Mesh Network Inductive Charging Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh networking technologies face challenges in efficiently transmitting data and inductive power across a network of mobile computing devices, particularly in scenarios where devices are stored proximate to each other, such as on a pallet, and require innovative methods to establish and manage inductive links and routing protocols for effective communication and charging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mesh network system that utilizes inductive signal links and power channels to facilitate data and power transfer between mobile computing devices, employing device identifiers and hashing functions to manage routing tables and resolve device identifier collisions, while using flooding and routing techniques to ensure data and power reach all devices efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If devices are stored proximate to each other on a pallet, then inductive charging and data transfer can be enabled, but device identifier collisions occur and routing management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices continuously exchange information about their presence and status. When a device is placed on the pallet, it broadcasts its identifier and the system provides feedback about potential collisions and routing adjustments needed, enabling dynamic adaptation to maintain efficient charging while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including a pallet controller and hashing function mechanisms that mediate between multiple devices. The hashing function acts as an intermediary to resolve identifier collisions by transforming device identifiers into unique routing keys, while the pallet controller coordinates overall network management and routing decisions.
2Reliability
If flooding technique is used to distribute data to all nodes, then complete network coverage is achieved, but message overhead and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by having devices transmit data only to their immediate neighbors in the mesh network rather than to all nodes. Each device forwards received data to its adjacent devices, and the routing protocol ensures progressive propagation through the network, reducing overall message overhead while maintaining complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data distribution process into hierarchical levels. The pallet controller segments overall routing management, while individual devices segment their transmission responsibilities to only adjacent nodes. This segmentation of the flooding process reduces computational complexity at each node while maintaining network-wide data delivery.
3Speed
If routing technique is used with link-state protocol, then optimal paths are calculated, but all nodes must construct complete network maps increasing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The routing information is segmented and distributed across the network rather than requiring complete maps at each node. The pallet controller segments the network into manageable routing zones, and each device maintains only local routing information for its immediate area, reducing information overhead while enabling efficient path calculation through coordinated routing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet controller acts as an intermediary that consolidates network topology information and provides routing guidance to individual devices. Instead of each device constructing complete network maps, the intermediary pallet controller maintains the global view and provides localized routing information to devices, reducing information overhead while maintaining optimal path capability.
4Device complexity
If distance-vector routing protocol is used, then computational complexity is reduced, but nodes lack knowledge of entire path to destination
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet controller serves as an intermediary that provides path information to devices using distance-vector routing. While individual devices maintain simplified distance-vector tables with limited path knowledge, the intermediary pallet controller possesses complete path information and can provide guidance when needed, compensating for the information loss at individual nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their distance-vector routing information to the pallet controller, which then provides feedback about optimal paths and routing adjustments. This feedback loop allows devices to maintain simple local routing tables while still achieving effective path determination through coordinated feedback from the central controller.
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 enables efficient data and inductive power communication across a mesh network, allowing for inventory management and device updating, while ensuring that devices can be powered up and data transmitted effectively, even when devices are physically proximate, by establishing and managing inductive links and routing protocols.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive charging and data transfer for mobile computing devices organized into a mesh network
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrated is a system and method to receive a data packet at a first mobile computing device that is part of a plurality of mobile computing devices organized as a mesh network, the data packet including a power up command and device identifier identifying a second mobile computing device requesting power. The system and method also include identifying a path from the first mobile computing device to the second mobile computing device, the path composed of at least the first and second mobile computing devices and including inductive links. Further, the system and method include transmitting electrical power, based upon the inductive links, from the first mobile computing device to a third mobile computing device, the third mobile computing device residing on the path from the first mobile computing device to the second mobile computing device.