NFC Powering Module Energy Difference Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passive near field communication (NFC) devices are inefficiently powered by mobile electronic devices, leading to rapid battery drain as they are charged to maximum capacity, which reduces the battery life of the mobile device.

Innovation Solution

A device with a module configured to exchange data and transmit energy to an NFC device, determining the energy difference needed for a specific function and transmitting only that amount, rather than fully charging the NFC device, thereby extending the battery life of the mobile device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mobile electronic device charges the NFC device to maximum capacity, then the NFC device is reliably powered, but the battery life of the mobile device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepowering reliability of NFC deviceVSAvoidbattery life of mobile device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits only the necessary amount of energy required for the NFC device to perform its specific function, rather than charging it to maximum capacity. The processor calculates the energy difference between the current energy level and the required energy level, and transmits only that difference, thereby avoiding excessive energy consumption from the mobile device's battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the energy transmission parameters based on the actual needs of the NFC device. By monitoring the current energy level and comparing it with the required energy level for the specific function, the system optimizes the energy transmission amount, thus resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient power and conserving mobile device battery life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the mobile electronic device transmits maximum energy to the NFC device, then the NFC device has sufficient energy for any function, but energy is wasted when full capacity is not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy sufficiency of NFC deviceVSAvoidenergy waste from mobile device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits only the necessary amount of energy required for the NFC device to perform its specific function, rather than charging it to maximum capacity. The processor calculates the energy difference between the current energy level and the required energy level, and transmits only that difference, thereby avoiding excessive energy consumption from the mobile device's battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC device provides feedback about its current energy level to the mobile electronic device. The processor uses this feedback information to determine the exact amount of energy needed and adjusts the transmission accordingly, preventing energy waste while ensuring the NFC device has sufficient energy for its intended function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 efficiently powers NFC devices while minimizing energy consumption from the mobile device's battery, extending its operational life and reducing wear on the power source.

Implementation Method 1

Passive near field communication (NFC) devices are powered from energy transferred to the NFC devices from another device, such as mobile electronic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication (NFC) energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2843847B1A device, method and system for efficiently powering a near field communication device
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2843847B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2843847B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2843847B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device, method and system for efficiently powering a near field communication device are provided. The devices comprises: a module configured to: exchange data with a near field communication (NFC) device; and transmit energy to the NFC device; and, a processor configured to: receive, using the module, energy data from the NFC device, the energy data comprising data for determining a difference between a current energy level of an energy storage apparatus at the NFC device and a given amount of energy for performing a given function at the NFC device; determine the difference from the energy data; and, transmit, using the module, an amount of energy corresponding to the difference, to the NFC device.