Near-Field Wireless Power and Data Link Across Human Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power and data delivery systems face challenges in security and interference due to their large range and high frequency operation, which are heavily influenced by the human body, making them unreliable for consistent power delivery and secure communication.

Innovation Solution

The use of an electromagnetic induction wireless transceiver system that combines a magnetic antenna coil with an electric antenna capacitor, generating near-field magnetic and electric fields to transmit data and power efficiently across the human body, avoiding transverse radiating waves and maintaining a secure communication link.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If RF based wireless communication systems operate at high frequencies (2.5 GHz ISM band) to enable wireless communication, then communication range is extended to approximately 30 meters, but security of communication content deteriorates and interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidsecurity of communication content
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from high frequency (2.5 GHz) to low frequency (sub MHz range). This parameter change fundamentally alters the propagation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves, restricting them to near-field coupling instead of far-field propagation, thereby achieving both secure communication and reduced interference while maintaining adequate communication range for body-worn devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If RF based wireless systems operate at high frequencies to provide wireless communication, then communication capability is achieved, but power delivery becomes heavily dependent on human body movements and device allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidpower delivery consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from high frequency to low frequency (sub MHz range), which fundamentally alters the propagation characteristics. Low frequency electromagnetic waves exhibit near-field coupling behavior that is less sensitive to distance and orientation variations, thereby providing consistent power delivery regardless of human body movements or device allocation while maintaining wireless communication capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If electrostatic field based wireless power transmission is used around the human body, then power can be transmitted wirelessly, but the system operates at low frequencies requiring larger components and has limited range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless power transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransmission range
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges electrostatic field based wireless power transmission with electromagnetic induction technology. By combining the advantages of both approaches - using low frequency electrostatic fields for power transmission while incorporating electromagnetic induction principles - the system achieves improved transmission range and efficiency while maintaining wireless power transmission capability around the human body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution improves the link budget and extends the range for wireless power and data transmission across the human body, reducing power loss and interference, while ensuring secure communication and efficient power distribution to devices.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitter generates an electrostatic field between the body and the environment that is referenced to the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A wireless power transmitter usually operates at low frequencies in the sub MHz range. The transmitter generates an electrostatic field between the body and the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

A receiver at another position of the body can convert the electrostatic field to a voltage and power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic coupling: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2942876B1Wireless power delivery and data link
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 NXP BV
  • EP2942876B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2942876B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2942876B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An electromagnetic induction wireless transceiver system including: a magnetic antenna; an electric antenna including first and second plates, the first plate being connectable to a body; and a power driver configured to produce a modulating signal used to drive the magnetic antenna and the electric antenna to produce electromagnetic induction fields, wherein the transceiver when connected to a body in a first location is configured to transmit power to a second electromagnetic induction wireless transceiver connected to a second location a distance from the first location, wherein the first and second locations are connected through magnetic and electric near-field coupling.