Near-Field Wireless Coupling for Simplified Antenna Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless systems face challenges in simplifying the fabrication and impedance matching when multiple electronic devices are connected to a single antenna, as direct physical connections require complex manufacturing processes and attention to impedance matching.
Innovation Solution
The system employs near-field inductive or capacitive coupling between a far-source parent antenna and multiple near-field wireless devices, eliminating the need for direct physical connections by using tuned loop conductors and energy harvesting circuitry with matching networks to maximize DC output, allowing for flexible device positioning and reduced thickness in device stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electronic devices are directly physically connected to a single antenna, then reliable power transfer and communication are achieved, but the fabrication process becomes complex and impedance matching becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces near-field inductive coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the antenna and multiple electronic devices. Instead of direct physical connections, the system uses magnetic field coupling through loop antennas, where the parent antenna generates a near-field magnetic flux that inductively couples to multiple child devices. This intermediary magnetic field coupling resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable power transfer without complex direct physical connections or impedance matching requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct physical connection system with an electromagnetic field-based inductive coupling system. By substituting physical wire connections with near-field magnetic coupling, the system eliminates the need for complex fabrication processes and impedance matching while maintaining reliable power transfer to multiple devices simultaneously.
2Reliability
If multiple devices are connected to a single antenna using direct connections, then power and data transfer are reliable, but the device stack thickness increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The near-field magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary that enables communication and power transfer without requiring thick physical connection structures. The magnetic flux penetrates through the intermediate space between the parent antenna and child devices, allowing for reduced stack thickness while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar connection approach to a three-dimensional near-field coupling approach. By utilizing the near-field magnetic flux that extends in three-dimensional space, the system can couple multiple devices at different positions and orientations without requiring them to be stacked directly on top of each other, thereby reducing the effective stack thickness and improving flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If direct physical connections are used between antenna and devices, then impedance matching can be controlled, but the fabrication process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical impedance matching process with an electromagnetic field-based coupling process. By using near-field inductive coupling, the system inherently provides impedance matching through the magnetic coupling coefficient, which is determined by the physical geometry and positioning of the loop antennas rather than requiring complex impedance matching circuits and precise fabrication control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from electrical impedance matching to magnetic coupling strength control. Instead of controlling impedance through precise fabrication of connection structures, the system controls the coupling parameter k (coupling coefficient) through the positioning and geometry of the loop antennas, which is more tolerant to fabrication variations and can be adjusted after fabrication, thereby improving both precision and productivity.
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 simplifies the fabrication process, reduces the thickness of device stacks, and maximizes energy harvesting efficiency by wirelessly coupling devices to the near-field generated by the parent antenna, enhancing flexibility and manufacturing ease while maintaining effective power transfer and communication.
Implementation Method 1
Each wireless device is wirelessly coupled to the near-field of the parent antenna through near-field inductive or capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
tuned loop conductors and energy harvesting circuitry with matching networks to maximize DC output
Data Source
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AI summary
A transponder apparatus (50) includes a plurality of conductor elements (54A-54D) and a plurality of devices (60A-60D). Said antenna elements (54A-54D) define a main antenna element (52), each of said antenna elements (54A-54D) being direct connection coupled to one another. Each of said devices (60A-60D) includes an IC chip (18) operatively coupled to a conductor (20). Each of said devices (60A-60D) is positioned adjacent to a terminal end (64A-64D; 76A-76D) of a respective one of said antenna elements (54A-54D; 72A-72D). The conductor (20) of each of said devices (60A-60D) is capacitively coupled to the one of said antenna elements (54A-54D; 72A-72D) adjacent to which the device (60A-60D) is positioned. The conductor (20) and the IC chip (18) of each of said devices (60A-60D) are not physically connected to the one of said antenna elements (54A-54D; 72A-72D) adjacent to which the device (60A-60D) is positioned. Each of said antenna elements (54A-54D; 72A-72D) has a slot (68A-68D; 80A-80D) provided therein which provides an inductive reactance.