Optical Wireless Power Transfer for Bidirectional Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless terminals in home appliances, such as cooktops, require additional batteries for wireless communication, increasing their volume and weight, and may experience function disruptions due to battery discharge, especially in unexpected situations.

Innovation Solution

An optical wireless power transfer system using light for both power transmission and bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for additional batteries by employing a transmission module that outputs communication and power light, and a reception module that processes and reflects modulated signals, thereby enabling wireless communication over longer distances without electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional battery is mounted on the wireless terminal to enable wireless communication, then wireless communication function is achieved, but the volume and weight of the terminal increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidterminal volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the wireless terminal to perform both power reception and bidirectional communication functions simultaneously using a single optical wireless power transfer system. The terminal receives power through the receiver while communicating bidirectionally through modulated light signals, eliminating the need for separate battery and communication modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical battery system with an optical wireless power transfer system. Instead of using a battery to store and supply electrical energy, the terminal receives power wirelessly through light transmission, and communicates through modulated optical signals, thereby eliminating the physical battery component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an additional battery is mounted on the wireless terminal to enable wireless communication, then wireless communication function is achieved, but the weight of the terminal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidterminal weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a battery is used in the wireless terminal, then wireless communication can be performed, but the terminal may experience function disruptions when the battery is discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidterminal operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the terminal to continuously receive power through the optical wireless power transfer system, eliminating the need for battery replacement. The system provides ongoing power supply through light transmission, ensuring the terminal maintains its communication function without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous power supply and communication operation by using an optical wireless power transfer system that can continuously transmit power and data through modulated light signals, eliminating the intermittent operation caused by battery discharge and replacement cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of operation

If traditional wireless communication using electromagnetic signals is used, then communication can be performed, but electromagnetic interference from peripheral devices occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communicationVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic signal-based wireless communication with an optical communication system that uses modulated light signals. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference from peripheral devices while maintaining wireless communication capability through optical frequency transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the communication signal from traditional electromagnetic radio frequencies to optical frequencies. By transmitting communication signals through modulated light rather than conventional electromagnetic waves, the system avoids interference from peripheral electronic devices that operate at lower frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the volume and weight of wireless terminals, ensures continuous function without battery replacement, and minimizes electromagnetic interference from peripheral devices by using light as a power source for wireless communication.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission module that outputs communication light or main light and receives a reflected light and processes a modulated signal included in the reflected light, and a reception module that processes the modulated signal included in the communication light or the main light and reflects the communication light or the main light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight modulation and detection:

Implementation Method 2

EP 3 076 201 A1 relates to a network node, network controller node and methods for supporting communication with user equipment within a wireless telecommunication network. The network node comprises: an antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless telecommunication communication signals to a user equipment, said wireless telecommunication signals being within a first frequency band. A receiver for receiving an electromagnetic signal transmitted wirelessly from a network controller node within said wireless telecommunication network, said electromagnetic signal being within a second frequency band, said second frequency band being a different frequency band to said first frequency band, said receiver comprising a retro-reflector for reflecting said electromagnetic signal back towards said network controller node.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetro-reflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 3

the reception module that processes the modulated signal included in the communication light or the main light and reflects the communication light or the main light and outputs the reflected light, to perform the wireless bidirectional communication using the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3618309B1Optical wireless power transfer system performing bidirectional communication

Publication Date: 2021.12.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

An optical wireless power transfer system that performs wireless bidirectional communication using light is provided. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical wireless power transfer system includes a transmission module that outputs power light and communication light including a first modulated signal and receives reflected light generated by reflecting the communication light, and process a second modulated single included in the reflected light, and a reception module that processes the first modulated signal included in the communication light and outputs the reflected light by reflecting the communication light, and enables the second modulated signal to be included in the reflected light based on power generated based on the power light.