Short-Range RF and High-Speed Data Link for Contactless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current short-range wireless communication technologies, such as RFID and NFC, face limitations in data transfer rate and power efficiency, particularly when used for direct communication without a network, and often require physical contact or connections, which restricts their versatility and compatibility with various devices.
Innovation Solution
A communications system that integrates a short-range wireless radio frequency communicator capable of inductive coupling for power and data transfer, initiating high data rate communication with another device when in range, allowing for direct data exchange without the need for physical contact or separate power sources, and enabling power saving by deriving power from the RF field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If short-range wireless RF communication (RFID/NFC) is used for direct communication, then power consumption is reduced and device compatibility is improved, but data transfer rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication function into two parts: a short-range wireless RF communicator for initial connection and authentication, and a high-speed data communicator for actual data transfer. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and high data transfer rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The short-range wireless RF communicator acts as an intermediary that establishes initial contact and authenticates devices before activating the high-speed data communicator. This intermediary approach enables the system to benefit from both low-power initial communication and high-speed data transfer without compromising either requirement.
2Productivity
If contact-based communication (flash memory cards, USB) is used, then data transfer rate is high, but physical contact is required reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The communications apparatus integrates multiple communication interfaces (short-range wireless RF communicator and high-speed data communicator) into a single device, making it universally compatible with different device types. The apparatus can adapt its communication method based on the target device, whether wireless or contact-based, thereby resolving the contradiction between high data transfer rate and device versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different communication modes: using short-range wireless RF communication for initial connection and authentication, then transitioning to high-speed data communication for actual data transfer. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each communication phase while maintaining versatility across different device types.
3Productivity
If wireless UWB or Bluetooth communication is used, then data transfer rate is high without physical contact, but power demand is high especially on initialisation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and connection establishment using low-power short-range wireless RF communication before activating the high-power high-speed data communicator. This preliminary action allows the system to verify device compatibility and initiate communication protocols using minimal power, then only activates high-power transmission when actually needed for data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic short-range wireless RF communication for authentication and control signaling, interspersed with high-speed data transfer periods. This periodic pattern allows the high-speed communicator to remain inactive during authentication phases, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high data transfer rates during active transfer periods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If short-range wireless RF communication is used, then device compatibility is improved, but communication distance is limited to close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical constraint of physical contact requirements with wireless RF field-based communication for initial connection. The short-range wireless RF communicator uses electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical contact, enabling contactless authentication while maintaining device compatibility. The inductive coupling mechanism extends the communication range beyond direct contact while keeping the device form factor small.
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 high data rate communication over short distances without the need for physical contact or separate power sources, enhancing compatibility and power efficiency, allowing for seamless integration with various devices and applications.
Implementation Method 1
The communication of which the short range wireless radio frequency communicator is capable when in range of another short range wireless radio frequency communicator comprises: deriving a power supply from an RF field provided by the other short range wireless radio frequency communicator
Implementation Method 2
supplying data to the other short range wireless radio frequency communicator by modulating an RF field
Data Source
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AI summary
A communications apparatus has a short range wireless radio frequency communicator (1301a) adapted to communicate wirelessly directly with another short range wireless radio frequency communicator in its vicinity to enable communication of at least one of power and data between the short range wireless radio frequency communicators and a high data rate data communicator (1301b) adapted to communicate directly with another high data rate data communicator to at least one of receive and transmit data when the short range wireless radio frequency communicator has communicated with another short range wireless radio frequency communicator.