NFC Antenna Communication Module for Low-Power Aerosol Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generation devices face high power consumption due to wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth or WiFi, which also require laborious pairing processes.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an NFC antenna and communication module that enables low-power communication without pairing, allowing bidirectional data transfer using NFC protocols, with a processing module for authentication and data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If Bluetooth or WiFi protocols are used for wireless communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the communication parameter from high-power Bluetooth/WiFi protocols to low-power NFC protocol, operating at different power consumption levels while maintaining data transfer capability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by selecting a different communication standard that operates in a lower energy regime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs NFC technology which uses extremely low power compared to Bluetooth/WiFi, accepting limited data transfer speed and range in exchange for minimal energy consumption. This trade-off aligns with using a simpler, lower-cost communication method for specific use cases where power conservation is critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Loss of information

If Bluetooth or WiFi protocols are used for wireless communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but pairing process becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidpairing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

NFC technology enables automatic connection and data transfer without requiring manual pairing procedures. The devices automatically establish communication when brought into proximity, eliminating the need for users to go through complex pairing processes involving code entry or confirmation dialogs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

NFC devices perform preliminary authentication and connection establishment automatically through pre-configured protocols, so that when the user brings devices close together, communication is already prepared and can begin immediately without additional user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If NFC protocol is used for wireless communication, then power consumption is reduced, but communication bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transfer bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication process into two phases: first using NFC for low-power transmission of authentication credentials and small data packets, then potentially switching to Bluetooth/WiFi for larger data transfers if needed. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from NFC's low power consumption for critical functions while reserving higher-bandwidth protocols for when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses NFC for partial communication needs - specifically for authentication, device identification, and small control data - rather than attempting to use it for all data transfer requirements. This partial application of NFC allows the system to achieve power savings for the most energy-critical operations without requiring NFC to handle the full bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 reduces power consumption and eliminates the need for pairing, enabling efficient, secure, and bidirectional communication between the aerosol generation device and external devices, enhancing user experience and device interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a device communication module connected to the device NFC antenna and configured to communicate with an external device using the device NFC antenna; wherein the device communication module is configured to transmit output data to the external device by encoding this output data into a carrier wave using the device NFC antenna and receive input data from the external device by decoding this input data from an electromagnetic wave received by the device NFC antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240057686A1Aerosol Generation Device Comprising a Communication Module, and Associated Communication System and Method

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

AI summary

An aerosol generation device includesa device NFC antenna; anda device communication module connected to the device NFC antenna and configured to communicate with an external device using the device NFC antenna.The device communication module is configured to transmit output data to the external device by encoding this output data into a carrier wave using the device NFC antenna and receive input data from the external device by decoding this input data from an electromagnetic wave received by the device NFC antenna.