Multimodal Article Interface Reporting for Safe Shared-Surface Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging technologies face challenges in safely and efficiently providing power to portable devices due to issues like short circuits and varying voltage requirements, often requiring complex electronics and multiple chargers, which can lead to energy waste and potential device damage.
Innovation Solution
A reporting device with a first and second supply line, an operational unit, and a communications interface, where the operational unit and communications interface are switchably coupled using voltage modulators to manage potential differences, preventing short circuits and ensuring proper power delivery by isolating the operational unit from higher voltage levels and allowing communications at lower voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a planar surface with multiple conductive zones is used for charging, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously with flexible positioning, but short circuits may occur when conductive objects are placed on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by briefly applying voltage to each conductive zone before full power delivery. This preliminary action identifies whether a conductive object is a valid charging device or a potential short circuit source, preventing harmful effects before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures current draw from each conductive zone and uses this feedback to determine whether to maintain or remove voltage. By continuously monitoring electrical characteristics and adjusting voltage accordingly, the system distinguishes between legitimate devices and conductive objects that could cause short circuits.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If voltage is applied to detect device presence on conductive zones, then device detection is enabled, but energy is wasted when conductive objects without devices are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies voltage only partially and briefly to each conductive zone for detection purposes, rather than continuously or at full power levels. This partial action enables device detection while minimizing energy consumption during the detection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electrical measurements (current draw) to detect device presence and characteristics, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical or optical detection systems. This electrical detection method is energy-efficient compared to alternative sensing approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex electronics are used to manage varying voltage requirements of different devices, then power compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging surface uses identical conductive zones and detection circuitry for all devices, regardless of their specific voltage requirements. The system achieves universality by detecting device characteristics electrically and adjusting power delivery accordingly, rather than requiring different hardware configurations for different device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (voltage, current) based on detected device characteristics without changing the physical configuration or complexity of the charging surface. By dynamically adjusting power delivery parameters rather than hardware, the system accommodates varying device requirements while maintaining simple, consistent electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
A reporting device for association with an article having power requirements is provided, where the reporting device is capable of performing communications operations, for example to specify the article's power requirements, and power supply using a single pair of conductors. Communications are performed at a lower voltage than the voltage intended for power supply operations. Optionally the communications interface of the reporting device may be disconnected at higher voltages, and the operational circuits of the reporting device may be disconnected at lower voltages, and circuits preventing inversion of voltages across the conductors, or reverse currents when the operational circuits are connected to the conductors may be provided. The reporting device may be used in connection with charging surfaces providing a matrix of conductive surfaces, and supports operation with a corresponding coupling manager.