RF Beacon Power Management via Photocell-Triggered Sleep Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF beacons and asset tags with non-replaceable and non-rechargeable batteries have limited operational life due to unnecessary power consumption during storage and lack of efficient battery management, leading to increased costs and labor for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A wireless radio frequency device with a substrate, sensors, and a radio frequency transceiver that transitions between sleep and active modes based on event detection or time expiration, optimizing power usage and extending operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the beacon continuously broadcasts beacon messages during storage and operation, then the presence and identity of the beacon are announced, but the battery power is depleted faster, reducing operational life
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device alternates between active beaconing mode and low-power sleep mode in periodic cycles. During active periods, the beacon transmits presence messages; during sleep periods, the beacon remains in a low-power state with reduced or suspended transmission, thereby extending battery operational life while maintaining periodic presence announcement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon device dynamically adjusts its operational state based on conditions such as motion detection, time of day, or environmental factors. The device transitions between different power states (active, standby, sleep) to optimize the balance between announcing presence and conserving battery power, making the beaconing behavior adaptive rather than static
2Ease of manufacture
If the beacon uses non-replaceable and non-rechargeable batteries for simpler manufacture and installation, then no power wiring or battery charger is needed, but the beacon must be replaced when energy is depleted, increasing replacement costs and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device changes its power consumption parameters through software-controlled power management, transitioning between different operational modes with varying power requirements. This allows the device to extend battery life through efficient power usage, reducing the frequency of battery replacement or recharging events
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon device incorporates autonomous power management capabilities, automatically adjusting its operational parameters and beaconing behavior to optimize battery consumption without requiring external intervention. The device can detect its own power state and make decisions to extend operational life, effectively managing its own power resources
3Productivity
If the beacon operates in active mode continuously, then data transmission can occur随时, but energy is consumed at maximum rate, shortening battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device implements periodic beaconing cycles where active data transmission occurs during designated time windows followed by low-power intervals. This periodic operation maintains the capability to transmit data when needed while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous active operation
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon device transmits data only during necessary periods rather than continuously, using partial action (intermittent beaconing) sufficient to maintain presence announcement and data transmission capabilities while consuming less energy than full continuous operation would require
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
The solution effectively conserves battery power, prolongs the operational life of RF beacons, reduces replacement costs and labor, and enhances the accuracy and reliability of three-dimensional asset tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The processor is configured to control the radio frequency transmitter to enter a low-power or inactive state in response to a signal from the photocell indicating that the current light level is below a threshold light level
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of a system and wireless RF device having an extended operational life are provided. The wireless RF device includes a substrate, at least one sensor configured to detect an occurrence of an event, a RF transceiver arranged on the substrate and configured to transmit and receive RF signals in an area, and a power supply coupled with the substrate. A processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor and the RF transceiver, and configured to: in response to expiration of a time period or the detection of the occurrence of an event, transition the RF device from a sleep or standby mode to an active mode; configure the RF transceiver to receive or transmit a data packet; obtain a status of an occurrence of another event from the at least one sensor; and transition the RF device from the active mode to the sleep or standby mode.