Electronic Label System Wired Backbone Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of electronic label systems due to wireless communication and charging methods limits their adoption, necessitating a reduction in hardware costs and an efficient charging solution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wired network for partial communication within the electronic label system to reduce costs and using wireless communications for charging electronic label units, allowing for state information monitoring and power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to transmit messages between control unit and label nodes, then label nodes can be disposed without wiring, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication network into two segments: a wired backbone network connecting control units and network nodes, and wireless connections only where absolutely necessary. This segmentation allows the system to achieve most of the flexibility benefits while significantly reducing costs by eliminating wireless communication where wired connections suffice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different communication qualities to different parts of the system: wired communication is used for stable, cost-effective connections between fixed components, while wireless communication is reserved for mobile or remotely positioned label nodes. This local differentiation optimizes both cost and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication infrastructure is implemented, then label nodes can be freely positioned, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into wired infrastructure components and wireless endpoint components. The wired portion provides stable, low-cost communication backbone, while wireless capability is provided only at specific nodes that require mobility or remote positioning, thus achieving adaptability without system-wide cost increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The network nodes are designed with multi-functionality: they can operate as wired nodes when positioned in fixed locations along the wired network, and as wireless nodes when mobility or remote positioning is required. This universal design allows the same hardware to serve multiple positioning scenarios.
3Device complexity
If wired network is used for communication, then system cost is reduced, but partial wireless functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into wired and wireless portions, with the wired network providing the primary communication backbone at lower cost, and wireless capability selectively applied only where positioning flexibility is required, thus minimizing cost while preserving necessary adaptability.
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 approach reduces the overall cost of the electronic label system while enabling efficient power management and operation state monitoring, improving the system's functionality and affordability.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit transmits the wireless power to at least one of the electronic label units by using wireless communications, and the at least one of the electronic label units are charged with the wireless power.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic label system including a control unit and a plurality of electronic label units is provided. The control unit transmits wireless power. The electronic label units are coupled to the control unit. The electronic label units respectively output a plurality of state information to the control unit, so that the control unit monitors operation states of the electronic label units according to the state information. The state information is transmitted to the control unit when a state of the electronic label units is varied. The control unit transmits the wireless power to the electronic label units by using wireless communications, and the electronic label units are charged with the wireless power. Furthermore, a wired communication interface is used as the communication interface between the net unit and the electronic label units in the electronic label system, so that the cost of the electronic label system is reduced.