RF Energy Harvesting Case for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF energy harvesting designs are inefficient in collecting and converting RF signals across different frequencies and signal strengths without affecting cellular signal strength and data transmission rates in wireless devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes receiving antennas tuned to specific frequency bands, converting circuitry to convert RF signals to DC power, and power management circuitry to regulate the energy compatible with wireless device batteries, embedded in a protective case or cover for wireless devices, allowing self-harvesting and supplementation of battery charge without interfering with communication quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If RF energy harvesting designs are used to collect and convert RF signals, then battery life is extended, but cellular signal strength and data transmission rates are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides RF signal collection into multiple frequency-specific antenna elements, each tuned to capture signals in particular frequency bands. This segmentation allows selective harvesting of RF energy while preserving the integrity of communication signals in different frequency ranges, thus extending battery life without degrading cellular signal strength or data transmission rates.
2Use of energy by moving object
If RF signals are collected and converted to DC power, then wireless device battery charge is supplemented, but communication quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs antennas with specific directional characteristics and frequency selectivity to capture RF energy from particular directions and frequency bands. By optimizing the spatial and spectral characteristics of signal collection, the system harvests energy from unused RF signals while avoiding interference with communication signals, thus supplementing battery charge without degrading communication quality.
3Loss of energy
If existing RF energy harvesting designs are used, then some RF energy is converted to power, but efficiency is low across different frequencies and signal strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple antenna elements designed to operate across different frequency bands, enabling universal RF energy harvesting functionality. Each antenna is optimized for specific frequency ranges, allowing the system to efficiently collect and convert RF energy from various sources including cellular, Wi-Fi, and other wireless communications, thereby improving overall conversion efficiency across diverse frequencies and signal strengths.
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 system effectively prolongs battery life by up to 30% without degrading communication quality or data transmission rates, by converting unused RF energy into DC power for wireless devices, thereby extending the battery life and increasing data transmission capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a first receiving antenna configured to collect a first radio frequency signal transmitted by the wireless device and a second receiving antenna configured to collect a second radio frequency signal transmitted by the wireless device
Implementation Method 2
converting circuitry to convert RF signals to DC power
Implementation Method 3
power management circuitry to regulate the energy compatible with wireless device batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for self-harvesting energy from a wireless device and supplementing the battery power of the wireless device using the self-harvested energy includes the steps of collecting at least a portion of radio frequency signals transmitted by the wireless device; converting the collected radio frequency signals from radio frequency signals to direct current energy; further converting the direct current energy to energy compatible with charging requirements for a battery electrically connected to the wireless device; and transferring the compatible energy to the battery of the wireless device through a wireless device interface in order to add the compatible energy to the battery.