Predictive Wireless Energy Transfer for User Equipment Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless energy transfer technologies over networks suffer from low efficiency due to the lack of knowledge about which communication devices require energy and when, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and interference.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that configures energy transfer to user equipment based on predictions of energy properties and wireless communication properties, allowing energy to be transferred only when needed, using processing circuitry in network nodes and user equipment to optimize energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If wireless energy transfer is performed continuously to all communication devices, then energy availability is improved, but energy transmission efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary energy transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy availability at user equipmentVSAvoidenergy transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs predictions about future energy needs and communication requirements in advance, then configures energy transfer accordingly. This allows energy to be transferred proactively before it is actually needed, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring and transfer while ensuring energy availability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses autonomous prediction algorithms that automatically determine when and how much energy to transfer without requiring user intervention or continuous feedback loops. The network node independently decides energy transfer configurations based on predicted needs, reducing overhead and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If energy transfer is configured without predictions, then system complexity is reduced, but energy transmission efficiency deteriorates due to lack of knowledge about when energy is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexity for energy managementVSAvoidenergy transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical feedback systems with information-theoretic predictions based on channel state information and traffic patterns. Instead of using elaborate sensing and feedback mechanisms to determine energy needs, the system uses computational predictions derived from existing communication data, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining or improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If energy transfer is prioritized without predictions, then energy availability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to interference with data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer prioritizationVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy transfer configuration is made dynamic and adaptive based on real-time predictions of both energy needs and communication requirements. The system can flexibly adjust the timing and amount of energy transfer to optimize both energy availability and data transmission, rather than following a fixed prioritization scheme that would interfere with productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 increases energy transmission efficiency, reduces energy consumption at user equipment, and minimizes interference by ensuring energy is transferred only when required, thereby prolonging battery life and optimizing resource usage.

Implementation Method 1

wireless energy transfer technologies could provide an efficient way of charging geographically widespread communication devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a rectifying circuit, a lowpass filter and an energy storage device (e.g. capacitors) that converts radio frequency power to stored energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency power conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230412003A1Wireless energy transfer from network node to user equipment based on predictions

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for wireless energy transfer to a user equipment. A method is performed by a network node. The method includes configuring energy transfer to the user equipment as a function of a prediction of energy properties of the user equipment served by the network node and of properties for wireless communication with the user equipment. The method includes wirelessly transferring energy to the user equipment in accordance with the configured energy transfer.