Portable NFC Wand for Wireless Device Pairing and Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face limitations in establishing wireless connections between multiple devices, particularly in scenarios where power sources are limited or not easily accessible, and in settings like smart homes where scalability and ease of setup are hindered by complex configurations, especially in applications such as lighting control and toy systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable 'wand' device equipped with near field communication mechanisms facilitates data exchange and power transfer between devices, enabling the establishment of wireless connections and networks without the need for extensive power sources or complex configurations, using proximity sensors and mechanisms like NFC and ultra-low power wireless signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed device is mains powered and positioned at a point having access to active and neutral wiring, then power supply reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the position may not be conveniently accessible by a user for near field communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable powered device as an intermediary that carries the near field communication capability to the user's location. Instead of requiring the fixed device to be accessible, the portable device travels with the user and establishes NFC connections with fixed devices at their actual locations, resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining power supply reliability through the portable device's battery.
2Ease of operation
If a portable device is used for near field communications, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases because the portable device must provide power for NFC operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the portable powered device's battery before use. The device is charged in advance (e.g., via USB charging cable) so that sufficient power is available when the user needs to perform near field communications, eliminating the need for continuous power monitoring during operation and simplifying user interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed devices need to be connected wirelessly, then device connectivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex configurations required for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the portable powered device with multi-functional capabilities: it serves as a power source, a near field communication initiator, and a configuration manager. The device can connect to multiple different types of fixed devices (lighting controllers, locks, appliances) using a single unified interface and communication protocol, eliminating the need for device-specific configuration procedures and reducing overall system complexity.
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 for seamless communication and power transfer between devices, enhancing device connectivity and usability in various applications, including smart home systems and toys, by simplifying the setup process and eliminating the need for extensive power infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a third device having a proximity sensor for detecting the proximity of another device, one or more communication mechanisms, one of which is a proximity communication mechanism... the respective devices communicate to exchange data... enabling the first device and the second device to establish a wireless communication link
Implementation Method 2
a first device having a proximity sensor for detecting the proximity of another device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of proximity communications and especially methods for establishing associations, transferring power and communicating data between devices. Devices are proposed to interact with each other, initially by being brought into close proximity to initiate transfer of data that enables the device to communicate with other devices similarly brought together. The devices can be used as a controller or an appliance or both. There is also provided a power transfer mechanism for controller and appliance devices which do not have locally available power at the time the initial proximity action is taking place, so that the processes associated with the data transfer can take place regardless. There is also described a two part device, one part of which provides the proximity communications capability the other part does not have.