Mobile Wireless Charging Station for WLAN Asset Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area networks (WLANs) lack efficient methods for mobile stations to recharge other stations within the network, relying on contention-based communication standards that do not effectively manage concurrent charging needs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile wireless charging station (MWCS) equipped with a wireless asset management circuit, navigation circuit, and wireless charger circuit, which identifies stations supporting wireless charging, navigates to them, and initiates energy transfer using electromagnetic induction, allowing for autonomous and intelligent scheduling of recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile wireless charging station is introduced to enable autonomous charging of multiple stations, then the convenience and automation of wireless charging is improved, but the device complexity and system resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile wireless charging station autonomously identifies stations requiring charging, navigates to their locations, and initiates charging without human intervention. The system self-manages the entire charging process including movement, identification, and power transfer, eliminating the need for manual operation while providing convenient wireless charging service throughout the WLAN environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile wireless charging station serves multiple functions: it acts as a wireless access point for communication, a mobile power source for charging multiple different stations, and a navigation system for locating charging targets. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single versatile device, managing complexity through functional integration.
2Productivity
If the mobile charging station autonomously navigates to identify and charge multiple stations, then the productivity and efficiency of charging operations is improved, but the loss of time for navigation and movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile wireless charging station proactively monitors the WLAN environment to identify stations that require charging before they completely deplete their power. By detecting power levels and charging needs in advance, the system can plan and execute navigation to multiple targets in an optimized sequence, reducing idle time and maximizing charging productivity without excessive navigation delays.
3Measurement precision
If the wireless asset management circuit continuously monitors station power levels and communication signals, then the measurement precision and reliability of charging scheduling is improved, but the use of energy by the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless asset management circuit employs periodic monitoring rather than continuous observation, checking power levels and communication signals at scheduled intervals. This periodic approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for identifying charging needs while significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with constant monitoring, allowing the mobile station to balance accuracy requirements with power conservation.
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 efficient and autonomous wireless charging of battery-operated devices within a WLAN, optimizing energy distribution and extending device operation times by ensuring timely recharging based on usage and signal strength.
Implementation Method 1
initiates energy transfer using electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for mobile charging of wireless stations with wireless communications on a wireless local area network (WLAN). A mobile charging unit is operable with coordinated wireless asset management for navigation and mobile charging capabilities to service wireless stations. In an example implementation, a mobile charging unit identifies stations on the WLAN are battery operated and support wireless charging, determines when a charging operation is needed, provides automated navigation to the associated stations, and initiates wireless charging of the identified stations.