NFC Device Power Management via Field Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near field communication (NFC) devices require close proximity for energy transfer and data exchange, limiting their functionality when battery power is depleted, as they cannot efficiently harvest and utilize power from the NFC field to operate critical components.
Innovation Solution
An NFC device within a host device is configured to selectively couple with an operating component, harvest energy from a second NFC device, convert it to electrical power, and control the powering on and off of components based on received information, enabling data transfer and operation only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If NFC devices rely on battery power for continuous operation, then they can maintain full functionality, but power consumption depletes the battery quickly and limits operational duration
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC device powers on operating components periodically only when needed for data transfer, rather than keeping them continuously active. The controller selectively activates components based on communication requirements, enabling the device to extend operational duration by utilizing periodic energy harvesting from NFC fields during brief interaction windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC device harvests energy from the NFC field itself during communication interactions, using the electromagnetic energy from the reader or peer device to power critical operations. This self-powering mechanism eliminates continuous battery dependency and allows the device to sustain functionality through periodic energy replenishment during NFC transactions.
2Productivity
If NFC devices keep components powered on continuously, then data transfer can occur immediately, but energy is wasted when no communication is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power state of operating components based on real-time communication needs. The controller monitors NFC interaction status and selectively powers on components only when data transfer is required, transitioning them to powered-off state when communication is complete. This dynamic power management ensures energy is not wasted during idle periods while maintaining readiness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are powered on periodically only when NFC communication requires data transfer, rather than remaining continuously active. The system creates periodic active states aligned with actual communication needs, allowing immediate data transfer capability when required while avoiding continuous energy consumption during idle intervals between interactions.
3Power
If NFC devices harvest energy continuously from the field, then power availability increases, but the device cannot operate independently without external NFC fields
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC device uses the electromagnetic field from external NFC readers or peer devices to harvest power for critical operations, making the system self-sufficient during active communication. The device leverages the energy already present in the NFC field during transactions, eliminating the need for internal batteries or external power sources during these specific operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC device serves dual functions: it acts as both a data communication device and a power harvesting device. The same NFC field that enables data exchange also provides the energy required for operation, making the system adaptable to environments where NFC fields are present while maintaining independence from traditional power sources during active use.
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 allows NFC devices to operate critical components for a predetermined period, facilitating data exchange and transactions even when battery power is low, by efficiently utilizing energy harvested from the NFC field, thus extending their functionality without the need for continuous battery power.
Implementation Method 1
the first NFC device configured to harvest energy from a second NFC device and to convert the harvested energy to electrical power
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Apparatus for harvesting and using power in a near field communications mode, includes a host device (200) with operating components (204,206). A first near field communication (NFC) device (212) is contained in the host device and is configured to be selectively coupled to one of the operating components (204,206). The first NFC device (212) harvests energy from a second NFC device and converts the harvested energy to electrical power. The first NFC device (212) receives information from the second NFC device and powers on an operating component (206) as a function of the information received from the second NFC device. The first NFC device (212) transfers data to or from the operating component (206) when the operating component (206) is powered on. The first NFC device powers off the operating component (206) when the transfer of data between the first NFC device and the operating component (206) has been completed.