Optical Charging and Communication via Laser LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for charging electronic devices, such as watches and jewelry, require physical connections and do not offer contactless charging or interaction solutions, limiting wireless charging and software updates.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical communications and charging system using photovoltaic cells, infrared illumination, and laser LEDs to enable remote charging and communication, where a transmitter/charger emits signals and power to a target device with a PV cell, allowing for wireless charging and bi-directional communication without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical connection methods (USB, electrical cord) are used for charging, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but contactless charging and wireless interaction are not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system (USB cables, electrical cords) with an optical system using laser LEDs and photovoltaic cells. The laser LED emits optical signals that are received by the PV cell to transfer power and data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical contact while enabling contactless charging and interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium to transfer power and communication between devices. The laser LED converts electrical signals to optical signals, which then travel through air to the PV cell that converts them back to electrical energy, serving as a non-contact intermediary for power and data transfer.
2Ease of operation
If optical signals are used for wireless charging, then contactless charging is enabled, but power transfer efficiency compared to physical connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the laser LED at specific frequencies (e.g., 1-10 kHz) to encode power and communication signals. This periodic action allows the receiver to distinguish between different signal types and maintain synchronization, improving the efficiency and reliability of wireless power transfer through frequency-domain separation.
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
Enables contactless charging and communication of devices, facilitating software updates and configuration through wireless optical signals, enhancing convenience and reducing the need for physical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to transmit the first communications signal and the power signal
Implementation Method 2
a PV cell in communication with the battery, the target device configured to receive the first communications signal and the power signal, wherein the power signal received by the target device enables the PV cell to charge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for remote interactions with devices, such as charging, communications, and user interaction, are provided. Specifically, systems and methods to provide charging of devices, such as, remote charging by photovoltaic (PV) cells, infrared (IR) illumination, audio signals, and LEDs such as laser LEDs to charge devices such as watches, jewelry, car panels, headphones and phones, are presented.