compute device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a data processing unit and a power transmission source. The same device that processes and manages data also generates and transmits the power beam, eliminating the need for separate power management infrastructure. This universality reduces system complexity despite the advanced power transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables secure and efficient data transfer in IoT devices by utilizing harvested power for data transmission, reducing the need for large batteries and allowing for flexible deployment, including in hard-to-reach locations, while minimizing interference with other systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic device may include a power beam receiver to harvest power from a beam received from a compute device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10389184B2Data transfer using beamed power

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods and storage associated with data transfer using beamed power are disclosed herein. In embodiments, an electronic device may include a power beam receiver to harvest power from a beam received from a compute device. The electronic device may include may include one or more processors, devices, and/or circuitry to utilize the harvested power to facilitate at least one of receipt of data from said compute device or transmission of data to said compute device.